Taking Levo at bedtime?

[sarihoult]

I have been taking Levo for a year now and have gone from 100mcg to 125 much to have been bought down again to 100 mug as it was too much via a blood test with my GP. My question is please is it ok to take Levo at night before I go to sleep?? Would much prefer it as always the first thing I want when I wake up is a cup of tea! I loathe waiting an hour from waking! I’ve heard that diary products (milk in tea and cereal) isn’t to good either with hyperthyroidism.

[jimh111]

Taking levothyroxine at bedtime is very good. There is some research that shows absorption isn't quite as good as on an empty stomach in the morning but who wants to get up early and starve for an hour or so. Usually people have a fairly regular routine at bedtime as regards food and tend not to have coffee or bran both of which can affect levothyroxine absorption. Any slight reduction in absorption will be compensated when your dose is titrated and I think most people will achieve more stable hormone levels with bedtime doses. It is also easier to avoid taking levothyroxine with vitamins etc. when you take it at bedtime.

[sarihoult in reply to jimh111]

Thank you for replying and with such great info too! So so helpful thanks 🙏🏼

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Did GP reduce dose just based on low TSH?

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies.

Plus very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. These are often too and can affect thyroid results

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. If on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances too, especially gluten. So it's important to get tested.

Many people prefer taking Levothyroxine at bedtime and it may slightly improve uptake

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

Suggest you get full testing after 6-8 weeks on new dose and new time regime

[Hidden]

Why are you taking Levo if you have Hyperthyroidism

[sarihoult in reply to Hidden]

Oops mean't HYPO!

[Hidden]

OK