About Thyroid

The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Thyroid.

Desiccated thyroid is used as a supplemental or replacement treatment in hypothyroidism and goiter. It is often prescribed for relief of symptoms such as low energy, slow speech, hair loss, weight gain, and an inability to get warm. The tablets or capsules consist of animal thyroid glands which have been dried and powered for administration in pill form. For vegans and others with dietary concerns, a synthetic version is available. Thyroid hormones are naturally occurring substances produced by the human body and are therefore safe for most patients to take in short term and long term regimens.

Though some patients experience quick relief upon starting a desiccated thyroid prescription, others report it can take up to six weeks, and sometimes longer. Unless there are complications, patients should take the entire medication as prescribed by their health care providers.

Each dose should be taken orally, and on an empty stomach. A missed dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered, unless it is within two hours of the next dose. In this case, the dose should be skipped in favor of resuming the regular dosing schedule. Desiccated thyroid supplements should never be taken in double doses to make up for a missed dose.

Since the hormones in desiccated thyroid occur naturally in the human body, they are unlikely to cause serious side effects. A few patients may experience some temporary hair loss, though this is more common in children than adults.