Dr Paauw suggests medication interactions and malabsorption could be involved.
Professor of Medicine, University of Washington ; Attending Physician, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington sodium tablets as prescribed and states that she has not missed doses. She is not currently taking any other medications.
At her last visit 6 weeks ago, her thyroid-stimulating hormone level was 4.0 mU/L. At this appointment, her TSH has risen to 12.5 mU/L. Her physical exam remains unchanged.The increase in TSH despite continued levothyroxine use raises concerns about several possible underlying causes. Changes in weight, as well as pregnancy, are factors that can increase thefor thyroid hormone. In patients without increased thyroid hormone demand, the new-onset elevation in TSH is most likely due to new-onset absorption problems with levothyroxine. The most common cause of these absorption problems is other medications that block levothyroxine absorption. A literature review conducted by, raloxifene, and proton-pump inhibitors interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. In 2025, the most common absorption problems with thyroid hormone are iron and calcium intake. Hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto thyroiditis is common in premenopausal women, as is iron deficiency, so the likelihood of having this absorption problem is common. study, a retrospective population analysis of prescription data from 999 patients who were taking levothyroxine. It was found that iron, calcium, proton pump inhibitors andinfection can impair levothyroxine absorption. Diet also can play a key role in levothyroxine absorption, though this has been cited as an area requiring further research.Given that the absorption of levothyroxine is affected by diet and various medications, it is recommended that levothyroxine tablets be taken in the morning at least 30-60 minutes before eating or 3-4 hours after dinner. Levothyroxine should not be taken within 4 hours ofThe next best steps in management include a thorough review of the patient’s medication list, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. A levothyroxine absorption test is a useful diagnostic assessment for whether a patient with hypothyroidism is experiencing impaired absorption of levothyroxine or whether persistently elevated thyroid hormone levels are due toto medication. If the patient is not taking any medications known to block the absorption of levothyroxine, workup for malabsorption syndromes may be warranted.Medications and supplements can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine, which manifests as an increase in TSH level in patients with hypothyroidism. It is essential to take a detailed medication history. Additional workup includes assessment for increased thyroid hormone demand and malabsorption syndromes. Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2025 by WebMD LLC. This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
Thyroid Disorder Thyroid Disease Thyroid Dysfunction Thyroid Washington Malabsorption Malabsorption Syndromes Calcium Helicobacter Pylori H Pylori Helicobacter Pylori Infection H Pylori Infection Proton Pump Inhibitor Proton-Pump Inhibitor Acid Suppressive Therapy PPI Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis Hashimoto Thyroiditis Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Fellowship Fellows
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Air, Light Pollution Increase Risk Of Thyroid Cancer In ChildrenBabies exposed to air and light pollution have a higher risk of developing childhood thyroid cancer, a new study says.
Read more »
Early-life exposure to air and light pollution linked to increased risk of pediatric thyroid cancerA new study suggests that early-life exposure to two widespread environmental pollutants -- small particle air pollution and outdoor artificial light at night -- could increase the risk of pediatric thyroid cancer. The study found a 'significant association' between exposure to ambient fine particulate matter air pollution (PM2.
Read more »
Miss Manners: What’s the best way to stop nosy questions about my grandchildren?I have thought about asking why the person wants to know, or why it is important.
Read more »
Frimley NHS trust pioneers treatment for thyroid eye diseaseThe new treatment involves patients injecting themselves at home with pre-prepared syringes.
Read more »
AI model for thyroid cancer diagnosis, with over 90% accuracy and reduced consultation preparation timeAn interdisciplinary research team has unveiled the world's first artificial intelligence (AI) model designed to classify both the cancer stage and risk category of thyroid cancer, achieving impressive accuracy exceeding 90%.
Read more »
This Underrated Superfood Helps Support Thyroid & Immune HealthA nutrient-packed seed with an interesting history.
Read more »