Tulsa World: Take thyroid medications at least a half hour before breakfast

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Take thyroid medications at least a half hour before breakfast

By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association
Published: 11/24/2009 2:20 AM
Last Modified: 11/24/2009 8:11 AM

Dear Dr. Gott: I've had thyroid problems since I turned 17. I'm now 74.

In 1976, I had a thyroidectomy to remove a benign nodule. The surgeon removed half my thyroid and increased my medication. I have lab tests every year to see if the dosage needs to be increased, decreased or should stay the same.

I take my medication with a glass of water, then drink coffee and wait for at least an hour to eat breakfast. I also try to eat a high-fiber diet.

I think I am doing everything right but want your opinion whether I am defeating the purpose of the medication.

Dear Reader: Almost 90 percent of all thyroid nodules are benign, meaning they are noncancerous.

They are commonly discovered by a person palpating his or her own neck. In other instances, a physician will find the nodule during routine examination. Nodules are either filled with fluid or are a round or oval growth of tissue.

Surgical removal is performed under several circumstances, but primarily when the growth interferes with breathing or swallowing or when the hyperfunctioning nodule could cause hyperthyroidism.

This latter condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive hormone and body processes are accelerated. Left untreated, symptoms can impact general health, resulting in osteoporosis, an irregular heartbeat and congestive heart failure.

As a general rule, thyroid medication is taken as a single dose, on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to one hour before breakfast, preferably at the same time each day. The reason for this is that its absorption is increased on an empty stomach.

You are certainly following the guidelines set and are in no way hampering the effects of the medication you are taking.

Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor, New York, NY 10016.

By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association

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