Thyroid Treatment: Do not take hormones with coffee

Created: 09/17/2022, 19:00

By: Natalie Hull Drawbar

People with a thyroid disease like Hashimoto have to take medication for their symptoms for life.

But be careful with interactions!

If an endocrinologist determines from symptoms that a thyroid disorder is present, the patient is given medication to counteract the hypothyroidism or hormonal hyperfunction.

In the best-case scenario, the therapy should be continued over the long term, since those affected are again confronted with known or even new symptoms, for example by stopping the medication.

It can also be enough that the thyroid medication is less effective due to other preparations or even food.

Patients with thyroid disorders should be careful when drinking coffee.

Thyroid Treatment: Do not take hormones with coffee

Thyroid hormones should not be taken with coffee.

(Iconic image) © Panthermedia/Imago

In order to bring the hormonal balance back into balance, patients with chronic hypothyroidism should take hormones in tablet form over the long term.

Your doctor will explain to you how these are taken, or it can usually be found in detail on the package insert.

When it comes to medicines, it is important not only to pay attention to possible side effects, but also to always pay attention to so-called interactions.

In the medical and pharmacological context, the term "interaction" stands for the mutual influence of two or more drugs in their effect.

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It is recommended to take thyroid hormones in tablet form about half an hour before breakfast.

Taking the morning coffee before eating is a relaxed way to take it - but be careful how the drug is administered!

dr

Wolfgang Wesiack, President of the Professional Association of German Internists (BDI) and practicing internist, explains to the internet portal

: “Coffee delays the absorption of the hormone and reduces its bioavailability.

As a result, e.g.

For example, women who take T4 with coffee instead of water every morning have lower blood T4 levels.

For this reason, it is important for patients to adhere to the recommendation to use water – and not coffee – as the liquid they take.”

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Even coffee drunk immediately after taking the medication impedes the absorption of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream, according to Dr.

Wesiack.

Patients with thyroid disease are therefore strongly advised to wait at least half an hour before drinking coffee after taking the hormone on an empty stomach.

Although coffee is less recommended for taking thyroid pills, coffee otherwise works wonders in everyday life, as a pick-me-up or even for weight loss - anyone interested in the diet trend coffee-lemon?

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.