If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you may have been prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone replacement therapy. While this treatment can be effective for many patients, some individuals may find that desiccated thyroid hormone is a better option for them. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of desiccated thyroid and why it may be a better choice for certain patients.
What is Desiccated Thyroid(DT)?
Desiccated thyroid(DT) is a medication made from the thyroid gland of pigs. It contains both T3 and T4 hormones, which are the same hormones produced by the human thyroid gland. DT has been useful for over a century to treat hypothyroidism. And was the primary treatment before synthetic thyroid hormones were developed in the 1950s.
Desiccated Thyroid vs. Synthetic Thyroid Hormones
Synthetic thyroid hormones like levothyroxine are the most commonly prescriptible treatment for hypothyroidism. Some patients may prefer desiccated thyroid for a variety of reasons. One advantage of DT is that it contains both T3 and T4 hormones, while synthetic hormones only contain T4. Some patients may not be able to convert T4 to T3 efficiently. Therefore, may benefit from the combination of both hormones found in DT.
Desiccated thyroid also contains other thyroid hormones and substances. Such as iodine and calcitonin, that are not present in synthetic hormones. These additional components may provide additional benefits for some patients.
Benefits of Desiccated Thyroid
One of the primary benefits of desiccated thyroid is that it may provide more consistent hormone levels compared to synthetic hormones. Because DT contains both T3 and T4, the body may be better able to regulate hormone levels throughout the day, leading to more stable energy levels and mood.
Some patients may also find that this thyroid provides better symptom relief compared to synthetic hormones. This may be due to the fact that DT contains additional thyroid hormones and substances that are not present in synthetic hormones.
Another advantage of desiccated thyroid is that it may be more cost-effective compared to synthetic hormones. While the cost of DT can vary depending on the manufacturer, it may be less expensive comparing to some synthetic hormone medications.
Who Should Consider Desiccated Thyroid?
DT may be a better option for certain patients, including those who:
- Have difficulty converting T4 to T3 efficiently
- Have not responded well to synthetic hormone therapy
- Prefer a more natural treatment option
- Have additional symptoms that are not relieved by synthetic hormones
It is important to note that DT may not be the best option for everyone. Some patients may have a negative reaction to the additional thyroid hormones and substances found in DT. Additionally, because DT is derived from pigs, some patients may have concerns about the source of the medication.
Conclusion
While synthetic thyroid hormones are the most commonly prescribed treatment for hypothyroidism, desiccated thyroid may be a better option for certain patients. DT contains both T3 and T4 hormones. As well as additional thyroid hormones and substances, which may provide more consistent hormone levels and symptom relief compared to synthetic hormones. It is also used as treatment of primary hypothyroidism in adults. Patients who have difficulty converting T4 to T3 efficiently, have not responded well to synthetic hormone therapy. They prefer a more natural treatment option, or have additional symptoms that are not relieved by synthetic hormones should consider DT as an alternative treatment option. As with any medication, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.