Thyroid hormone thyroxine: Interaction with the pill is possible

Created: 01.12.2022, 20:30

By: Natalie Hull Drawbar

Anyone who has to take artificial hormones because of an underactive thyroid should be aware of the interactions.

Especially women who take birth control pills.

People who suffer from hypothyroidism, chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland (Hashimoto) or hyperthyroidism often have to struggle with non-specific symptoms such as tiredness, constipation or hair loss.

In many cases, it takes some time for those affected to receive a reliable diagnosis.

Many people do not suspect a thyroid disease as the cause, so they do not go to the doctor or - although they are under medical care - the thyroid gland is not examined.

If those affected then receive appropriate treatment based on a hormonal preparation, the complaints and symptoms caused by the diseased thyroid gland can be minimized quite quickly.

It is always important to coordinate the intake of the artificial thyroid hormone with other medications that are being taken.

For example, hormonal contraception with the pill influences the effect of thyroxine.

Thyroxin: Where there is an effect, there can always be side effects and interactions

Caution when taking the pill with the thyroid hormone thyroxine.

(Iconic image) © Ale Ventura/Imago

The thyroid gland with its vital hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) influences a large number of important metabolic processes in the body.

For example, if too little T3 and T4 is produced, those affected show symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Therapy with the artificial thyroid hormone L-thyroxine can compensate for the imbalance in the messenger substances.

However, where there is an effect, there can also be side effects and interactions caused by thyroxine.

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Thyroid hormone thyroxine: Note the interaction with the pill

Patients should talk to their doctor about which preparations, medicines or dietary supplements they are also taking.

It could be that there are interactions with other medicines and that the effect of the thyroxine is weakened or increased.

This also applies to medicines for contraception or hormone replacement therapy.

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If you take estrogen-containing hormone preparations, such as the "pill" or hormones during menopause, the need for thyroid hormones can increase.

Simultaneous treatment of thyroxine and hormonal contraceptives should always be discussed and accompanied with your gynecologist or endocrinologist.

L-thyroxine administration may need to be adjusted.

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.