Desiccated porcine thyroid, sometimes referred to as natural desiccated thryoid (NDT), is derived naturally from the glands of pigs. It has been used for almost 100 years to improve symptoms of hypothyroidism. Each dose of NDT contains multiple thyroid hormones and thyroid co-factors. Many patients and doctors prefer this effective, non-synthetic way of increasing hormone levels because it includes both active and inactive forms of the thyroid hormone. Our compounded thyroid contains:

• T4 & T3 replacement hormones derived from natural desiccated porcine thyroid
• Naturally occurring thyroid cofactors T1, T2, calcitonin and iodine (in trace amounts)

Hypothyroidism and Desiccated Thyroid

Hypothyroidism is a condition that can affect the entire body and plays a role in many essential processes. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, cognitive issues, loss of libido, and more. The only way to treat this condition is by restoring levels of thyroid hormone. There are two types of thyroid medications for doing this which are synthetic and naturally derived. Synthetic thyroid hormones are levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3), which can be taken separately or combined into one capsule. Desiccated thyroid hormone is made from the glands of pigs and includes T3 and T4 along with the thyroid co-factors T1 and T2. It is made from the entire dried gland so it includes all forms of the thyroid hormone.

One of the main concerns that some healthcare providers have with T4-only supplementation is that not all patients are able to effectively convert it to T3. There are many situations where patients do not respond to T4-only medication. NDT is often the preferred treatment as it provides comprehensive supplementation of all thyroid hormones. In addition, a compounded formulation can be free of additives that causes issues for some patients. Our compounded NDT is made with only one filler – microcrystalline cellulose – and contains no additives.

NDT Brands

Natural desiccated thyroid is available under the brand names Nature Throid and Armour Thyroid. In recent years there have been shortages of brand-name desiccated thyroid hormones that have affected patients. Our compounding pharmacy is unaffected by shortages of natural thyroid and is able to compound desiccated porcine thyroid in multiple strengths. The thyroid medications we compound are custom-made for each individual patient.

Our pharmacy now obtains Thyroid USP from the same supplier as RLC Labs, which formerly manufactured Nature Throid and WP Thyroid.

Research

Desiccated thyroid extract compared with levothyroxine in the treatment of hypothyroidism: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. – Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 

The History and Future of Treatment of Hypothyroidism – Annals of Internal Medicine