LEVOTHYROXINEUnderactive thyroid or hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid abnormality, with simply not enough hormone or fuel in the body for its day to day needs. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is of auto-immunity origin, the other being thyroid gland removal (thyroidectomy).Hypothyroidism is permanent whereby, once the thyroid has stopped working or been removed it is incapable of making hormone. Treatment is therefore lifelong, which is extremely important to note. The treatment is simple, in the form of a daily tablet of Levothyroxine, a medicine identical to the most abundant hormone T4 that the thyroid makes. Important dietary considerations. Once hypothyroidism is established as a diagnosis, no dietary modification can recover the gland's lost ability to make T4.. The only food to avoid, or if unavoidable to be consumed at least 6 hours before or after the tablet, is soya-containing item while taking Levothyroxine (soya based products hamper the drug reaching sufficient levels in the blood for its positive effect).. Food including cabbage, cauliflower etc. is safe to be consumed in moderate quantities as part of a regular varied healthy diet.. Iodine has no role for patients taking levothyroxine.Rx. Available in tablet form.. Levothyroxine should ideally be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, with no food or fluid intake except water, for the next hour.. Dose requirements may change with weight and during pregnancy. Any supplements, particularly iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc etc. should be taken at least 4 hours before or after Levothyroxine.. Maximum daily dose is about 200 micrograms in majority. Consult an Endocrinologist if dose exceeds this amountSide-effectsIt has no known side effects.Pregnancy. Dose requirement is higher mainly in the early part of pregnancy, often before women find out they are pregnant.. It is imperative to see a thyroid specialist before planning pregnancy.Caution. Some unregulated, defective, usually cheap versions of Levothyroxine are available in the market. Suspect it if there is no improvement in blood tests while taking it. See your doctor to establish facts. Dr Ragini Bhake is a Consulting Diabetologist and Endocrinologist.
LEVOTHYROXINEUnderactive thyroid or hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid abnormality, with simply not enough hormone or fuel in the body for its day to day needs. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is of auto-immunity origin, the other being thyroid gland removal (thyroidectomy).Hypothyroidism is permanent whereby, once the thyroid has stopped working or been removed it is incapable of making hormone. Treatment is therefore lifelong, which is extremely important to note. The treatment is simple, in the form of a daily tablet of Levothyroxine, a medicine identical to the most abundant hormone T4 that the thyroid makes. Important dietary considerations. Once hypothyroidism is established as a diagnosis, no dietary modification can recover the gland's lost ability to make T4.. The only food to avoid, or if unavoidable to be consumed at least 6 hours before or after the tablet, is soya-containing item while taking Levothyroxine (soya based products hamper the drug reaching sufficient levels in the blood for its positive effect).. Food including cabbage, cauliflower etc. is safe to be consumed in moderate quantities as part of a regular varied healthy diet.. Iodine has no role for patients taking levothyroxine.Rx. Available in tablet form.. Levothyroxine should ideally be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, with no food or fluid intake except water, for the next hour.. Dose requirements may change with weight and during pregnancy. Any supplements, particularly iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc etc. should be taken at least 4 hours before or after Levothyroxine.. Maximum daily dose is about 200 micrograms in majority. Consult an Endocrinologist if dose exceeds this amountSide-effectsIt has no known side effects.Pregnancy. Dose requirement is higher mainly in the early part of pregnancy, often before women find out they are pregnant.. It is imperative to see a thyroid specialist before planning pregnancy.Caution. Some unregulated, defective, usually cheap versions of Levothyroxine are available in the market. Suspect it if there is no improvement in blood tests while taking it. See your doctor to establish facts. Dr Ragini Bhake is a Consulting Diabetologist and Endocrinologist.
