Taking T4, T3 and Hydrocortisone together?

[RB10]

Question re: taking meds together:

Hello,

Thanks for all your posts and advice; this is a helpful forum!

I understand that the recommendation is to take your T4 (Levo, etc.) on an empty stomach to maximize absorption.

Can you also take your dose of T3 and hydrocortisone with your T4?

What if those are slow release T3 and HC, does that make a difference either way?

Looking to simplify taking meds so that they're not forgotten or delayed.

Thanks, RB

[Hidden]

I'm on Levothyroxine & hydrocortisone & I take them at different times.

[greygoose]

You can take T4 and T3 together, but HC should be taken two hours away. Given that HC should be taken first thing in the morning, it would be better if you could find a different time to take your T4 and T3. Perhaps you could take them at bedtime?

[RB10 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks Grey Goose. Where did you find that info that HC should be taken 2 hours away from thyroid meds? I haven't heard that before, just the part about T4 on an empty stomach.

Is there a reason given for the HC being 2 hours separate from thyroid meds?

Thanks, R.

[greygoose in reply to RB10]

Thyroid 'meds' should never be taken with anything else. You should always leave two hours after taking levo/T3/NDT before taking any other medication or supplements. It's not just HC, it's everything, to avoid compromising the absorption of thyroid hormone. We're always saying that on here, surely you've seen it before?

[RB10 in reply to greygoose]

Yes, I've seen it before for thyroid, but not HC, which is what I thought you were saying had the 2 hour restriction. Yes, I've heard that many hypothyroid patients have lower stomach acid and that can therefore lower the absorption of thyroid meds. My understanding was that a chunk of food or particular supplements (calcium, iron?) would interfere with that absorption too. My question is more about whether there's any particular interaction between HC and thyroid meds. I haven't heard anything specific yet, just the general "T4 needs an empty stomach". Thanks.

[greygoose in reply to RB10]

Not that I know, no, nothing specific. It's just that if you take anything at the same time as your levo - food, supplements, medication - you risk compromising absorption. That's all I can tell you.

The only specific that I know for certain is that levo can bind to iron and calcium.