Have you ever wondered what’s the best thyroid treatment? Here is a list with summaries of all our options (which T4-only is not, say the experiences of too many patients over the years). ~Janie, hypothyroid patient and site creator
These are in no particular order. And we learned how important it is to get optimal free T4 and free T3, not just being anywhere in those so-called normal ranges. .
1. A WORKING NATURAL DESICCATED THYROID (NDT)
At the time of this writing, there have been recalls (after patients reporting a lot of problems) of NP Thyroid by Acella, Naturethroid and WP Thyroid by RLC. But, patients have reported the brand Armour continues to work well if you get optimal. Here’s more.
Luckily, there are European-made NDT’s that seem to be still working for Europeans!! Same with Australian compounded NDT. SO if you do NOT have access to European-made NDT…read #2-5 below about your alternatives….and remember, you still need to get OPTIMAL on the alternatives
ALTERNATIVES TO NDT (Natural Desiccated Thyroid)
2. SYNTHETIC T4 with SYNTHETIC T3, or T3 alone:
We have found that it’s not a bad thing to be on the two synthetics—far better than just being on T4-only. The goals are just the same–finding an optimal dose that puts the free T3 towards the top of the range and free T4 around mid-range, say patients over the years.
Some even choose to be just on synthetic T3, but remember that you’ll have no T4, the storage hormone, to covert to T3 for you, so you’ll have to dose it more, such as 3 times a day. Five times a day hasn’t been as effective as three, patients report, probably because it takes away the punch that three times gives you. Also, many patients report disliking the slow release version of T3–it’s an inexact man-made release and often runs out…and you feel it. But we leave it up to you. Read more here.
3. OVER THE COUNTER NATURAL THYROID SUPPLEMENTS
There are several out there. Some patients swear by them; others seem to be weaker. But whichever you choose, consider keeping an an eye on your RT3, besides the free T4 and free T3.
4. THYROID-S
This is (was) an NDT made in Thailand. It does have a lot of unnecessary fillers, sadly. But it works, say patients. Is it back?
5. COMPOUNDED DESICCATED THYROID:
This is a method of having a compounding pharmacist make your desiccated thyroid, or synthetic T4/T3. It works, but can be more expensive than any of the above. Many of these pharmacies still try to use cellulose as a filler, which binds the thyroid hormones, even if they deny it. Instead, ask that the filler be something like powdered Acidophilus or oil of your choice. NOTE: some compounders seem to be getting the same thyroid powder that was used by NDT’s that have been recalls. i.e. they smell like cat pee.
6. A GERMAN PHARMACY…
…will supposedly send the medication abroad, prescription required and credit cards accepted. They source the thyroid from Europe and have no shortages. They will also compound any strength and combination you require. “THYREOGLAND” from Munchen (Munich), Kloesterl Apoteke, Waltherstrasse, 80337 Muenchen. Phone: 089 54343211 (Let me know if my information is incorrect, please)
There are excellent books associated with Stop the Thyroid Madness
The one for everyone that focuses on all we’ve learned for treatment is called the updated revision Stop the Thyroid Madness: A Patient Revolution Against Decades of Inferior Thyroid Treatment. Though it has a chapter on prescription Natural Desiccated Thyroid, it’s still very appropriate for the natural thyroid supplements, or for T4/T3.
For the autoimmune Hashimoto’s disease, you’ll want the patient-to-patient book Hashimoto’s: Taming the Beast.
Click on the covers of the books to read about each of them here.
