Probiotic with Levothyroxine

[Molly139]

I take my levothyroxine before bed, I’ve just read it’s more beneficial to take probiotics at night rather than in the morning. My question is would the probiotic interfere with my thyroid meds?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Yes definitely

Only ever take levothyroxine on its own on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after

No other vitamins or medication within 2 hours minimum

Some like calcium, magnesium, iron, HRT, PPI or vitamin D tablets at least 4 hours away from levothyroxine

[Molly139 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you

[radd in reply to SlowDragon]

SD,

Body identical HRT is fine taken the same time as thyroid meds. The oestrogen is transdermal and the progesterone micronised. We have these hormones I natural circulation at any time when taking thyroid meds, and sometimes in high levels.

The problems concerning thyroid meds are the increased transporter proteins induced by oral oestrogen tablets that go through the liver, and not by the hormones themselves, as all hormones work together. I used to take Utrogestan and thyroid meds together at bed time with no problem.

I agree calcium, magnesium, iron, PPI and vitamin D tablets should be taken 4 hours away from Levothyroxine as have binding properties, but HRT or any hormones don’t bind Levothyroxine.

[Imaaan]

You can try taking the probiotic at supper and take your levo an hour away from sleep. Make sure to have around 3 hours apart at least.

[Guineapiggy]

I am just about to start taking inulin prebiotic as that is supposed to help gut flora and sleep, so I moved my levo and t3 to am (or during the night if I wake up).

[Molly139 in reply to Guineapiggy]

I did that last night, took the probiotic before bed and my Levothyroxine this morning. Let’s hope the pre and probiotics work for us, thanks for replying

[Ellie-Louise]

It says to take with food on my probiotics.

[Molly139 in reply to Ellie-Louise]

I read ‘if you ingest a probiotic (2-3 hours after eating) at night when your bowel isn’t moving, there’s a better chance that it will hang around, divide and potentially get integrated into your gut’

[Guineapiggy in reply to Molly139]

The prebiotic is different as it is food for the good bacteria in the gut.