Timing of taking meds

[sunset10]

I have been taking thyroxine for many years and recently read side effects has any one noticed joint pain as I have had joint pain inlegs for quite some time plus it advises to take meds an hour before breakfast. Again I don't always take it at the same time does it really make a difference I would like to know if anyone else has had this symptom

[greygoose]

It's not the time of taking levo that is important, it's taking it on an empty stomach - 1 hour before eating or 2-3 hours after eating - for maximum absorption. You can take it in the morning, or before bed, or even middle of the afternoon, as long as you observe those two rules. And, even if you don't, all that will happen is that you will need a higher dose than you would otherwise.

It's also important to take it well away from other medications/supplements: two hours away for most of them, but four hours away from iron, calcium, vit D, magnesium and eostrogen. Otherwise, absorption will be compromised.

And, talking of supplements, joint pain can be caused by low nutrients - particularly vit D. So, when did you last have your vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin tested?

I very much doubt it is the levo causing your joint pain - poor old levo gets the blame for everything when it is usually that the person is under-medicated - rarely over-medicated - has a conversion problem, or is deficient in certain nutrients. So, full testing is essential.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Looking at previous posts you have had aching legs a long time and recommended you got full thyroid and vitamin testing done

ESSENTIAL to regularly retest vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least annually

What were your most recent thyroid and vitamin results

Exactly what vitamin supplements are you currently

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

Many people find different brands are not interchangeable

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis. Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

In U.K. medics never call it Hashimoto’s, just autoimmune thyroid disease (and they usually ignore the autoimmune aspect)

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 and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

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

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

List of private testing options

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

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/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease). Ord’s is autoimmune without goitre.

About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s. Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s.

Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue too. Assuming you have Hashimoto’s…….Request coeliac blood test BEFORE considering trial on strictly gluten free diet

Link about thyroid blood tests

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

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-un...

[JaneFreya]

Hi I always take mine first thing in the morning with water before I get dressed etc and have breakfast. This seems to be ok for me

Joint pain could be caused by other things such as arthritis - it may be wise to check out your issue with GP

Hope you get it sorted