Synthetic T4 thyroid hormone called Levothyroxine is not the best treatment for everyone. Some people benefit from it, but in some cases the symptoms don’t seem to go away using only T4, even if their tests return to normal.
A Functional Medicine practitioner knows is that no one treatment works for everyone. A combination of experience, testing, and trial and error becomes necessary to get any treatment just right.
We have discovered that the majority of our patients benefit from a combination hormone treatment including both T4 and T3. Levothyroxine is just T4, the inactive hormone. Most doctors assume that the body will convert it to T3 and all will be well.
Unfortunately, pesticides, stress, mercury, infections, allergies, and selenium deficiencies can block that process. Since 100 percent of us have pesticides stored in our bodies, we will all likely have some problem with Levothyroxine.
Natural Desiccated Thyroid tablets have been used since the late 1800s. They are prescription drugs made from desiccated (dried) porcine thyroid. They contains the full spectrum of thyroid hormones, including T4, T3, and T2 . That last one – T2 – is a little-known product of thyroid metabolism that actually may be very important.
Maximal effects may take up to 3 weeks to occur. [Drugs.com. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Retrieved 8 April 2019.]
Side effects may occur from excessive doses. This may include weight loss, fever, headache, anxiety, trouble sleeping, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Other side effects may include allergic reactions.
Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding is generally safe. ["Thyroid desiccated Use During Pregnancy". Drugs.com. Retrieved 9 April 2019.] Regular blood tests are recommended to verify the appropriateness of the dose.
In 2016 more than 6 million prescriptions were issued in the United States with . ["The Top 300 of 2019". clincalc.com. Retrieved 22 December 2018]
Prescriptions
NDT is a personally licensed medication in the UK. You can order a prescription - if indicated in your thyroid report - and we send it directly to one of our partner chemists. Please note that we ONLY provide advice on the adjustment of thyroid medication via a new thyroid report, not via emails or calls.
Careful monitoring is essential. Taking too much thyroid hormone or taking it if you don’t need it can lead to undesirable side effects, including anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, and, over the long term, bone loss.
We are happy to switch you to a different brand should your current one be in short supply. A prescription fee applies if you require a new prescription unless you cannot tolerate a specific brand.
Several brands are available and availability and prices fluctuate. Unfortunately, this is out of our control. Once a medication has been dispensed, the chemist is unable to take it back and refund the cost for the medication.
We do NOT endorse products sourced over the internet, especially from Thailand.
Side effects
Millions of people have been taken NDT preparations. Unfortunately, you can react to any medication,even if available freely over the counter. Side effects of NDT - if taken correctly and at the right dose - are rare but can always happen. Please check below the side effect profile of each NDT product.
Be aware that some blogs report a variety of side effects which are not on official publications. You might have to take this information with a pinch of salt. Our own facebook group #thyroidpreneurs might be a better place for you to gain and share information.
If you do feel unwell after taking NDT, please stop the medication and contact us as soon as possible. If you feel acutely unwell, please contact the emergency services.
Nature-Throid®
Recall alert
Please check our post for further information
Available brands:
ARMOUR THYROID (thyroid tablets, USP) is a prescription medicine that is used to treat a condition called hypothyroidism from any cause, except for cases of temporary hypothyroidism, which is usually associated with an inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis). It is meant to replace or supplement a hormone that is usually made by your thyroid gland.
ARMOUR THYROID is also used in the treatment and prevention of normal functioning thyroid goiters, such as thyroid nodules, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multinodular goiter, and in the management of thyroid cancer.
Each grain contains 38 mcg of T4 and 9 mcg of T3.
The active ingredient (desiccated natural thyroid) is derived from porcine (pig) thyroid glands.
The inactive ingredients are calcium stearate, dextrose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate and opadry white.
