Can I take a "natural" hormone? What are the side effects?

By Anonymous October 27, 2011 - 11:55am

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I've been diagnosed with Hasimoto's Disease back in August. My endocrinologist prescribed Levoxyl. It worked for about a week, and then slowly wore off. I've been doing some research on the web, and found desiccated natural thyroid? Is this safe to use, and what is the success rate? Can my endocrinologist prescribe this? I'm going back to my endo, in the beginning of November, so any info would be appreciated, and helpful. Thanks!

Eva Meehan

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Anonymous

Hi Anon,
Welcome to EmpowHER and thanks for your question. Research indicates that desiccated thyroid contains both T4 and T3, the balance of T4 and T3 in animals is not the same as in humans, so the hormones in animal thyroid pills aren’t necessarily “natural” for the human body. Further, the amounts of both T4 and T3 can vary in every batch of desiccated thyroid, making it harder to keep blood levels right. Finally, even desiccated thyroid pills have chemicals (binders) in them to hold the pill together, so they are not completely “natural”. Desiccated animal thyroid is rarely prescribed today, and there is no evidence that desiccated thyroid has any advantage over synthetic T4. All medications have different reaction on everyone.

Here are some links that can help
https://www.empowher.com/condition/thyroid-conditions
https://www.empowher.com/condition/t3
https://www.empowher.com/condition/t4

Best of luck,
Daisy

October 27, 2011 - 2:35pm