Dr. Westin Childs Podcast: Thyroid | Weight Loss | Hormones

Today is lesson #17 and it's all about the best way to take thyroid medication. Should you take your thyroid medication in the morning? Should you take it in the evening? Should you split your dose? Should you take it on an empty stomach? All of these questions and more will be answered. First off... why does it matter when or how you take your thyroid medication? The first thing you should know is that in order for thyroid hormone to be activated it MUST be absorbed by your body. If it isn't absorbed then you won't feel better. When you take it or how you take it may alter how much is absorbed which may impact how you feel. What time of day that you take your medication matters: Newer studies have shown that taking your thyroid medication in the evening may actually help increase free thyroid hormone levels. This is felt to be because the GI tract is more active during the morning which means that you may not absorb as much of it at that time. In addition, many people drink coffee and caffeine i