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Thyroid Gland

Q: Is desiccated thyroid better than synthetic levothyroxine?

Evidence is mixed. Some patients report better symptom control with desiccated thyroid due to its T3 content, but medical guidelines often favor levothyroxine due to its standardized dosing and established safety profile.

Q: Can thyroid gland supplements cure autoimmune thyroiditis?

No, thyroid gland supplements do not cure autoimmune thyroiditis. They manage the hormone deficiency and may, in conjunction with other supplements like selenium, help reduce antibody levels.

Q: Are thyroid supplements safe without medical supervision?

No, thyroid hormone dosing requires careful medical supervision and monitoring to prevent adverse effects such as hyperthyroidism or cardiac issues. Self-medication is not recommended.

Q: How soon do benefits appear after starting thyroid gland supplements?

Patients typically begin to experience benefits and improvements in symptoms within a few weeks to a few months, with continued adjustments to dosage as needed.

Also known as: Desiccated thyroid, Thyroid extract, Thyroid supplement, Porcine thyroid, Thyroid Gland (Desiccated)

Overview

Thyroid Gland supplements typically consist of dried and powdered thyroid tissue, most commonly from pigs (porcine thyroid). These supplements provide natural thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), in a combination that mimics the natural output of the human thyroid gland. They are primarily used to treat hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, especially when synthetic thyroid hormone therapy (e.g., levothyroxine, which is synthetic T4 only) is insufficient or not preferred by the patient. Unlike synthetic T4, desiccated thyroid contains both T3 and T4, along with other thyroid tissue components. While there is extensive research on thyroid hormone replacement therapies in general, specific high-quality evidence for desiccated thyroid supplements compared to synthetic hormones is less abundant but growing.

Benefits

Thyroid gland supplements effectively normalize thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4) and reduce elevated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in individuals with hypothyroidism. For patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s), thyroid hormone therapy, including desiccated thyroid, can reduce thyroid antibodies and improve thyroid function. Adjunctive supplementation with selenium has shown significant benefits, reducing TSH levels (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) of -0.21) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) by -0.96, indicating a moderate clinical effect on thyroid autoimmunity markers. Vitamin D supplementation also shows potential benefits in autoimmune thyroid conditions, though evidence is less conclusive than for selenium. Benefits typically manifest within weeks to months, with most studies reporting significant changes within 3 to 6 months. Younger patients (<65-70 years) with subclinical hypothyroidism may also experience reduced mortality risk with thyroid hormone replacement.

How it works

Thyroid gland supplements provide exogenous T3 and T4 hormones. Once absorbed, these hormones bind to nuclear thyroid hormone receptors (TRα and TRβ) located in various tissues throughout the body. This binding regulates gene expression, influencing critical physiological processes such as metabolism, growth, and development. By introducing these hormones, the supplement restores normal thyroid hormone levels, which in turn suppresses the secretion of TSH through a negative feedback loop. In autoimmune thyroiditis, it can also modulate immune responses. Desiccated thyroid is orally absorbed, with T3 being more rapidly absorbed and active than T4, contributing to a potentially faster onset of action compared to synthetic T4-only preparations.

Side effects

Thyroid gland supplements are generally safe when administered at appropriate dosages under medical supervision. The primary risk is overtreatment, which can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Common side effects, particularly with excessive dosing, include palpitations, nervousness, insomnia, and weight loss. Less common side effects (1-5% frequency) include an increased risk of osteoporosis with long-term overtreatment. Rare side effects (<1% frequency) can include cardiac arrhythmias, especially in susceptible individuals. Thyroid gland supplements can interact with other medications, such as anticoagulants, insulin, and other hormone therapies. They are contraindicated in individuals with untreated adrenal insufficiency or uncorrected thyrotoxicosis. Caution is advised when prescribing to elderly patients or those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease due to increased sensitivity to thyroid hormones.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of desiccated thyroid varies significantly among individuals. Dosing typically begins low, often around 30 mg per day, and is gradually titrated upwards based on the patient's clinical response and TSH levels. The optimal dosage range for most adults is usually between 60-120 mg per day, but this must be individualized. The maximum safe dose is determined by individual tolerance, as excessive dosing risks inducing hyperthyroidism. Desiccated thyroid should ideally be taken on an empty stomach to optimize absorption. The supplements are typically available as standardized tablets. Food and certain medications can interfere with absorption. While no specific cofactors are strictly required for the supplement's action, adequate selenium and vitamin D levels are beneficial for overall thyroid health, particularly in autoimmune conditions.

FAQs

Is desiccated thyroid better than synthetic levothyroxine?

Evidence is mixed. Some patients report better symptom control with desiccated thyroid due to its T3 content, but medical guidelines often favor levothyroxine due to its standardized dosing and established safety profile.

Can thyroid gland supplements cure autoimmune thyroiditis?

No, thyroid gland supplements do not cure autoimmune thyroiditis. They manage the hormone deficiency and may, in conjunction with other supplements like selenium, help reduce antibody levels.

Are thyroid supplements safe without medical supervision?

No, thyroid hormone dosing requires careful medical supervision and monitoring to prevent adverse effects such as hyperthyroidism or cardiac issues. Self-medication is not recommended.

How soon do benefits appear after starting thyroid gland supplements?

Patients typically begin to experience benefits and improvements in symptoms within a few weeks to a few months, with continued adjustments to dosage as needed.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1445878/full – This systematic review and network meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (3-6 months duration) on Hashimoto’s thyroiditis found that selenium and vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced TPOAb and TSH levels, indicating immune modulation and improved thyroid function. The study included high-quality RCTs, providing moderate to high certainty evidence for these adjunctive therapies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38243784/ – A meta-analysis of 35 RCTs (n=2358 participants) on selenium supplementation in Hashimoto’s patients without thyroid hormone replacement therapy demonstrated significant reductions in TSH (SMD -0.21) and TPOAb (SMD -0.96), with no increase in adverse effects. This provides moderate certainty evidence supporting selenium as an effective adjunctive therapy.
https://www.elsevier.es/en-revista-endocrinologia-diabetes-nutricion-english-ed--413-articulo-effects-vitamin-d-supplementation-on-S2530018024001434 – This systematic review investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on thyroid hormones and TSH. It reported mixed results but suggested potential benefits in autoimmune thyroid conditions. The authors concluded that further high-quality RCTs are warranted to solidify the evidence for vitamin D's role.
https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/106/1/292/5940803 – A meta-analysis of thyroid hormone therapy in subclinical hypothyroidism (n=21,055) found no overall mortality benefit but suggested reduced mortality in younger patients (<65-70 years). This supports thyroid hormone replacement in selected populations, though limitations included short follow-up and geographic homogeneity.