If you’ve struggled with your thyroid, you’ve likely heard about or even taken the synthetic thyroid hormone, thyroxine (also known as levothyroxine, Levoxyl, or Synthroid. But there are effective natural options available too. Natural thyroid treatments include desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) and natural desiccated thyroid extract (NDT), and they can work wonders when treating Hashimoto’s disease and other forms of hypothyroidism.
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of natural thyroid treatments, how they work, and the importance of medical supervision during the treatment journey.
DTE and NDT are both thyroid hormone replacements and are considered one of the first treatments for hypothyroidism. NDT was one of the only treatments available in the first half of the 20th century.
Unlike the synthetic version of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4), NDT is made from the dried thyroid glands of pigs and includes both hormones produced by the human thyroid: T4 and triiodothyronine (T3). Besides hypothyroidism, NDT can also be used to treat an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) and Hashimoto’s disease as well.
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease where antibodies attack the cells in the thyroid gland, leading to a reduced production of thyroid hormones. DTE and NDT can make up for those lack of hormones and ensure you reach a balance that’s right for you and your body.
There are four brands of natural desiccated thyroid currently available in the United States by prescription. They include:
In terms of compatibility, pigs are one of the few animals to produce all four thyroid hormones found in humans: T1, T2, T3 (triiodothyronine), and T4 (thyroxine). Due to its similarities with the human thyroid, DTE and NDT made with porcine (pig) thyroid are both considered highly effective bioidentical thyroid medicines for treating hypothyroidism.
Despite the availability of levothyroxine, many patients prefer DTE and notice that they see better results. Researchers continue to study and debate which is more effective at treating hypothyroidism.
A malfunctioning thyroid can slow down your body’s metabolic processes and lead to a variety of negative symptoms, including tiredness, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, constipation, depression, and muscle aches and weakness. But with natural thyroid treatments like NDT and DTE, you can balance your thyroid hormones and get relief from these symptoms.
Some of the benefits of taking NDT and DTE tablets include
These natural thyroid treatments will help you achieve the optimal TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), Free T4, and Free T3 levels and ensure you’re avoiding absorption or conversion complications.
For Hashimoto’s disease patients who take natural thyroid supplements specifically, NDT has been shown to improve their focus and energy as well as their mood and sleep.
By relieving the negative symptoms of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease with NDT and DTE, you can restore your physical and mental health and have the energy to live life to the fullest.
As with any medication or supplement, NDT and DTE require medical supervision. To see how your thyroid is responding to the medication, you will need regular testing and to discuss your changing symptoms with your provider.
Additionally, because animals have different natural hormone levels than humans, monitoring your thyroid hormone levels and adjusting dosing and treatment is vital.
Like most medications, NDT and DTE also come with side effects. These side effects can include:
There are also certain medical conditions that don’t react well when combined with DTE and NDT. Additionally, when some medications are mixed with NDT, they can negatively affect how the body absorbs the natural medication.
If you have any of the following medical conditions, NDT may not be right for you:
If you take any of the following medications, make sure to let your provider know::
You will want to avoid taking these medications for at least four hours before or after taking your NDT. On top of that, when taking NDT or DTE, make sure you do so at least 30 to 60 minutes before eating breakfast.
Before your provider prescribes NDT, they will look over your medical history and the medications you’re taking to determine if it’s right for you.
Desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) and natural desiccated thyroid extract (NDT) have been shown to be effective alternatives to synthetic thyroid hormones and can treat hypothyroidism, goiter, and Hashimoto’s disease. DTE and NDT can alleviate the distressing symptoms that come with these disorders and lead to improved sleep, better mood, and increased metabolism.
But remember, as with many medications, medical supervision and regular testing is crucial to ensure you’re getting the right treatment for your needs. At Hybrid Medical Solution, we’ll be with you every step of the way as we balance your thyroid hormone levels with a customized treatment plan.
Start your journey to better thyroid health today by calling our Boca Raton, FL office at (561) 556-6867 or using our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
