Dessicated Thyroid is a prescription thyroid medication that is an alternative for patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Conventionally, when a patient is found to have low thyroid function, they are typically prescribed synthroid or levothyroxine. These are both synthetic forms of the thyroid hormones T4. While a lot of patients find relief in their symptoms using these synthetic medications, there are many that still feel unwell and have difficulty losing weight at even high doses. Why?
The thyroid produces two hormones, T4 and T3. The synthetic T4 drug needs to be converted to biologically active T3 in order to stimulate metabolic function. Giving T4 alone assumes that the body is capable of converting it to T3. Low conversion of T4 to T3 is often the result of hormonal imbalances such as low progesterone and high estrogen, nutritional deficiencies such as low selenium and B vitamins and even chronic stress.
Studies Show Patients feel better using dessicated thyroid
Dessicated thyroid is a bioidentical thyroid prescription that contains both T4 and T3. A randomized, double blind study of 70 patients with hypothyroidism were treated with either prescription desiccated thyroid or T4 (Synthroid) for 12 weeks. After each treatment period, patients were weighed, had blood tests, underwent physical testing and were asked which therapy they preferred based on improvements in symptoms. The study reported that 49% of the patients preferred desiccated thyroid extract, while only 19% preferred levothyroxine. Desiccated thyroid extract use was also associated with significantly more weight loss and both types of thyroid hormone were able to normalize the abnormal thyroid blood tests.
Dessicated thyroid is a great option for patients who don’t feel well on conventional medication and who have low conversion of T4 to T3.
Dessicated thyroid is a prescription medication so full thyroid assessments are required before prescribing it. Our team of experienced Naturopathic Doctors provide complete functional thyroid testing and can prescribe dessicated thyroid along with dietary and supplement recommendations. A comprehensive assessment and approach is required to optimize thyroid function and get you feeling your best. Book an appointment today with one of our doctors and let them help you get healthy, look beautiful and feel amazing!