When Should You Take Your Thyroid Medication? Morning or Night?

Hey There, Thyroid Warriors!

A common question I get asked is about the best time to take thyroid medication: morning or night? This topic has been recently discussed by Dr. Weston Childs, a fantastic resource you should definitely check out. Let's dive into this and clear up some confusion.

Understanding Thyroid Medication Types:

First off, it's crucial to recognize that not all thyroid medications are created equal. We have inactive hormones like Levothyroxine and Synthroid, which are long-acting, and active thyroid hormones like Liothyronine, Cytomel, NP Thyroid, Armour, WP, and Nature Throid, which contain active T3.

Inactive Hormones - Why Nighttime Might Work:

Dr. Childs advocates for taking long-acting, inactive hormones at night to increase absorption. And in this scenario, it can make sense. If you're on medications like Levothyroxine or Synthroid, taking them at night might improve how your body utilizes them.

Active Hormones - The Case for Daytime Dosing:

However, when it comes to active thyroid hormones, the game changes. These medications, containing T3, have a shorter action span. Taking them at night could disrupt your sleep and rob you of feeling good during the day. The active T3 peaks and troughs in about three to eight hours, depending on the specific medication.

My Approach at Modern Thyroid Clinic:

For medications with active T3, I advocate and practice a twice-daily dosing schedule – once in the morning and then around 2 to 3 p.m. This timing ensures that my patients benefit from the medication throughout the most active parts of their day, maintaining energy and well-being.

Balancing Absorption and Benefits:

While it's important to maximize absorption, it shouldn't come at the cost of losing the medication's effectiveness. If you're on active thyroid hormones, taking them at night might not be the best strategy for you.

Wrap-Up and Call to Action:

I hope this sheds some light on the best time to take your thyroid medication. Remember, individual needs can vary, so it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine what's right for you.

Got more questions? Drop them in the comments below. Your queries might just be the focus of my next post!

Stay informed and take charge of your thyroid health!

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