Armour Thyroid is manufactured by Allergan Pharmaceuticals. Allergan is now owned by AbbVie Inc. North Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION
- Adverse reactions other than those attributable to hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdose are rare. [https://www.drugs.com/sfx/armour-thyroid-side-effects.html]
- Do not use ARMOUR THYROID if you have hyperthyroidism, overactive thyroid, uncorrected adrenal problems, or are allergic to any of its ingredients.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you may have, especially heart disease, diabetes, blood clotting problems, and adrenal or pituitary gland problems. The dose of other drugs you may be taking to control these conditions may have to be changed while you are taking ARMOUR THYROID.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, increased pulse rate, rapid, strong, irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, or any other unusual event.
- If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels and/or the glucose in your urine, as ordered by your doctor and immediately tell your doctor if there are any changes.
- If you are taking oral anticoagulants, blood clotting status should be checked often by your doctor.
- Partial loss of hair may be experienced by children in the first few months of thyroid therapy, but this will usually go away on its own.
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any foods or drugs, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding or are taking any other drugs, as well as prescription and over-the-counter products.
- Use ARMOUR THYROID only as ordered by your doctor. Do not stop or change the amount you take, or how often you take it, unless told to do so by your doctor.
Please see full Prescribing Information.
For further information, please check the manufacturers website.
Desiccated Thyroid, available in 30, 60 and 125 mg Tablets
60 mg is usually considered equivalent to levothyroxine sodium (T4) 0.1 mg or liothyronine sodium (T3) 25 μg.
The active ingredient (desiccated natural thyroid) is derived from porcine (pig) thyroid glands containing lactose.
Nonmedicinal ingredients:
cornstarch, magnesium stearate, sugar and talc.
IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION
Drugs with thyroid hormone activity, alone or together with other therapeutic agents, have been used for the treatment of obesity. In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.
The use of thyroid hormones in the therapy of obesity, alone or combined with other drugs, is not justified and has been shown to be ineffective. Neither is their use justified for the treatment of male or female infertility unless this condition is accompanied by hypothyroidism.
Thyroid hormones should be used with great caution in a number of circumstances where the integrity of the cardiovascular system, particularly the coronary arteries, is suspect. These include patients with angina pectoris, hypertension, other cardiac conditions, or the elderly, in whom there is a greater likelihood of occult cardiac disease. In these patients, therapy should be initiated with low doses, i.e., 16 to 32 mg, or 0.25 to 0.5 grain of desiccated thyroid. When, in such patients, a euthyroid state can only be reached at the expense of an aggravation of the cardiovascular disease, thyroid hormone dosage should be reduced.
Thyroid hormone therapy in patients with concomitant diabetes mellitus or insipidus or adrenal cortical insufficiency aggravates the intensity of their symptoms. Appropriate adjustments of the various therapeutic measures directed at these concomitant endocrine diseases are required. The therapy of myxedema coma requires simultaneous administration of glucocorticoids.
Hypothyroidism decreases and hyperthyroidism increases the sensitivity to oral anticoagulants. Prothrombin time should be closely monitored in thyroid-treated patients on oral anticoagulants and dosage of the latter agents adjusted on the basis of frequent prothrombin time determination. In infants, excessive doses of thyroid hormone preparations may produce craniosynostosis.
Thyroid hormone preparations are generally contraindicated in patients with diagnosed, but as yet uncorrected, adrenal cortical insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, and apparent hypersensitivity to any of their active or extraneous constituents. There is no well documented evidence from the literature, however, of true allergic or idiosyncratic reactions to thyroid hormone.
Except in rare instances of intolerance, possibly due to the development of hypersensitivity to animal protein in whole thyroid, adverse effects are generally infrequent at physiologic doses:
- Neurological: nervousness, tremors, headache, insomnia.
- Cardiovascular: palpitation, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, angina pectoris.
- Gastrointestinal: diarrhea, abdominal cramps.
- Miscellaneous: sweating, heat intolerance, fever, weight loss.
For further information, please check the manufacturers website.
Supplied by the Klösterl-Apotheke Munich
AVAILABLE STRENGTHS
Thyreogland is available in the following dosages (according to the natural content of levothyroxine in mcg):
5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 60 / 70 / 75 / 80 / 100
“Thyreogland” contains the thyroid hormones levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3) at the ratio T4: T3 = ca. 4 : 1.. The natural raw material “Thyroid” has been adopted in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and is derived from pigs.
