Does statins interfere with thyroid meds

[Mama1mia]

I am 72 years & been on thyroid meds for 25+ years. I am on BP meds & have been given statins for a few years. Now been diagnosed with PMR & for which I am taking steroids.

[Regenallotment Ambassador]

if anyone knows about interactions with thyroid replacement hormones and other prescription meds it’s helvella

This is the British Formulary site, you haven’t mentioned the names of the medications so I can’t look them up for you.

bnf.nice.org.uk/interactions/

[greygoose]

If you have high cholesterol and high blood pressure, the odds are that you're under-medicated for your thyroid. When did you last have a full thyroid panel done?

[Mama1mia in reply to greygoose]

2 -3 years ago and I have only been to thyroid clinic once in 30 years

[greygoose in reply to Mama1mia]

I think it's time you got retested, then. You probably won't need those drugs if your thyroid levels are optimal.

[GlowCoach Administrator]

So long as you dont take statins and Levo together then they shouldnt affect your thyroid results.

It sounds like you could be under replaced, so lets take a look at your results.

Do you have a copy of your latest blood results that you can share with us? You are legally entitled to a printed copy of your results, ask at GP reception. In England you can get the NHS app and ask for permission to see your blood results on that by asking at GP’s reception.

When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins.

Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

There is also a new company offering walk in& mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.

Do you do tests as per the protocol recommended here? Recommended blood test protocol: Test at 9am (or as close as possible), fasting, last levo dose 24hrs before the blood draw & no biotin containing supplements for 3-7 days (Biotin can interfere with thyroid blood results as it is used in the testing process).

Testing like this gives consistency in your results and will show stable blood levels of hormone and highest TSH which varies throughout the day. Taking Levo/T3 just prior to blood draw can show a falsely elevated result and your GP/Endo might change your dose incorrectly as a result.

[Mama1mia in reply to GlowCoach]

I take all tablets in morning, will request last blood results (Sept). Will start taking thyroid 125mg at night.

[GlowCoach Administrator in reply to Mama1mia]

Always take Levo on an empty stomach an hour away from food or caffeine containing drinks & other meds. Many people find taking it at bedtime works well for them.

Do not take Levo with anything else. Just water and delaay eating, drinking, taking other tablets for an hour afterwards.

In England you can get the NHS app and ask for permission to see your blood results on that by asking at GP’s reception.

[TaraJR]

See the NHS information on taking statins when you're underactive. Section "People at an increased risk of side effects"

nhs.uk/conditions/statins/c....

[KrazyKatMT70]

No, I’m 74 next week. Been on thyroid meds since 1990. I’m on Lipitor. Statins don’t interfere with thyroid, but I take my thyroxine in the morning and my Statin at night. Steroids can have an effect on thyroid meds. My heart rate elevated. I stopped the thyroid for a few days. It’s a level , so it doesn’t hurt.