Ramadan Fasting and Thyroid Hormone Levels in Women with Hypothyroidism (original) (raw)

Hypothyroidism and Ramadan fasting

Journal of Fasting And Health, 2014

Introduction: Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is an obligation for all adult, healthy Muslims. As several studies have indicated, both fasting and energy restriction can alter thyroid hormone metabolism and affect the clinical features and well-being of hypothyroid patients. Hypothyroidism is more prevalent among women and the elderly. Its prevalence has been reported to be 4-8% of the general population. Despite the large body of animal research on fasting, few human studies have focused on Ramadan fasting and its impacts on hypothyroid patients. Methods: PubMed and Google scholar databases were searched using keywords such as Ramadan, fasting, hypothyroidism, and food restriction. Animal and human studies, which were highly relevant to the topic, were selected. Results: Four animal and 7 human studies were included in this article. We found that levothyroxine dosage should be increased for hypothyroid patients from the beginning of the month until 15-20 days after the end...

The effect of Ramadan fasting on thyroid hormones in 9‐13 years old pre‐menarche girls

Journal of Fasting And Health, 2013

Introduction: Muslims fast from dawn to dusk during Ramadan. The effects of prolonged food deprivation on endocrine hormones have been studied in healthy adults but no previous study has investigated this effect on children. This study aimed to evaluate the feasible changes in serum level of thyroxin (T3), tetraiodothyronin (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and body composition in pre-menarche girls. Methods: This cohort study was performed through Ramadan 2012. We enrolled fifty-eight 9-13years old girls (weight 34.20±7.96 kg, height 142.01±7.76 cm) in two groups from (31 and 27 in fasted and non-fasted groups, respectively) prior to Ramadan until afterwards. Weight and height of the subjects were measured using standard methods, and then Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Body composition was measured using Bio Impedance Analyzer (BIA) method. Serum concentrations of T3, T4 and TSH hormones were measured by Radio Immunoassay (RIA). Paired t-test was used to compare res...

Levothyroxine Administration during Ramadan: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

European Thyroid Journal, 2021

Background and Aim: We have previously shown in a retrospective analysis that the plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) rises significantly post-Ramadan in levothyroxine-treated hypothyroid patients, possibly as a result of lifestyle alterations and time restrictions during the nonfasting period from dusk until dawn. The aim of this study is to determine the best time to instruct patients to take levothyroxine during Ramadan so as to minimize changes in thyroid function tests during this period. Methods: In a randomized prospective design, hypothyroid patients taking levothyroxine were randomized to receive instructions to take levothyroxine at one of the following 3 times during Ramadan: (group 1) at dusk 30-min before Iftar meal, (group 2) 3 or more hours after Iftar meal, or (group 3) at dawn 30-min before Suhur meal. Thyroid function tests were performed within 3 months before Ramadan and within 6 weeks post-Ramadan. Data from patients with at least 1 blood test before or aft...