How to Take Your Thyroid Medication

If you have a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, most likely you're taking a thyroid replacement hormone, either a synthetic drug-like Synthroid, Levoxyl, or Cytomel-or a natural hormone, like Armour thyroid.

Either way, you need to take these pills once or twice per day, following doctor's orders, to help your thyroid to function properly. Hypothyroidism that goes untreated can lead to fatigue, depression, weight gain, mental problems, constipation, low sex drive, dry skin, hair loss-the list goes on.

But taking your medication is not enough.

Taking your medication the right way is crucial. There are certain key items that do not mix with thyroid hormone pills, and knowing what to avoid is key in making sure you have proper metabolic health.

Here's how to make certain you get the most from your medication:

1. Do not take any thyroid medications within one to two hours of taking calcium, caffeine, or iron. Don't take your thyroid meds with your morning coffee (caffeine)! Nor with a big glass of milk (calcium)! And not while eating a nice, juicy steak (iron!). Never take your medication with vitamins-especially with a multivitamin, which would most likely have calcium and iron in it.

2. In fact-take your thyroid medication at least 2 hours after eating and one hour before eating. Many thyroid patients set their alarm for one hour before they need to wake. Wake with the alarm, take your medication with water, and go back to sleep for an hour. Your stomach is empty and absorbs the meds well.

3. Avoid soy. Soy neutralizes the impact of the medications.

4. Avoid grapefruit as well. Grapefruit can slow down metabolism of a wide variety of drugs by the liver.

5. Drink a large glass of water when taking your medication.

6. Before you take anti-depressants, get a thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist-not just a primary care physician. Some anti-depressants can reduce or neutralize thyroid drugs, so be very careful to get second opinions.

7. Take your thyroid medication at the same time every day. The body needs this hormone to regulate metabolism, and to prevent highs and lows. If you skip a dose, take it as soon as possible. Be careful not to run out of medication.

8. Never take St. John's Wort while taking thyroid replacement drugs. Be sure to let your prescribing doctor know about al herbal supplements, vitamins, and other over the counter drugs you are taking.

9. Do not combine certain cold remedies with thyroid medications. See over the counter drug inserts and packages for more details.

10. Store your thyroid medications in temperature-safe locations. Leaving a bottle of medication in a hot or cold car, for instance, could neutralize some of the drug. Keep medication with you while traveling, so that lost luggage won't have a negative effect on your health.

11. Never take amphetamines and thyroid medication. The combination can cause severe health problems. Do not take the two on the same day-having either you your system and then taking the other drug could result in serious health problems.

12. In some cases, fluoridated water that has too much fluoride can neutralize thyroid hormone or have a negative effect on thyroid patients. While fluoride is important for dental health, keep in mind that fluoride was used as a thyroid depressant in the 1950s by doctors; check your city's "parts per million" for fluoridation. If it's over 4 or 5 ppm, it's too much fluoride.

13. If you follow all of the above and still feel like many of your hypothyroidism symptoms persist, get a new thyroid test done. You may need to increase your medication.

While the above list may seem daunting, it is crucial for proper metabolic health. The thyroid is a tricky gland, and one that needs constant evaluation. Follow these recommended steps to increase the efficiency and efficacy of your thyroid replacement hormone medication.