play videoplay video
Thyroid diseases are common conditions and affect women and men. How should a thyroid patient fast? Are there specific instructions regarding taking medication during the month of Ramadan?
Fasting for patients with hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when it does not produce a sufficient amount of hormones, and it is more common in women, especially those over the age of 60. If left untreated, it may lead to serious complications, such as heart disease and infertility.
During the month of Ramadan, thyroid patients in most cases do not need treatment adjustments and can fast safely without any health risks, but first the treating physician must be consulted.
When to take Levothyroxine for patients with hypothyroidism in Ramadan
Levothyroxine is usually taken orally on an empty stomach as recommended, because food and medications (cholestyramine resin, sucralfate, ferrous sulfate, calcium preparations, aluminum antacids, raloxifene, activated charcoal, various soy products, foods and herbal remedies) affect... Absorb it.
Also, a high-fiber diet and early morning coffee may interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine, so, when taken with food, the absorption of levothyroxine is incomplete.
Patients who take thyroid hormone can take their tablets at the following times:
At bedtime, provided the stomach is empty
Half an hour before suhoor
Fasting for patients with hyperthyroidism
First, you must consult your physician, and usually in the event of severe symptoms, fasting must be postponed.
A patient who is not treated may suffer from a condition called “thyrotoxic crisis” - which occurs as a result of a high level of thyroid hormone - which is an emergency condition that causes the person to suffer from fever, rapid heartbeat, and delirium, and requires immediate calling an ambulance and obtaining immediate medical assistance.
Warning signs in a patient with newly diagnosed or untreated thyrotoxicosis include:
Thirst
Drought
diarrhea
arrhythmia
These symptoms may get worse if you fast for long periods.
Early diagnosis and treatment of thyrotoxicosis is considered an emergency.
When to take treatment for patients with hyperthyroidism in Ramadan
Patients with hyperthyroidism who are taking methimazole/carbimazole can continue their dose once or twice daily, while people taking propylthiouracil may need to change their treatment.
Patients with hyperthyroidism who experience severe symptoms should begin treatment immediately, and can avoid fasting for a few days, according to a study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Source: Al Jazeera + agencies