Thyroid diseases are, arguably, among the commonest endocrine disorders in India too; this is no exception. According to a projection from various studies on thyroid disease, it has been estimated that about 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid diseases. Most thyroid patients take the hormone medications to complete the bodily processes in cases of an overactive or underactive thyroid gland.

Symptoms of a thyroid disorder

Weight gain, fatigue, lethargy, feeling colder, constipation, dry skin, etc. are the symptoms of low thyroid (hypothyroidism). On the contrary, weight loss, lethargy, loose motion, palpitation, restlessness, and lack of sleep are the symptoms of increased thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Sometimes the voice becomes heavy when the nodules grow. This can also be a symptom of uncontrolled thyroid.

What is the right time to take thyroid medication?

Thyroid medicine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning, and nothing should be eaten for fifty minutes, while often patients eat something within ten to fifteen minutes. Hypothyroidism medicine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning, while hyperthyroidism medicine can be taken anytime.



Dr. AK Jhingan, Director of the Department of Diabetes, Thyroid, Obesity, and Endocrinology at BLK-Max Superspeciality Hospital, author of the book You and Your Thyroid, says, “It's generally recommended to take thyroid medication for hypothyroidism on an empty stomach, typically 50 minutes before eating or drinking anything else. One can drink water. This allows for better absorption of the medication. Avoid any antacids or other medications, as they interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication. Medications for hyperthyroidism can be taken after food.”

Dr. Santosh Kumar Aggarwal, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad, says the thyroid tablet, which is thyroxine, ought to be taken on an empty stomach. Usually it is early in the morning because that's when we are on an empty stomach. Hence, patients are advised to take their thyroid tablet early in the morning on an empty stomach as soon as they wake up. Patients should not eat or drink anything except water for about an hour after taking a thyroid pill, as it can impede the absorption of the drug.

Food to avoid after taking thyroid medicine

Food, especially those high in fiber, calcium, or iron, can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication. So, it's best to avoid eating or drinking for at least 50 minutes after taking your thyroid medication.

Things to know before going for a thyroid test

A thyroid test should be done before nine in the morning on an empty stomach so that the test is not affected. The report is not correct if the test is done randomly or at any time of the day. Patients should not eat medicine when they visit for thyroid tests. Patients should not reduce the dose or quantity of medicines themselves.

When the thyroid becomes normal, the patients stop taking the medicine, after which many other problems also increase. These patients are at a higher risk of having many other health problems like diabetes, gynecological, skin, and heart problems, etc. Problems have also been seen in pregnancy in the case of thyroid.