Does dosage management of Levothyroxine during Ramadan improve outcomes for hypothyroidism?

Authors

• John Duran, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Dillon Moya, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Ethan Cabral, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Renan Rodriguez, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Mia Ortiz, University of Central FloridaFollow

Streaming Media

Files

Course Code

HSC

Course Number

4930

Faculty/Instructor

Cheryl Cavaliere

Faculty/Instructor Email

cheryl.cavaliere@ucf.edu

About the Author

John Duran, Dillon Moya, Ethan Cabral, Mia Ortiz, and Renan Rodriguez are senior Health Sciences students that all are taking HSC4930 this Spring 2026. They have bonded together from the start after picking their preferred clinical trial for the class which all were timely, friendly, and communicative among another. They all look forward to become future medical students with all having the enthusiasm and eagerness to provide a good future in healthcare. They curated this research with the help of Dr. Cavaliere and her TA with high knowledge and esteem and made this clinical trial project.

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

Ramadan fasting alters circadian rhythms and meal timing, interfering with the standard dosage of levothyroxine (LT4) on an empty stomach and impact its absorption. The presentation examines whether dosage management of levothyroxine during Ramadan improves the livelihood of patients with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism, characterized by deficient production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), leads to elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels due to reduced negative feedback. Since LT4 is used to normalize TSH levels, disruptions in dosing timing during fasting may result in suboptimal thyroid control. A clinical trial was analyzed comparing regular LT4 dosing with an increased dose of 25 mcg during Ramadan. Results demonstrated that patients receiving the increased dose stabilized TSH levels within normal range, while the control group experienced elevated TSH levels during and the end of Ramadan. Supplemental studies further supported that LT4 timing does not significantly compromise thyroid function, suggesting adaptability in treatment strategies. These findings emphasize that a modest increase during Ramadan may help stabilize thyroid function and improve patient outcomes. However, limitations such as small sample size, single-center design, and lack of weight-based dosing highlight the need for further research. Clinically, individualized dosing adjustments, patient education, and close monitoring of thyroid function are recommended to optimize during prolong fasting periods.

Keywords

hypothyroidism, levothyroxine, Ramadan, fasting, thyroid hormones, dose adjustment, clinical trial

Recommended Citation

Duran, John; Moya, Dillon; Cabral, Ethan; Rodriguez, Renan; and Ortiz, Mia, "Does dosage management of Levothyroxine during Ramadan improve outcomes for hypothyroidism?" (2026). High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2026. 95.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2026spring/95