Do you know the most effective way and time to take your thyroid medication? Here are some helpful hints:

• Take first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. Thyroid is very delicate-if it has to compete with any other medications or food, the thyroid will lose! You will suffer poor absorption and not get the full effect from your medication.
• Don’t eat or drink anything (except water) for 1/2 hour after taking your thyroid. Give it time to break down and be absorbed into your system.
• Cut back on soy products. Soy contains isoflavones, which are classified as “endocrine disruptors”-plants which act as hormones in the body. They can suppress thyroid function, worsening hypothyroidism.
• Be careful when and how you are taking calcium. Calcium interferes with thyroid absorption. Take your calcium supplements 12 hours after your thyroid to prevent problems. Don’t take thyroid with calcium fortified juices or milk.
• Don’t take your thyroid in the evening. For most people, thyroid is a stimulant. You probably won’t sleep much if you take your thyroid late in the day.

An estimated 27 million Americans have thyroid disease-either hypothyroidism (underactivity of the thyroid gland) or hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland). An estimated 26 million Americans have osteoporosis-a disease that causes bones to become spongy and brittle. The relationship between the two diseases is a controversial one.

Having long periods of hyperthyroidism has been shown to increase the risk of osteoporosis. The controversy stems from providers suppressing thyroid function to the lower normal levels in treating hypothyroidism. Several studies have shown that there is no additional risk of osteoporosis when patients thyroid function is suppressed, and that many patients feel best in the low end of the TSH range. Other studies have found that long-term treatment with thyroid supplementation was associated with a slight risk of osteoporotic fracture. As you look at the study subjects, however…an interesting pattern presents itself. The studies that reported bone loss were associated with “estrogen deprived, postmenopausal” women. Further research has shown that most bone loss comes from a combination of sources: low estrogen levels (as in menopause); poor lifestyle choices-smoking, alcohol use, poor diet; and disease/medication use. It’s important for you to discuss treatment options with your doctor to come up with a plan to keep you feeling great AND protect your bones.