Intermittent Fasting and Levothyroxine: Managing Thyroid Health

Ladies, I know many of you are all about that intermittent fasting life for weight loss, metabolic health, and overall wellness. But if you’re one of the millions of women prescribed levothyroxine for an underactive thyroid, you may be wondering - does my thyroid medication mess up my fasts?

What is Levothyroxine and Why Do Women Take It?

Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. It is prescribed to treat hypothyroidism and other conditions caused by an underactive thyroid gland not producing enough hormones. Hypothyroidism affects an estimated 4.6% of Americans ages 12 and older, with the condition being much more prevalent among women.

An underactive thyroid can really mess with your metabolism, energy levels, weight, and more. Studies show that even subclinical hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain of 5-10% for some. So levothyroxine provides that crucial hormone boost that your body needs to function properly.

How Intermittent Fasting Works for Weight Loss

Intermittent fasting has gained widespread popularity as an effective strategy for weight loss and overall health. By cycling between periods of fasting and eating, intermittent fasting helps initiate metabolic switching to put your body in a fat-burning, ketogenic state. It may boost metabolism by 3.6–14% according to some studies.

Popular approaches like 16:8 (fasting for 16 hours, eating for 8 hours) allow you to reap benefits while still eating daily. Research shows 16:8 intermittent fasting can lead to 3% weight loss over 12 weeks. Other more advanced protocols like alternate day fasting have produced up to 7% weight loss over 6 months.

Can You Take Levothyroxine While Fasting?

It’s a fair question. Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of a key metabolic hormone. And anything that impacts your metabolism and energy levels could theoretically affect those coveted fasting benefits, right?

Well, have no fear! The short answer is no, taking levothyroxine does NOT actually break your fast.

Here’s the deal: Levothyroxine isn’t a source of calories or nutrients itself. It’s simply a hormone replacement that helps regulate processes in your body. So unlike eating food, it doesn’t provide any dietary energy that could disrupt that fasting state you’re working so hard to maintain.

Plus, levothyroxine is highly water-soluble and absorbs rapidly into the bloodstream. An estimated 60-80% of an oral levothyroxine dose is absorbed within 1-2 hours according to pharmacokinetic data. So you can take your daily dose with just a sip of water during your fasting periods without any ill effects.

Best Practices for Taking Levothyroxine During Intermittent Fasts

While levothyroxine doesn’t negate the benefits of fasting, there are some best practices to follow:

Time Your Levothyroxine Dose Away From Meals

Most doctors recommend taking your levothyroxine at least 30-60 minutes before eating anything or taking other meds and supplements. This allows for maximum absorption, which can decrease by up to 40% if taken with food.

So if you’re doing 16:8 intermittent fasting (fasting for 16 hours, eating for 8 hours), you’d want to take your levothyroxine towards the end of that 16 hour fasting period, shortly before opening up your eating window.

Avoid Calcium and Iron Supplements Near Levothyroxine

Minerals like calcium and iron can interfere with how well your body absorbs the levothyroxine if taken too close together. Just 400 mg of calcium can decrease levothyroxine absorption by around 40%. Aim to take your thyroid medication at least 4 hours apart from any calcium or iron supplements.

Stay Consistent With Levothyroxine Timing

Your levothyroxine dose should be taken at roughly the same time each day for ideal effects. Variations in timing of more than 2-3 hours can alter levothyroxine absorption and bioavailability. Sure, intermittent fasting has you shifting your eating windows around, but keeping your medication schedule steady helps maintain those stable hormone levels.

Monitor Thyroid Levels When Changing Fasting Routines

If you’re newly starting intermittent fasting, or making a major change to your fasting routine, it’s wise to keep an eye on your thyroid levels with lab tests. Significant changes in calorie intake, meal timing, and weight fluctuations of 10% or more can potentially impact your levothyroxine dosage needs.

Overweight women following a 16:8 intermittent fasting protocol for 8 weeks saw a 12% increase in free T3 levels compared to a control group. Having your doctor monitor thyroid hormone levels can allow for medication adjustments if needed.

The Final Word - Levothyroxine Doesn’t Break Intermittent Fasts

So in a nutshell, don’t stress about your levothyroxine ruining those fasting efforts! The scientific evidence tells us that as long as you’re taking it properly spaced from food and other supplements, it’ll allow you to keep rocking your intermittent fasting schedule without any issues. Of course, always loop in your doctor, especially when trying out new eating patterns. They’ll help you make adjustments if needed!

FAQ about Fasting and Levothyroxine

Q: Does taking levothyroxine break an intermittent fast?

A: No, levothyroxine itself does not break an intermittent fast since it provides no calories or nutrients. It is simply a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement.

Q: When is the best time to take levothyroxine during intermittent fasting?

A: Most doctors recommend taking levothyroxine 30-60 minutes before your first meal, near the end of your fasting window. This allows for optimal medication absorption.

Q: Can I take supplements like calcium or iron with my levothyroxine while fasting?

A: It’s best to separate levothyroxine from calcium and iron supplements by at least 4 hours, as these minerals can interfere with proper levothyroxine absorption.

Q: Do I need to adjust my levothyroxine dose if I start intermittent fasting?

A: You may need to adjust your dose if starting intermittent fasting leads to significant weight changes or alterations in your metabolism and thyroid hormone levels. Have your doctor monitor your labs.

Q: What are the benefits of intermittent fasting for thyroid patients?

A: Intermittent fasting may help promote weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation - all of which can benefit those with thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism.

Q: Are there any risks of intermittent fasting while taking levothyroxine?

A: There are no direct risks, but fasting improperly or overdoing calorie restriction could potentially worsen hypothyroid symptoms. Moderation is key, and close medical supervision is recommended.