Traveling with Hypothyroidism: The Best Tips from Frequent Globetrotters
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I’ve had thyroid problems my entire life. Since my earliest memories, I have always been in and out of doctor’s offices and blood labs. I have a friend who was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and she asked me: “How do you travel with hypothyroidism?” It caught me by surprise. I mean…traveling with hypothyroidism is…all I’ve ever known.
“What’s it like…not traveling with hypothyroidism?” I asked back.
And then I realized that things that are so second nature to me might actually have to be an adjustment for others recently diagnosed. So, I did what any travel blogger typically does when they get asked a traveling question.
I wrote a blog post about it.
If you have hypothyroidism, or really any type of thyroid condition, and are looking for tips on how to make traveling with hypothyroidism easier and less frustrating – then you’ve come to the right place! This post will answer all of your questions, as well as provide you with some life-changing travel hacks!
That said, y’all already know I’m a mess. So I’ve asked my good friend Kayla to also weigh in on some of these questions. You can think of us as good cop and bad cop. Helpful angel and trouble-making devil. How to prevent bad things from happening …and well, how to adjust if they happen anyway.
Table of Contents
Kayla
My name is Kayla Marie of Kayla Meets Culture and the first 24 years of life I lived in Pennsylvania. I grew up in the country, but consider Philadelphia home (even though I hope I never live there again).
I moved to Taiwan in December 2019 and started as an English-teacher on Kinmen Island in February.
Besides dreaming of exploring the world, my island life is quite routine. I create content, go on hikes around the island (sometimes stumbling across wild peacocks and abandoned military bases), and take my hula-hoop and Diabolo to the beach when the sun is shining!
Oh yes, and I teach English.
At 15, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, which became hypothyroid a few years later when I was 18 years. Generally speaking, I’ve had thyroid issues for 11 years and hypothyroid for 8 years.
Kay
If you don’t know me already, hi I’m Kay! Welcome to my blog! I’m originally from Los Angeles, California. Now I’m living in Portland, Oregon (USA).
I was born with Graves’ Disease, an autoimmune disorder that attacks your thyroid gland, and had severe hyperthyroidism for most of my childhood. Then, when I was about eleven, I developed thyroid cancer and needed a thyroidectomy (and other treatment). Sooo, I swung in the COMPLETE opposite direction and became severely hypo. What a fun ride it has been.
Alright! Let’s dive right in!
Do you NEED to talk to your healthcare provider before you travel?
Kayla: When I lived in the U.S., before any trip longer than a month, I visited my doctor to get my levels tested and get necessary refills. Unless your hormone levels are unstable, I only find it really necessary when going on long trips.
Kay: I never really go on super long trips or anything. As long as your levels are stable and you have enough medication before, during, and after your trip, you’re good my friend. If your levels AREN’T too stable, make sure to get your blood work done and have your doctor take a look to see if you need any adjustment in your medication.
Do I need to worry about bringing my medication through airport security?
Kayla: I’ve taken 50 mcg Levothyroxine daily since I was diagnosed.
Luckily, I’ve never had any issues getting my pills through security. It’s definitely something I think about, especially when traveling long-term. As with any medication, it’s a good idea to have a copy of your doctor’s prescription note as proof of necessity.
Kay: For the longest, I was taking 100 mcg of Synthroid, before my new insurance forced me to switch to Levothyroxine. But I digress.
I always keep my medication in its original bottle with the label. Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of time. And always always alwaysss. Put your medication in your carry-on. Never pack your medication in a checked bad; your bags could get delayed, lost, or separated from you (like on a long-haul flight and you don’t have access to it on layovers/stopovers).
Check out my Hypothyroid Packing Guide -coming soon- for more ideas on what to bring on your carry on!
How do you adjust to taking your medication when you cross time zones?
Kayla: Since I take my medication in the middle of the night and on an empty stomach, I try to take my medication as I usually would. Sure the timezone change may slightly affect the time I take it, but I stick to the routine: on an empty stomach before going to sleep or when I wake up in the middle of the night.
Kay: And I do the (almost) opposite. I take my medication first thing in the morning when I wake up, on an empty stomach. But I keep the same routine, regardless of the time change. The most important thing is just to keep doing what you’re doing. If you have a flight where that would coincide with sleeping/waking (something 12+ hours or whatever), then make a decision on a case-by-case base.
Do you feel like you are more heavily impacted by time zone differences/jet lag?
