Natural vs. Synthetic Thyroid Medications: What You Need to Know

Hey everyone!

Let’s dive into a hot topic in the thyroid community: natural vs. synthetic thyroid medications. Yesterday, I received a message on social media criticizing the use of synthetic medications. The message suggested that a good thyroid clinician would only prescribe natural desiccated thyroid. I want to clear up some misconceptions and help you understand what's really going on.

Natural Desiccated Thyroid Medications

Natural desiccated thyroid medications, like Armour, NP Thyroid, or Thyroid, are often preferred over T4-only medications like Levothyroxine or Synthroid. But here's the key reason: it’s not because they’re natural; it’s because they contain T3.

The Importance of T3

T3 is the active thyroid hormone that makes you feel better. Desiccated thyroid medications contain both T3 and T4, which is why they often work better for many people compared to T4-only medications. However, if you reach perfect thyroid function with either desiccated thyroid or a combination of synthetic T4 and T3, you’ll feel just as good.

The Problem with T4-Only Medications

Medications like Levothyroxine and Synthroid are often ineffective because they only provide T4, which is an inactive hormone. Your body needs to convert T4 into T3 to use it effectively. If this conversion doesn’t happen properly, you won’t get the benefits you need.

Desiccated Thyroid Limitations

While desiccated thyroid medications have their benefits, they also have limitations:

• Fixed Ratios: They typically contain about 20-25% T3 and 75-80% T4. Not everyone does well with this fixed ratio. Some people need more T3 and less T4.
• Individual Needs: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach in thyroid care. Some patients may do better on a custom combination of synthetic T3 (like Cytomel) and T4.

The Bottom Line

It’s not about whether a medication is natural or synthetic. What truly matters is finding the right balance of T3 and T4 for your specific needs. At Modern Thyroid Clinic, we focus on personalized treatment plans to ensure you get the best possible care.

Remember, the goal is to achieve optimal thyroid function and feel your best. If you have questions or need guidance on your thyroid treatment, we’re here to help!

Stay informed and take care of your thyroid!

Modern Thyroid Clinic

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