Levothyroxine and ashwagandha

[Fishingtrout]

I take levothyroxine (75). Can I take ashwagandha as well?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Fishingtrout

What is the reason you wish to take Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is anadaptogen and is known to lower cortisol. Maybe if not already done so you should do a cortisol test first (24 hour adrenal saliva test for cortisol/dhea is the best sort).

From rxlist.com/ashwagandha/supp...

Thyroid disorders: Ashwagandha might increase thyroid hormone levels. Ashwagandha should be used cautiously or avoided if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid hormone medications.

Do you have Hashi's? Also from that link:

"Auto-immune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Ashwagandha might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using ashwagandha.

If you do decide to take it then follow the guidance of not taking anything medication or supplement wise within 2 hours of your thyroid meds.

[Fishingtrout in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you susie. I suffer from depession,anxiety and have other stress related symptoms.Ashwagandha seems to have quite broad ranging effects and thought it might help as my antidepressants don't and I want to discontinue them over time. I do have Hashi's. Been reading that Ashwagandha is particularly good for hypo.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Fishingtrout]

I do have Hashi's. Been reading that Ashwagandha is particularly good for hypo.

Please do plenty of research because the two quotes I have given you would seem that it may not be a good idea.

[Fishingtrout in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks again. I will do that.

[Hidden in reply to Fishingtrout]

Do you have any recent blood test results you could share? 75mcg is only one step up from a starter dose of levo.

How long have you been on 75mcg?

Depression and anxiety are common symptoms of undermedication.

[humanbean]

One of the things that ashwaghanda does is to lower cortisol. If your cortisol is already low then taking ashwaghanda might actually make you more unwell.

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I’ve found that having both my Thyroid medication and key vitamins (folate, ferritin and D) optimal eased my anxiety symptoms. Also taking magnesium glycinate helps me and aids sleep (and is gentle on stomach).

[SlowDragon Administrator]

75mcg levothyroxine is only one step up from starter dose Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine

Which brand?

Teva brand upsets many people

When were your thyroid levels last tested

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

As you have Hashimoto’s are you on strictly gluten free diet

When did you quit smoking, this can make Hashimoto’s worse

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with Hashimoto’s

Ask GP to test vitamin levels

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Thriva also offer just vitamin testing

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

Also vitamin D available as separate test via MMH

Or alternative Vitamin D NHS postal kit

vitamindtest.org.uk

If not already on strictly gluten free diet ask GP for coeliac blood test FIRST

Come back with new post once you get results