Kayla: I wish I had a pre-hypothyroid experience to compare my jet lag too, but I can’t say for sure because I started traveling at 18. There are times when jet-lag has taken almost a week to get over and others where I’m okay in one day, but I’m not sure if it has anything to do with my thyroid or the direction and route I flew.
Kay: Same as Kayla, I don’t have any non-thyroid experiences to compare it to…but I don’t think I am necessarily MORE impacted by jet lag than those without a thyroid condition. Annoying just the same though!
Do you ever feel tired while exploring?
Kay: Oh, all the time. Don’t worry, that’s normal. If it’s your first time traveling, I would advise traveling at a somewhat slower pace. Get a feel of how the constant stimulation and activity will affect you. Honestly, that’s a good tip for ANYONE, but especially if you are traveling with hypothyroidism.
I tend to travel at a fairly fast pace, with tons of things packed into my itinerary. As long as I’m not standing too long, I can manage alright. I spent 3+ hours exploring The Forbidden City and my knees almost disintegrated. So sitting helps a lot. On trips that are a week or longer, I usually schedule in a “rest” day where I can move slower, sleep in, and give my body a chance to recover.
Kayla: If it’s super hot, yes! I’m usually pretty good at powering through though. Sometimes it’s best to just sit for a few minutes wherever you are. I’ll also consider going for a drink or snack in a convenience store to cool off in some sweet, sweet air conditioner.
Kayla: Another random tip — drink enough water and Gatorade (or any electrolyte drink)! I got very dehydrated in Panamá last year and it surfaced as stomach pain. I (and the doctors) thought it was stomach acid. After three weeks of pain, two weeks of medication, and enough water, nothing helped. I was given a Gatorade and suddenly it was gone. Not sure if that’s thyroid-related, but it’s an important lesson!
Kay: I can vouch for the Gatorade. I honestly have no idea what it is about Gatorade, but get you some of it.
Do you feel as though you are more prone to sickness?
Kayla: Even with Hashimoto’s, I’m surprised by how little I get sick. I usually get one cold a year and that’s it. It was quite embarrassing when I got sick in Taiwan and I was coughing and blowing my nose in hostels. Luckily, this was before Coronavirus in December.
I try to watch out for new environments or temperature changes, however, as they can cause mild aggravations. It’s especially important to get enough rest, drink water, and eat healthfully when we are traveling in order to keep our health up.
I usually carry a couple of tablets of medicine with me when I travel, such as allergy medicine and cold medicine in case I begin to feel sick or am not sleeping well. Then I’ll buy more if necessary.
Kay: Considering that both Graves’ Disease and Hasimoto’s are autoimmune diseases, I also don’t get sick all that often. I think it’s because the immune system that’s responsible for autoimmune thyroid conditions is different than the immune system that’s responsible for fighting off viral infections. So by most definitions, we are not immunocompromised.
Buut…there is ONE health hiccup to watch for…
Kay: That said. I’m going to get a little TMI and say my GI tract is a WRECK. Literally, more fickle than a toddler on an airplane. And I’m bringing it up because I KNOW other hypos have it too. Truly, there’s no telling what will set my intestines off. At least once every four or five days, there will be unplanned explosive diarrhea on my itinerary. It is part of my life.
It’s a little easier to manage at home, yanno, when you’re around friendly toilets that you know very well. But traveling with hypothyroidism is a different ball game. It can strike at ANY moment. So make sure you have the following things on you at all times.
- Pepto-Bismol tablets or liquid (or a generic alternative)
- Tiny roll of toilet paper
- Gatorade
- Crackers
- Coins/cash – in case restrooms aren’t free!
I know some people with hypothyroidism choose to have a specific diet to settle their stomachs. Like following a gluten-free diet and avoiding highly processed foods. But. Not me.
So just prep your butt-hole and don’t eat jalapeno chips before visiting a museum with only squat toilets.
What are the biggest obstacles to overcome when traveling with hypothyroidism?
Kayla: Making sure I have enough medication.
I’m from the U.S., and getting a $10 prescription can be a pricey visit to the doctor without insurance. Because I lost my Medicaid in September last year before I traveled to Costa Rica and Panamá, my doctor filled my prescription to the max before I left.
Then, in Panamá, because you can buy Levothyroxine without a prescription, I stocked up on a few months worth ensuring I’d have enough to hold me over in Taiwan.
