Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy
Wisconsin’s Source for Desiccated Natural Thyroid
There are currently nationwide shortages of major thyroid hormone supplement products, Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid and Westhroid. These products all contain Dessicated Natural Thyroid, also known as Thyroid USP (porcine.)
Many patients respond better to Dessicated Natural Thyroid because of its ratio of T3:T4. Other thyroid supplements work on the theory that the thyroid gland can convert T4 (levothyroxine) to T3 (liothyronine), but as the thyroid gland of a hypothyroid person is already not functioning properly, its ability to convert T4 to T3 may likely be inhibited as well. T3 is not available commercially except as an immediate acting preparation, which often causes undesirable side effects.Currently, compounding pharmacies are the only source of Dessicated Natural Thyroid (Thyroid USP-porcine) in the proper ratio of T4:T3 (4.22:1). Our greater Milwaukee Wisconsin compounding pharmacy can also create custom blends of T4 and T3 hormones to meet individual patient needs. MD Custom Rx also has the ability to omit fillers and excipients present in commercially available tablets which may not be well tolerated by some patients. For a perfectly balanced and custom formulated thyroid hormone supplement in Wisconsin, MD Custom Rx is your compounding pharmacy of choice.
Symptoms of hypothyroid (low thyroid) may include:
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Types of Thyroid Hormones
Thyroxine (T4), with four iodine atoms per molecule, is an inactive form that is produced exclusively by the thyroid gland
Triiodothyronine (T3), with three iodine atoms per molecule, is the active form of thyroid hormone. About 20% of T3 is produced by the thyroid gland, with the remainder produced through conversion of T4 in various tissues of the body when more T3 is needed. Some people may transform T4 into a non-usable form called Reverse T3.
The role of prescription compounding in the treatment of the hypothyroid patient:
Many studies suggest that replacement therapy for hypothyroidism with levothyroxine (T4) alone does not ensure normal thyroid hormone levels in all tissues, and that a combination of levothyroxine and T3 may be required for optimal thyroid replacement therapy. However, the only commercially available form of T3 is synthetic liothyronine sodium, an immediate release formulation, which is rapidly absorbed. We can help meet unique individual needs through customized compounded prescriptions. For example:
- Sustained-release T3 preparations
- Customized combinations of sustained-release T3 and T4
- Excipient free thyroid preparations for hypersensitive patients