[Armour and Nature Throid have a ratio of 4.2]. E.g. Thyreogland 40 contains 40 mg of T4 and 10 mg of T3 - this is the closest to 1 grain NDT.
Please click here for a conversion table.
Important; Please complete this ORDER form and post it together with your prescription to;
Klösterl-Apotheke
Postfach 10 09 05 • 80083 München • GERMANY
Nonmedicinal ingredients:
Silica q. s, Rice starch (filler)
IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION
Drugs with thyroid hormone activity, alone or together with other therapeutic agents, have been used for the treatment of obesity. In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.
- THYREOGLAND is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, and hypersensitivity to any component of the product.
- In the elderly and in patients with cardiovascular disease, THYREOGLAND should be used with greater caution than younger patients or those without cardiovascular disease.
- Use of THYREOGLAND in patients with diabetes mellitus or adrenal cortical insufficiency may worsen the intensity of their symptoms.
- The therapy of myxedema coma requires simultaneous administration of glucocorticoids.
- Concomitant use of THYREOGLAND with oral anticoagulants alters the sensitivity of oral anticoagulants. Prothrombin time should be closely monitored in thyroid-treated patients on oral anticoagulants.
- In infants, excessive doses of THYREOGLAND may produce craniosynostosis.
- Partial loss of hair may be experienced by children in the first few months of therapy but is usually transient.
- Adverse reactions associated with THYREOGLAND therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage.
- Many drugs and some laboratory tests may alter the therapeutic response to THYREOGLAND . In addition, thyroid hormones and thyroid status have varied effects on the pharmacokinetics and actions of other drugs. Administer at least 4 hours before or after drugs that are known to interfere with absorption. Evaluate the need for dose adjustments when regularly administering within one hour of certain foods that may affect absorption.
- THYREOGLAND should not be discontinued during pregnancy, and hypothyroidism diagnosed during pregnancy should be promptly treated.
Nature-Throid was first released in the 1930s, making it one of the first available medications for hypothyroidism. Trusted for more than 80 years, Nature-Throid has never been voluntarily or FDA-recalled for inconsistent T4 or T3 hormones. Our affordable and hypoallergenic medication remains in high demand by doctors and patients alike.
Each grain of Nature-Throid contains 38 mcg of T4 and 9 mcg of T3.
The active ingredient (desiccated natural thyroid) is derived from porcine (pig) thyroid glands.
The benefits of Nature-Throid include:
- T4 & T3 replacement hormones derived from natural desiccated porcine thyroid
- Naturally occurring thyroid cofactors T1, T2, calcitonin and iodine (in trace amounts)
- Always gluten-free
- Contains NO artificial colors or flavors
- Contains NO soy, yeast, egg, fish or shellfish, corn, peanut, or rice
USING NATURE-THROID FOR MAXIMUM BENEFIT
Take Nature-Throid in the morning on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes prior to food or caffeine with an 8 oz glass of water unless otherwise instructed by your physician. If you’ve already eaten, this medication can be taken two hours after consumption with an 8 oz glass of water, after which you must wait 30-60 minutes before consuming food or caffeine.
Some medications and supplements may lower the effectiveness of Nature-Throid when taken together, so it is important to take Nature-Throid at least one hour before any other medication.
Calcium supplements, iron products, or antacids must be taken four hours apart. Some foods may cause your body to absorb less Nature-Throid, including walnuts, infant soy formula, cottonseed meal, and high-fiber foods. Talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose if you consume these foods. Always follow these guidelines unless otherwise instructed by your physician. Keep out of reach of pets and children.
AVAILABLE STRENGTHS
Nature-Throid is available in 13 strengths. These vary from ¼ grain (16.25 mg) to 5 grains (325 mg).
Compare dosages of different types of medications in the Conversion Guide.