At the moment, I have two and a half months of my medication left and I haven’t figured out the system in Taiwan yet. I plan to visit with a doctor once I’m enrolled in the National Health Insurance system.
Kay: Hands down dealing with prescription refills. Basically, everything Kayla said above. I would also add in fatigue – it puts a damper on the adventure mood when I uncontrollably need to lay down and nap.
Have you ever run out of medication while on vacation?
Kay: Yeah, imma go ahead and let Kayla answer this first.
Kayla: No, thank goodness!
But in the case it happens to anyone reading, have papers that provide proof of your hypothyroid and medication dose. It’s possible you can buy medication without a prescription (as I did in Panamá), but perhaps you will have to go to a doctor in order to get one. This is why it’s important to bring paperwork that proves your thyroid disease and medication dose as it may help you obtain your medication faster.
Kay: Be like Kayla everyone. Because I’ve run out many a-times. Would not advise. But everyone knows their own body the best. Thankfully, I’ve only run out with a few days left on vacation, so I put up with feeling not 100% until I could get home and refill. Again. Don’t be like me.
Have you ever had to visit the hospital, pharmacy, or a doctor abroad?
Kayla: Yes! In Panama, I’ve visited pharmacies a couple times. I’m extremely grateful that Levothyroxine is available without a prescription and at a good price. Most pharmacies I’ve visited simply asked how much I wanted and sold it at a price per pill.
Kay: Yes, but surprisingly, not related to my hypothyroidism.
What advice would you give to people who have hesitations about traveling with hypothyroidism?
Kayla: If you have complications that affect your daily life, talk to your doctor, and be observant of how your daily activities affect you. If you’re affected by environmental issues such as temperature or altitude, research locations with environments that best support your health.
It’s also important, especially if you’re traveling long-term, to have enough medication and to get a yearly hormone level check (regardless of where you are). I think we are lucky because the condition is common so you should be able to get medication and tests anywhere.
Don’t be afraid to travel — just make sure you are aware of how your hypothyroidism affects you and take precautions to help yourself ahead of time.
Do you buy travel insurance?
Kay: I’ll let Kayla take this one since y’all know I travel fast and reckless. I’ve never gotten travel insurance, but I’ve (thankfully) never needed it. My travel credit card covers a lot of travel insurance for me!
Kayla: I buy my insurance through SafetyWing, a travel insurance company that covers digital nomads. It has a $250 deductible monthly, but at $37 for four weeks it’s cheaper than WorldNomads. My hypothyroidism doesn’t make it more expensive, but I don’t think a check-up would be covered unless it was an emergency.
Are you negatively affected by extreme temperatures?
Kay: Ohhhh absolutely. Whichever way the weather swings, you’ll probably be feeling it. Soo let’s break this up by cold and hot destinations!
To be honest, both extremes kill me. However, hot temperatures are A LOT easier for me to deal with. I grew up in Los Angeles, over in the Valley. It gets pretty darn hot, and for no good reason either. But it also feels like home. Traveling with hypothyroidism in hot weather means two things. Shade. And hydration. If you neglect either of those two things – your body might be very upset with you. For me, the heat will literally put me TO SLEEP if I overexert myself. Oh, and pack sunscreen too!
Kayla: When it comes to very hot destinations, I try to enjoy myself in the mornings and later in the day. Plus, there are fewer crowds! If I’m out during the day, I try to keep in the shade and find periods of rest. Try to explore indoor attractions and museums during the hottest part of the day! Take advantage of their AC!
Kay: Personally, I will literally start to get hives and breakout after extended periods in the hot sun. It isn’t cute. So I recommend packing a sun umbrella! As far as humidity, there’s really…no escaping it when you’re outside. So just sit and rest when needed.
Annd…what about cold places?
Kayla: When it comes to the cold — well, I’ve never traveled to places colder than the places I’ve lived. I grew up in Erie, PA, one of the snowiest and coldest places in the US. It taught me to hate the cold.
A few years ago I moved to Philadelphia, also quite cold — and my negative physical reactions started getting worse each winter. My fingers and toes were often cold and when going from the cold outside to warm inside I’d rip off my coat, gloves, and hat because my body temperature would rise so quickly I’d be dripping sweat.
So, if I were to visit a really cold destination I would be sure to bring warm gloves, socks, a hat, scarf, and a good jacket. There’s not much else to do but bring enough to keep warm.
