Splitting thyroxine

[Simplyred57]

I take 100mcg of thyroxine and 6.25 T3 usually at 6am all together. I’m wanting to try splitting my thyroxine dose so taking 50mcg with my T3 and the other 50mcg at 4.30 pm , I’ve done this for the past 2 days and haven’t been able to sleep ( not like me ) is this normal as my body gets used to the change after such a long time taking one dose ?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Simplyred57

As Levo is a storage hormone and has no immediate effect, most people take it all in one dose although there are a handful of members who have mentioned they split their Levo dose. However, if by splitting yours it's affecting your sleep, why do it?

If you want to continue splitting it, then experiment with taking it earlier than 4.30pm and see if it still affects your sleep, maybe try 1 hour before lunch.

[Simplyred57 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi susie , I wanted to split my dose as a member posted that the body wouldn’t normally dump a large amount of T4 in one go and it might be gentler to do it is smaller doses . I just thought I would give it a go thinking 4.30 was early enough not to affect my sleep , clearly not for me as nothing else changed other than splitting my dose , yes maybe try before lunch and see if has an effect 🤷‍♀️

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to SeasideSusie]

Or later?

I take my levothyroxine at bed-time (all at once) and fall asleep easily - and almost always sleep well.

We are all different so what might work for me could be completely wrong for someone else.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to helvella]

I did wonder, but as the 4.30pm dose is affecting sleep I thought maybe a later dose might as well. It's all about experimenting isn't it!

[BonsaiKid]

Funnily enough I've just read an article in the Townsend Newsletter about thyroid medication. The doctor says that it's best to divide the dose of T4 because a big peak occurs about 3 hours after taking it and that divided doses are better. He does say to avoid taking the PM dose less than four hours before bed as peak levels could make it hard to fall asleep. Perhaps you have slow absorption of the tablet or that the dose is too high for you. I've just started to split my dose but I am taking half of what you take and have had no trouble sleeping. But as others have pointed out we are all different so you have to adjust accordingly.

[Simplyred57 in reply to BonsaiKid]

Thank you I’ve just read the article, very interesting and it certainly makes sense , my levels are good and I’m feeling fine , just thought I would try splitting my dose , took my full dose yesterday as normal In the morning and slept fine last night, I’m going to do this for a few days and then try again maybe 2 pm and see how it goes 🤞🏻