Hypothyroidism is an endocrine problem caused by an underactive thyroid gland. Since the thyroid hormone is required to maintain our body metabolism; if the thyroid gland is not providing enough of the hormone, it requires a hormone replacement. Synthetic levothyroxine is the most common form of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Before pure levothyroxine became available, desiccated animal thyroid extract was the only treatment for hypothyroidism. Today both are available by prescription only.

What is natural desiccated thyroid? Natural means that it is from a natural source. In this case, it will typically come from pig thyroid, also known as porcine thyroid. Desiccated refers to something that has had its moisture removed. Thyroid means that it is a thyroid hormone. It is believed that pigs produce thyroid hormones biologically similar to that found in humans. Porcine thyroid contains all four thyroid hormones that our bodies make – T4, T3, T2, … Read more