What Desiccated Thyroid Is
Desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) is a medication derived from the dried and powdered thyroid glands of animals, most commonly pigs. Historically, it was also sourced from sheep or cows. The glands are dried, ground into a powder, and then combined with binding agents before being pressed into pills. This process allows for the creation of a thyroid hormone replacement product.
The composition of desiccated thyroid includes a blend of hormones naturally produced by the thyroid gland. It contains both thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are the two primary thyroid hormones. In addition to T4 and T3, desiccated thyroid also contains trace amounts of other thyroid co-factors like T1, T2, calcitonin, and iodine, all of which are naturally present in the animal thyroid gland. This blend is sometimes referred to as a “natural” or “bioidentical” source of thyroid hormones because it mimics the array of substances found in a healthy thyroid.
How Desiccated Thyroid Treats Hypothyroidism
Desiccated thyroid is primarily used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient thyroid hormones. An underactive thyroid can lead to a slowing of the body’s metabolism, resulting in various symptoms. By supplementing the body with the hormones it lacks, desiccated thyroid helps restore metabolic function to a more balanced state.
The T4 and T3 hormones present in desiccated thyroid are crucial for regulating the body’s energy and metabolism. When these hormones are deficient due to hypothyroidism, the body’s processes slow down. Administering desiccated thyroid provides the necessary hormones to increase the basal metabolic rate, enhance the utilization of glycogen stores, and promote glucose generation, which supplies energy to cells. This hormone replacement can help alleviate common symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and feelings of depression.
Comparing Desiccated Thyroid and Synthetic Thyroid Hormones
The most commonly prescribed thyroid hormone replacement is levothyroxine, a synthetic form of T4. A key difference between desiccated thyroid and synthetic levothyroxine lies in their composition. Desiccated thyroid contains a natural combination of both T4 and T3, while levothyroxine contains only T4. The human thyroid gland primarily produces T4, which the body then converts into the more active T3.
For some individuals, the body may struggle with the efficient conversion of T4 to T3. Desiccated thyroid provides both hormones, potentially benefiting those who might not adequately convert T4 from synthetic medications. While scientific evidence regarding universal superiority is mixed, some patients report feeling better on desiccated thyroid, attributing it to the presence of T3 or the complete blend of natural thyroid components.
Historically, concerns about the consistency of natural desiccated thyroid preparations existed, but modern manufacturing processes, guided by USP standards, ensure that tablets contain specific amounts of T4 and T3. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized desiccated thyroid for many years, as its use predates modern drug approval processes.
Managing Desiccated Thyroid Treatment
Desiccated thyroid is a prescription medication that requires careful dosing and ongoing supervision by a healthcare professional. The appropriate dosage is highly individualized, determined by a patient’s thyroid function tests and their specific symptoms. It is typically taken once daily, often on an empty stomach, for optimal absorption.
Regular monitoring is an important part of managing desiccated thyroid treatment. This typically involves blood tests, such as those measuring Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), free T4, and free T3 levels, to assess hormone balance and guide dosage adjustments. Symptom assessment also plays a significant role in determining treatment efficacy and patient well-being.
While generally well-tolerated when correctly dosed, both over-dosing and under-dosing can lead to adverse effects. Too much medication can cause symptoms resembling hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, anxiety, or heart palpitations, while too little will result in persistent hypothyroid symptoms. Ongoing medical guidance ensures the safe and effective use of this medication.