Hello Everyone. Last Saturday DH and I were on the road and trying to find something on the radio we both agreed on. Can you believe this is an on-going challenge between us?! Since we couldn't find anything on the FM stations that we agreed on we tried the AM stations.
We came across a talk show with two endocrinologists specializing in thyroid problems. This was a format in which they answered viewer questions.
Point 1: A fluctuating thyroid level isn't normal. If a basic lab test indicates your thyroid level is normal but you are having symptoms indicating there's indeed something wrong these two tests should be ordered. These tests are an anti body thyroglobulin test and an antibody PTO test (can't remember what the PTO stands for). These tests are ordered in determining to primarily rule out Hashmito's Disease. However, there are other thyroid problems these two tests are used in dxing.
Point 2: For patients taking thyroid medications of any type the medications should be taken on an empty stomach. That is two hours before eating or drinking anything but water. Other medications and supplements aren't to be taken in this two hour time frame either. If you must eat before taking thyroid medication then the patient is to wait for two hours before taking the medication and again refrain from eating, taking other medications or supplements for at least two hours.
Point 3: They both agreed synthetic hormones were effective but they also agreed that they felt the generics weren't as reliable. However, if your insurance will allow for only the generic hormone and you can't afford the cost of the higher priced hormone it's better to have that than nothing.
Grrr.....hubby takes his 'on an empty stomach'.....then eats breakfast.....and all his other supplements.....
The doctors both said that if you get up in the night for any reason it would be a great time to take them! Thyroid hormone is most effective when taken on an empty tummy. My doctor at the time (28 years ago) said that I was to take my thyroid replacement on an empty tummy and I always have.
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