Fibromyalgia and Hypothyroidism Medication Tips

Often found to simultaneously exist,take daily supplements in conjunction with
hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia share manyprescribed medications to sustain our health. A
symptoms. Extreme fatigue, depression, muscletypical morning for people with fibromyalgia
pain, cold body temperature and foggy thinkingconsists not just of breakfast, but also of
are the primary symptoms shared betweenvitamins, minerals, herbs and any prescribed
these two conditions.medications. Remembering what to take and
While experts have not yet agreed on the causewhen to take it can overwhelm anybody taking a
of fibromyalgia, some believe that like manyvariety of pills, especially if that person struggles
cases of hypothyroidism, it is an autoimmunewith fibro fog.
disorder. An underactive metabolism is aThe highly respected patient advocate and writer
commonly suggested link between fibromyalgiaMary Shomon, shares the following suggestions
and hypothyroidism.for taking thyroid medication:
Many people with fibromyalgia take thyroid1. Always check the prescription against what you
medication for metabolism regulation. Thereceive. Don't allow generic substitutions, as their
difference between feeling good and not feelingingredients may slightly vary.
good can be found in the following thyroid2. Most doctors advise taking thyroid hormones
medication variables:on an empty stomach to allow for maximum
Taking the right prescriptionabsorption.
Maximizing your medication’s effectiveness3. Many practitioners advise taking thyroid
Taking the Right Prescriptionhormones at least one hour before eating, to
The testing involved in thyroid evaluation and theirallow for maximum absorption.
subsequent prescriptions can vary greatly,4. Be consistent about a high-fiber diet. If you
depending on your doctor. The thyroid hormonesstart or stop eating foods high in fiber, get your
identified by the medical community for mostthyroid rechecked, as it may change your
cases of thyroid dysfunction are thyroidabsorption.
stimulating hormone (TSH), T3 and T4. The5. Many experts recommend taking vitamins or
relationship between these substances is complexsupplements with iron at least two to three hours
and continually being looked at and challenged. Theapart from thyroid hormones. Iron can interfere
“gold standard” of assessing thyroidwith thyroid hormone absorption if taken too
function is measuring TSH. If this test is returnedclose together.
with a normal lab value, many physicians will cross6. Be careful about taking anything with calcium,
hypothyroidism off the list of possible diagnoses.including calcium-fortified orange juice, at the same
If a TSH level is normal, yet all of the classic signstime as thyroid hormones. Allow at least two to
of hypothyroidism are established (hair falling out,three hours apart, so absorption is not affected.
headaches, weight gain, brittle nails, fatigue, cold7. Don't take antacids within two hours of thyroid
body temperature, etc.), some informed doctorshormones. Allow at least two to three hours
will probe further. According to respectedapart, so absorption is not affected.
integrative medicine specialist, Eric Gordon, MD,8. Always check with your physician or
the most accurate way to comprehensivelypharmacist regarding any potential interactions of
assess thyroid health is to test TSH, free T3 andprescription drugs, herbs and supplements with
free T4 levels. It is typical for doctors to bypassyour thyroid drugs. Some of the better known
the testing of free (not currently bound) T3 levelsdrug interactions with thyroid medication include
because the body converts it to T4. However,antidepressants, insulin, cholesterol-lowering drugs
Gordon advises that without including the free T3and blood thinners. These interactions could result
evaluation, there is no way to know if the body isin making the thyroid medication more or less
doing this conversion properly. According toeffective and/or make the other medication
Gordon, "If you are exhibiting signs of low thyroid,more or less effective.
your free T3 will be low despite your TSH being9. Don't stop taking thyroid hormone during
‘normal.’ The TSH only shows whatpregnancy or while breastfeeding. It's necessary
is going on in your hypothalamus, not in your liverfor you and your baby's health. Talk to your
or elsewhere in your body."doctor about adjusting to the right dosage.
In times of stress, our bodies naturallyDeanna Couras Goodson from adds some more
manufacture reverse T3. In a healthy,valuable suggestions for taking thyroid medication.
properly-functioning body, once the stressor ends,During a hypothyroidism or fibromyalgia flare-up,
the body stops making the reverse T3 andstruggling with memory is a very real and present
normal T4 conversion to T3 continues. However,issue. Because it is important to be consistent
some experts have observed individuals thatwith your thyroid medication dosing, Goodson
continue to make reverse T3, initiating theadvises to:
symptoms of hypothyroidism.1. Write down a reminder for yourself to take the
With the possible variability involved inthyroid medication on a calendar, to-do list or
hypothyroidism, receiving the correct prescriptionother location you visit frequently.
is crucial to the person’s recovery. Most2. Take advantage of modern technology for
people convert T3 into T4 effortlessly. Thesereminding you to take the thyroid medication.
people may simply need to supplement with T4Examples include creating a screen saver or
(Synthroid). However, certain individuals may needscheduling pop-up reminders on your computer or
both T4 with T3 or only T3 to achieve the idealPersonal Digital Assistant (PDA).
balance of thyroid hormone. Finding the right3. Take your medication the same time each day
medication at the best dosage often requiresand keep it in a place that will remind you to take
repeat doctor visits and blood tests to refine yourit. An example of this is storing the medication
prescription. Working with your doctor to explorenext to your tooth brush, so it is automatically
all of these options will help assure that you areincluded in your morning routine.
taking the right medication at the best possibleSince finding the right balance of thyroid
dosage.medication is so critical to recovering from
Maximizing Your Medication’s Effectivenesshypothyroidism, anything affecting that balance
A majority of us take daily supplements inmust be stabilized. Making sure you are taking the
conjunction with prescribed medications to sustainright medication at the appropriate dosage can
our health. A typical morning for people withsignificantly improve one’s quality of life.
fibromyalgia consists not just of breakfast, butFor the many individuals with both fibromyalgia
also of vitamins, minerals, herbs and anyand hypothyroidism, properly medicating with
prescribed medications. Remembering what tothyroid medication can make living with both of
take and when to take it can overwhelmthese conditions enjoyable by warming the body
anybody taking a variety of pills, especially if thatand increasing energy levels, while reducing
person struggles with fibro fog. A majority of usmuscular pain and fibro fog.