What is the best time to take my thyroid meds

[Joybmine1]

Have suffered from hypothyroidism for over 30yrs but still suffering from hypothyroidism have had to increase meds from 100mmg to 125 want to know if there is an optimum time to take meds have always taken it with other medication

[shaws Administrator]

I am so sorry that after thirty years you are still suffering. I have just put up a new post by Stopthethyroidmadness and I will link it below.

There are two 'best times' to take levothyroxine -

1. When we get up with one full glass of water and wait 1 hour before eating.

2. At bedtime, as long as you've last eaten about 3 hours before.

When having a blood test allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose and test and take afterwards. This is important as TSH is highest a.m. and doctors mainly look at it alone.

If taking bedtime dose, miss this and take after blood test and night dose as usual.

If you can afford a private blood test, I'd get TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. GP may do some but not all, mainly the frees so you could ask him first and tell him you are fed up after thirty years of being below par all this time and that you are now a member of the NHS Choices for information and advice on how to try to improve your health.

GP should definitely test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.

Get a print-out from the surgery with the ranges for your own records and post if you have a query.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

We have recommended labs who do home pin-prick blood tests.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[Lynneypin]

Just my own preference, but I take mine last thing at night, well away from all the other supplements and food. Works well for me.

[greygoose]

It doesn't really make much difference what time you take it, I find. Take it when it's most convenient for you. As long as it's :

on an empty stomach, one hour before - or two hours after - food and any drink other than water

two hours away from other supplements and medication

four hours away from iron, calcium, oestrogen, vit D

and, ideally, six hours away from magnesium.

That way, you should get the best absorption.

[lynnwin in reply to greygoose]

hi just a quick question I take a aloeride aloe Vera capsule a hour after thyroid meds is this too soon ? Thank you x

[greygoose in reply to lynnwin]

Yes, better to make it two hours. Better safe than sorry.

[lynnwin in reply to greygoose]

Whoops 😬 I best do that then as I've been only waiting a hour ☹️ Xxx

[Burchett]

You have to take it by itself and wait 30 min. before drinking or eating

[Heloise]

Hi Joy, it seems you have been under medicated for years as the average dose is probably 200 mcgs of levo or two grains of natural thyroid. Whenever you decide what you can remain consistent on, do that. The pill will begin absorption in the stomach and if it competes with food you will need a higher dose but the iron and calcium should be avoided for four hours.