Approximately 200 million people worldwide have Thyroid disorders. The risk increases with age and is more common in women. Symptoms of hypothyroidism (low thyroid) may include fatigue, depression, anxiety, slowed metabolism and heart rate, dry skin, cold and heat intolerance, high cholesterol, fluid retention, constipation, memory and concentration impairment, headaches and migraines, swollen neck, low body temperature, irritability, decreased libido, low blood sugar, and weight gain. Patients may have some or all of these symptoms, but may not be diagnosed for years.
The theory behind the use of T4 alone (levothyroxine), is that the thyroid gland converts T4 into T3. However, as the thyroid gland of a hypothyroid person is already malfunctioning, its ability to convert T4 to T3 may be hampered as well. T3 (liothyronine) is commercially available only as an immediate acting preparation, which often causes undesirable side effects including palpitations. Many patients have tried using thyroid hormones such as evothyroxine (T4) and liothyroinine (T3), and have found that Armour Thyroid® (Desiccated Natural Thyroid), which contains a specific ratio of T4 and T3, works best for them.
Thyroid Hormone exists in two major forms:
- Thyroxine (T4), is an inactive form that is produced exclusively by the thyroid gland and is converted to the active form in the body.
- Triiodothyronine (T3) is the active form of thyroid hormone, About 20% of T3 is produced by the thyroid gland, with the remainder produced through conversion of T4 in various tissues of the body when more T3 is needed.
The theory behind the use of T4 alone (levothyroxine), is that the thyroid gland converts T4 into T3. However, as the thyroid gland of a hypothyroid person is already malfunctioning, its ability to convert T4 to T3 may be hampered as well. T3 (liothyronine) is commercially available only as an immediate acting preparation, which often causes undesirable side effects including palpitations. Many patients have tried using thyroid hormones such as evothyroxine (T4) and liothyroinine (T3), and have found that Armour Thyroid® (Desiccated Natural Thyroid), which contains a specific ratio of T4 and T3, works best for them.
Just this year, Armour Thyroid® was reformulated by is manufacturer to improve dissolution, and during that time, availability problems forced patients to switch to the similar natural thyroid drugs, Nature-ThroidTM and WesthroidTM. When the reformulated Armour Thyroid® came back on the market, many patients complained that the reformulated product was not working as well as before, and some patients switched to Nature-ThroidTM and WesthroidTM again. Currently, there is a nationwide shortage of Armour Thyroid®, and the manufacturer has not indicated any date as to when the product will be back on the market. Nature-ThroidTM and WesthroidTM are also unavailable.
As of this month, Desiccated Natural Thyroid - Thyroid USP (porcine) - is available only through compounding pharmacies. Thyroid USP has been shown by analysis to meet the same potency standards as that which is used to manufacture commercial products that are currently on back-order. The pure chemical forms of T4 and T3 can also be used to create a custom blend to meet the specific needs of each patient. Please visit www.LibertyDrug.com for more information about thyroid imbalance and compounded thyroid.
