Thyroid diseases and Ramadan

• Main Authors: Syed A Raza, Osama Ishtiaq, A G Unnikrishnan, A K Azad Khan, Jamal Ahmad, Mohammed A Ganie, Kishwar Azad, Manash Baruah, Md Faruque Pathan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2012-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Subjects: Hyperthyroidism; hypothyroidism; Ramadan; thyroid disease
• Online Access: http://www.ijem.in/article.asp?issn=2230-8210;year=2012;volume=16;issue=4;spage=522;epage=524;aulast=Raza

In the month of Ramadan, patients with thyroid diseases, most of the time, do not need treatment adjustments and can fast safely without any health hazards. Patients with hypothyroidism taking thyroxine can take their tablets on an empty stomach at bedtime instead of half an hour before Sehr. Patients with hyperthyroidism, on methimazole/carbimazole can continue their dose in once or twice daily regimes, while those on propylthiouracil need to be switched. Hyperthyroid patients with severe symptoms should start treatment immediately and can avoid fast for few days after a consultation with their religious scholar.