Beyond the Thyroid - Episode 14: Pros and Cons of Thyroid Medicines

Welcome to Episode 14 of Beyond the Thyroid. I continue the discussion from last week, diving deeper into the world of thyroid medications. In this episode, I explore the myths and misunderstandings surrounding various thyroid hormone treatments, focusing on the differences between natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) and synthetic hormones.

I also share my insights on common misconceptions held by both doctors and patients, sharing the pros and cons of each type of thyroid medication. I explain my approach to diagnosing patients with normal lab results but significant symptoms, emphasizing that personalized thyroid hormone therapy is crucial to effective treatment.

Myth-Busting Thyroid Medications

One of the biggest myths is that natural desiccated thyroid (like Armour) contains "too much" T3. Some doctors argue that the 17% T3 in NDT is excessive, but in reality, many people with hypothyroidism have trouble converting enough T3 from T4. So, a prescription with higher T3 may be exactly what they need, though it’s not right for everyone. We’ll also address other misconceptions, such as the belief that Armour causes heart problems or bone loss—these issues are dose-related and apply to all thyroid medications, not just NDT.

Another common myth is that natural desiccated thyroid isn’t FDA-approved, which is technically true but irrelevant. It has been safely used since the early 1900s, and the FDA continues to regulate its production.

Tailoring Thyroid Treatment

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to thyroid hormone replacement. Some people respond better to synthetic levothyroxine, while others thrive on natural desiccated thyroid. My approach is to tailor treatment based on individual needs, symptoms, and lifestyle. For those with symptoms despite “normal” lab results, personalized therapy can make a world of difference.

Key Takeaways:

• The debate between natural and synthetic thyroid hormones is often misunderstood, and both have pros and cons.
• Many physicians believe myths about thyroid medications, which can hinder effective treatment.
• Personalized care, including careful consideration of symptoms despite normal labs, is essential for optimizing thyroid health.

Announcements

Before I wrap up, I have two exciting announcements:

1. Master Your Metabolism Program: I’m launching a group program in October to optimize metabolic health using continuous glucose monitors. This program is perfect for those looking to improve weight loss or better understand how their habits affect blood sugar levels. Seats are limited, so if you’re interested, join the waitlist here.
2. Pricing Changes: I’ll be phasing out introductory pricing in my virtual thyroid and hormone practice at the end of September. If you’ve been considering becoming a patient, now is the time to book a Discovery Call and lock in the current pricing. You can learn more here.

Listen Now: Gain a deeper understanding of thyroid hormone therapy, and learn how to make the right decisions for your thyroid health by listening to Episode 14 of Beyond the Thyroid.

This is part 2 of Episode 13: So You Don’t Want to Take Thyroid Medicine?

If you found this episode insightful, please consider leaving a five-star review for the Beyond the Thyroid podcast. Your support helps others find this valuable resource. To learn more about Dr. Gibbs and her approach to hormone health, visit her website at www.danagibbsmd.com. Remember, this podcast is for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue this journey together beyond the thyroid.