We’ve got your back: Five things to know about your spine
JUN 27, 2022Five interesting facts from St. Joseph Health that you should know about your spine.
Read More Additional information about 5 things to know about your spine | St. Joseph HealthAre you experiencing symptoms like fatigue, extreme sensitivity to cold, and weight gain? These are all signs of hypothyroidism, meaning your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the hormones as it should. It is important to regulate this hormone for your body to function properly. When your body can’t make enough T4 or the thyroid hormone thyroxine, you can use medication to correct this problem.
Levothyroxine is a common term for any synthetic version of the thyroid hormone and is considered the standard treatment for hypothyroidism. Despite being artificial, the medication mimics the natural hormone and regulates proper functioning. Six FDA-approved brands of synthetic T4 supplements are available, including Levo-T, Levothyroxine Sodium, Levoxyl, Novothyrox, Synthroid, and Unithroid. The main difference between these brands is the portion of the hormone that enters the bloodstream at a given time after ingestion. It’s important to speak with an endocrinologist or primary care physician about which synthetic thyroid hormone would be best for you.
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, means that your thyroid does not produce enough hormone to keep the body functioning normally. Common symptoms include dry skin, fatigue, constipation, feeling cold, and depression. Treatment includes medication like synthetic thyroid hormone.
Several different factors can affect the strength of your synthetic thyroid hormone. Some of the most common mistakes include:
Iron and calcium supplements interfere with how the body absorbs synthetic thyroid medication. These, along with antacids and cholesterol drugs, should be taken four hours before or after ingesting thyroid medication. It’s important to understand what’s in the water or beverage you take your medication with. Some bottled waters and tap waters may be fortified with these ingredients; check the nutrition label or water supply to check for iron or any other supplements.
Pro tip: Take your meds with 100% pure apple juice, not from concentrate, since it does not naturally have these minerals in it.
Taking your medication while eating breakfast or missing a dose can cause a bigger impact on your thyroid function than you might think. Follow these five simple tips to get the most out of your synthetic thyroid hormone medication and avoid thyroid-related symptoms like trouble sleeping or anxiety.
The most important tip we can offer is to be in regular contact with your endocrinologist, especially when first diagnosed. This communication allows you to make sure the dosage you’re taking is working correctly and ask as many questions as you want. Schedule an appointment with a St. Joseph and Texas A&M Health Network primary care physician today to talk more about hypothyroidism and synthetic hormones.
Sources:
EndocrineWeb | 6 Thyroid Medication Mistakes You Don't Want to Make
EndocrineWeb | Synthetic T4 Supplements for Hypothyroidism
Everyday Health | 8 Hypothyroidism Medication Mistakes to Avoid
Healthline | Best Diet for Hypothyroidism: Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid
Everyday Health | Stay on Top of Hypothyroidism Medication
Why Your Bottled Water Contains Four Different Ingredients | Time
Five interesting facts from St. Joseph Health that you should know about your spine.
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