Levo and Chinese herbs-any absorption issues?

[BelfastGirl83]

I appreciate this is a random one but does anyone know if Chinese herbs counteract levo absorption? I take levo in the morning and herbs in tea form before bed so there’s a good 8-9 hours between them so I assumed no issue with it. Still would like reassurance!!

[helvella Administrator]

"Chinese herbs" covers thousands of things!

It is quite possible some do affect absorption, and some don't. Not that I'd pretend for one minute to know which ones would have each effect. I wouldn't even recognise their names if you listed them.

However, in terms of effect on absorption, the worst substances are usually regarded as iron supplements. The iron can either be slow in clearing, or can "catch up" with thyroid hormone that has been taken. Hence the advice to have at least a four hour gap for them.

A huge variety of foods, drinks, supplements and medicines can have other effects on thyroid hormones. So, while I'd guess the Chinese herbs would be less likely to directly affect absorption when taken so many hours apart, there could be other interactions.

[BelfastGirl83 in reply to helvella]

I know what you mean and thank you for your reply. I definitely feel better with the herbs and my cycles seem more regular. But I dropped my levo dose slightly 8 weeks ago which I now know has had a sizeable drop in T4 which I need to correct. I’m feeling tired, foggy, emotional. Just don’t know if the herbs would have impacted all this too. I know there’s no way of really knowing!