Kay: Ahhh man. The cold. It is my sworn enemy. I currently live in Portland, Oregon USA, which isn’t all that cold honestly. Especially compared to where Kayla grew up. BUT IT HAS COLD RAIN. My second sworn enemy. Living here has really started to do a number on my joints. In the rainy season (*cough* nine months out of the year *cough*), I wake up in the middle of the night because my fingers are clenched in agony. I should probably move. Hahah.
Anyways, the coldest places I’ve ever traveled to were probably Fairbanks (Alaska, USA), Beijing (China), and Seoul (South Korea) – all in the winter. Luckily, there was no rain, but whewww it was a struggle. Along with Kayla’s suggestions, maybe pack some hand/feet warmers in case you’ll be outside exploring for long periods of time!
What does traveling with hypothyroidism mean to you?
Kayla: Travel is what makes me feel alive. We’re so fortunate to live in a globally connected world, and of course privileged to be able to see that world with my own eyes. I appreciate learning about different cultures and experiencing how fellow humans live. We’re all flesh and blood, right? I might be from the U.S. and have a little Philly attitude, but I still feel connected with the globe despite external differences.
Traveling makes me view my hypothyroidism as an extra little challenge in life. I almost imagine it like a video game where you need hearts to stay alive and I need to figure out how to keep enough hearts to keep on playing.
Well, that’s a weird perspective I never knew I had.
Anyways, I’m lucky it’s a common condition. It’s just a thing I need to remember as I travel — if I’m going to this country could I restock my medication without a prescription? Oh man, I need to get my levels tested before I leave this country (or healthcare system). It’s little stuff really.
It’s hypothyroid — it’s not hard to maintain, but if you travel, you need to be prepared to take extra steps.
Take us home Kay!
Kay: Mm. I guess I never really thought of this question, because I don’t know what traveling without hypothyroidism would be? When you have a chronic condition, you can either fight it, in vain, or accept it.
Literally those are the two options. It’s not going anywhere.
So, if you have been recently diagnosed or have been struggling to come to terms with taking daily medication for the rest of your life, just know that life will deal you whatever hand it wants to deal you.
It’s up to you to choose how you want to play that hand.
I might not have a straight flush – but me and my hand are going to enjoy and appreciate the world – for as long as we can, while we can.
Any other tips for traveling with hypothyroidism?
Kayla: My best tip is to make sure you’re familiar with your hypothyroidism before traveling. That way you make sure you have the right dose to bring and will know when you need to take rests.
Kay: Bring warm socks for the plane, Pepto for your stomach, and a sun umbrella.
Also, if you are still feeling conflicted, hesitant, or worried about traveling with hypothyroidism, or any kind of “non-visible” condition, it might be beneficial for you to look into the theories of transformational energy and how they relate to travel.
Traveling with Hypothyroidism: Conclusion
Boom! And there you have it folks! All the best tips for traveling with hypothyroidism! Did you learn anything new? Or maybe get inspired to take a trip of your own? Let us know in the comments below if you or your friends/family have hypothyroidism!
Thank you to our wonderful hosts – Kayla and Kay (me, lol). I feel like we should start a podcast or something, haha. Anyways, if you would like to follow us on social media, I will leave our links below!
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Thanks for shedding some light on a topic that is not much discussed especially in the travel industry!
That’s what I’m here for! Thanks for reading!
This was a really interesting read. I don’t have a thyroid disorder but my mom has hypo, a former travel buddy had hyper, and another good friend was born without a thyroid! It’s really interesting how one tiny little gland can cause so much chaos (and I had no idea that there were digestive symptoms, too).
ahahah right?? It is one small but mighty gland!! Thank you so much for reading!
Thank you for visiting my Hamburg blog! I was able to travel without worrying about my health before COVID-19, so your article sheds some lights on travel with those conditions that I have never imagined. I love you guys positive vibes and encouragements to get an adventure in the world.
Aw thank you! And thanks for reading!
If I’m changing time zones in a short time, like flying from USA to Europe and back there is the potential to end up skipping one dose or two for the month, depending on travel times. So my trick is to count the number of mornings (since i take my pill in the morning) I’m going to to be traveling at the home time zone, and take that number of pills in a separate container. That way i don’t worry about taking it on the plane with the weird eating and sleeping patterns and double up one day if needed. After all, the average dose/month is what really matters.
That’s a good strategy!!