© Nature Throid | All-Natural Thyroid Medicine | RLC Labs
AVAILABILITY
We have been experiencing problems with availability of Nature Throid for some time. Despite the availability statement for a list of strengths currently in production the supply to our partner chemists is limited. We therefore commence all new patients routinely on Armour Thyroid.
For further information, please check the manufacturers website: https://www.naturethroid.com/
A natural * thyroid hormone replacement therapy for patients with Hypothyroidism
 | Natural* desiccated porcine thyroid extract |
 | Batch-to-batch testing to ensure consistent T4 & T3 |
 | Contains no ingredient made from a gluten-containing grain (wheat, barley, or rye) |
 | Easy to swallow and dye-free |
 | Made with the highest quality standards under cGMP |
USING NATURE-THROID FOR MAXIMUM BENEFIT
- NP Thyroid® is an alternative therapy to levothyroxine sodium
- Thyroid hormones act slowly in some parts of the body so it can take several months after treatment is started for symptoms to improve completely 3,4
- Periodic monitoring of TSH, T4, and/or T3 levels are necessary to ensure the proper dose is still effective 3,4
- If dose is off by a little, it can change your TSH level and possibly cause symptoms 4
- If changing the dose of your current thyroid hormone therapy or switching to NP Thyroid® your TSH level should be re-checked in 6 weeks or as directed by your clinician
NP Thyroid® (thyroid tablets, USP) is a prescription medicine that is used to treat a condition called hypothyroidism from any cause, except for cases of temporary hypothyroidism, which is usually associated with an inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis). It is meant to replace or supplement a hormone that is usually made by your thyroid gland.
NP Thyroid® is also used in the treatment and prevention of normal functioning thyroid goiters, such as thyroid nodules, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multinodular goiter, and in the management of thyroid cancer.
Available in the following dosage levels:1
The dosage of thyroid hormones is specific to each individual patient and must be individualized according to licensed prescriber, patient responses and laboratory findings.
- Available in multiple strengths for easy titration to achieve the necessary therapeutic range.
- Adequate therapy usually results in normal TSH and T4 levels after 2 to 3 weeks of therapy.
- Readjustments of thyroid hormone dosage should be made within the first four weeks of therapy, after clinical and laboratory evaluations by your healthcare provider.
IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION
Drugs with thyroid hormone activity, alone or together with other therapeutic agents, have been used for the treatment of obesity. In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.
- NP Thyroid® is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, and hypersensitivity to any component of the product.
- In the elderly and in patients with cardiovascular disease, NP Thyroid® should be used with greater caution than younger patients or those without cardiovascular disease.
- Use of NP Thyroid® in patients with diabetes mellitus or adrenal cortical insufficiency may worsen the intensity of their symptoms.
- The therapy of myxedema coma requires simultaneous administration of glucocorticoids.
- Concomitant use of NP Thyroid® with oral anticoagulants alters the sensitivity of oral anticoagulants. Prothrombin time should be closely monitored in thyroid-treated patients on oral anticoagulants.
- In infants, excessive doses of NP Thyroid® may produce craniosynostosis.
- Partial loss of hair may be experienced by children in the first few months of therapy but is usually transient.
- Adverse reactions associated with NP Thyroid® therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage.
- Many drugs and some laboratory tests may alter the therapeutic response to NP Thyroid®. In addition, thyroid hormones and thyroid status have varied effects on the pharmacokinetics and actions of other drugs. Administer at least 4 hours before or after drugs that are known to interfere with absorption. Evaluate the need for dose adjustments when regularly administering within one hour of certain foods that may affect absorption.
- NP Thyroid® should not be discontinued during pregnancy, and hypothyroidism diagnosed during pregnancy should be promptly treated.
Citations:
3. American College of Endocrinology. Hypothyroidism. 2016. http://www.thyroidawareness.com/sites/all/files/hypothyroidism.pdf. Accessed February 14, 2017.
4. Baskin HJ, Cobin RH, Duick DS, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists medical guidelines for clinical practice for the evaluation and treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Endocr Pract. 2002;8:458-467.
For further information, please check the manufacturers website: https://npthyroid.com