There were over 100,000,000 prescriptions written For Synthroid or generic levothyroxine
in 2017.
Which is why I wanted to make this video for anyone who still has doubts or questions on
how it should be best taken and when should it be taken.
Im confident that by the end of this video youll also feel confident too in how to take
synthroid, how it is best absorbed, and how you can make sure you stay healthy while your
on this therapy.
Synthroid is used to treat hypothyroidism which is when your thyroid does not produce
enough thyroid hormone on its own to meet the needs of your body.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of your neck and It
releases hormones like T4 and T3 to help your body regulate and use energy.
In fact, It controls functions like how your heart beats and how your digestive system
works, so it has an important role, for sure.
But sometimes it does not produce enough of these hormones to carry out important functions
and can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, slower heart rate, muscle weakness,
dry and thinning hair, feeling more sensitive to the cold, and more.
So doctors prescribe synthroid or its generic levothyroxine: a synthetic version of the
hormone T4 as a solution to help restore and return your thyroid hormones to normal.
The difference between the two is how well your body is going to respond and absorb either.
The American Thyroid Association recommends remaining to the one that was initially prescribed
for the course of your therapy.
And the best way to take it, unless if told otherwise by your doctor is Number 1.) if
you dont take any other medications in the morning, its best to take it when you first
wake up on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before your first meal or caffeinated beverage
with a full glass of water.
Some studies show that food decreases absorption of levothyroxine by 20%, so thats why we say
take it on an empty stomach.
Number 2.)
We also say take it in the morning because for some, people have found it hard to fall
asleep after taking it because of the cross relationship it has with the adrenal hormone
called cortisol which keeps you up and alert and the hypothalamus pituitary axis which
regulates all the hormones in our body and that includes TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone.
Number 3.)
If you take iron, calcium, or any antacids like TUMS, separate them by four hours after
taking synthroid because they will decrease absorption of your synthroid too.
Number 4.)
If you are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant or breastfeeding, let your doctor
know, because your dose of synthroid may need to be increased.
Number 5.)
Keep in mind, when you first start taking it, it may take several weeks for you to see
improvements in symptoms, so dont discontinue it if you find no relief of symptoms.
By week 6, your doctor should want to see you again to test your thyroid levels again
and see if any adjustments are necessary.
Then they will go from there to check your levels at least once a year afterwards.
Number 6.)
Synthroid interacts with a lot of medications, so let your doctor know what you are taking
at all times, especially if you are planning to start anything new over the counter.
Foods like soybean flour, cottonseed meal, walnuts, and dietary fiber may cause your
body to absorb less synthroid.
And seaweeds like Kelp should be avoided as it has high levels of iodine which can make
both hyper and hypothyroidism worse.
(spongebob clip) And lastly because synthroid can make you lose weight, which for a lot
of us seems nice.
It should never be used for this reason, as it can put you at risk for a dangerous heart
rate abnormality and risk for bone fractures if you take more than what you are supposed
to be taking.
So always stick to what your doctor has ordered.
If you have a loved one taking synthroid, send them over this video as a refresher course
to their therapy.
If you liked the video, give it a like as it helps me out tremendously, and subscribe
to not miss out on more videos like these.
And as always, see you on the next one.