Hello, I've been prescribed Synthroid for hypothyroidism. How much time after taking the pill is it safe to eat breakfast that includes considerable iron/calcium content (oat bran with yogurt)?

Hi maxx1991,
It appears that the most common scenario about taking Synthroid in the mornings was that they have the best results. However, a study in 2010 indicated that taken at bedtime may be better. Do yourself a favor and call your doctor or pharmacist and ask them if it would cause any disruptions.

Please keep us updated about what your physician tells you. Since there are new studies regarding this recently, I will also be interested in what your doctor tells you.

Thanks for the great question and keep us posted.
Missie

I would like to take my synthroid medication at bedtime. As long as I follow the guidelines, would this be okay? I am finding it hard to take it in the morning for a variety of reasons. Please reply soon!

I have been on synthroid since I was 19 years old. At the time, I believe I was borderline hypothroid but, my mother was previously diagnosed with the disease also. Actually, at age 40, after chemo and radiation from Hodgkins Lymphoma , my brother was also diagnosed with hypothroidism.
My problem is I was on 200mcg of Abbott Synthroid for almost 40 years because I did not absorb it properly. I still had dry skin, brittle nails and would gain weight very easily. I exercise regularly. of course, have the only vices of drinking coffee and red wine. I can't drnk much red wine (2 glasses) or I will have a major headache.
In August, my thyroid test values were terribly high , I could not concentrate or move my neck from side to side. I changed doctors, when to an endrocrinologist, who reduced my synthroid medication to 110mcg. I now have major headaches, dry skin, and have gained 7 pounds. The last test showed , I was still high so I was reduced to 100mcg. I can feel the weight gain increasing, I feel worse with daily headaches , joint pain and frustration. HELP! What can I do . The last time the infamous specialists changed my thyroid replacement medication, I picked up 10 pounds which I have never lost. I am 60 years old, teach physical education, play tennis...and, am beginning to wish I was dead! Phyllis Browning , Metairie, Louisiana

Anon,

Perhaps you could find yourself a compounding pharmacy or a naturopath who can help you. They can make recommendations for tapering off and help you manage the hot flashes. I found that my hot flashes were caused by worn adrenal glands (I wrote an article on here all about that) so my pharmacist recommended that I take a supplement for adrenal support.

I hope you get the help you are looking for.

I had a total thyroidectomy with radical left neck dissection for thyroid cancer (mixed tumor papillary/follicular) in 1979 (age 29 years). I started taking synthroid following surgery. In 1981, I sadly underwent a hysterectomy with both ovaries removed (against my wishes. No cancer). I started taking Premarin at that time. Question: At age 59 years, I am extremely anxious to stop taking Premarin (Women's Health Initiative report). I believe that Premarin binds with the thyroid? I am having problems weaning off the Premarin (low energy, lethargy, hot flashes). Can someone please provide input, guidance, recommendations in weaning off Premarin?