Thyroid extract

Related Terms

Armour Thyroid?, Bio-Throid?, desiccated thyroid, desiccated thyroid extract, dry thyroid extract, glandular, glandular thyroid, homologous thyroid gland, human crude thyroid extract, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, levothyroxine, levothyroxine sodium, liothyronine, LOCO X112, L-thyroxine, natural thyroid, natural thyroid hormone, Nature-Throid, Naturethroid?, raw thyroid, T3, T4, Thyranon?, thyroid BP, thyroid subcellular fractions, thyroid USP, thyreoideum, Thyroideum siccum, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, Westhroid?.

Background

Thyroid extract is a type of glandular nutritional supplement derived from animal thyroid tissue. Glandulars and other tissue extracts have played roles in traditional medicine and are thought to improve the function of the specific gland consumed.
Although thyroid extract has been traditionally used to replace patients' normal thyroid activity, limited research does not support the use of thyroid extract for hypothyroidism. Thyroid extracts are still used by some practitioners, but most practitioners now use synthetic thyroid hormones.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Thyroid extract has been used traditionally to replace patients' normal thyroid activity. Limited research suggests that thyroid extract may increase survival in patients with thyroid cancer. More studies are needed in this area before conclusions can be made.

 C


Thyroid extract has been used traditionally to replace patients' normal thyroid activity. Limited research suggests that thyroid extract may increase survival in patients with thyroid cancer. More studies are needed in this area before conclusions can be made.

 C


Thyroid extract has been used traditionally to replace patients' normal thyroid activity. Limited research does not support the use of thyroid extract for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). More studies are needed in this area before conclusions can be made.

 C


Thyroid extract has been used traditionally to replace patients' normal thyroid activity. Limited research does not support the use of thyroid extract for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). More studies are needed in this area before conclusions can be made.

 C


According to human research, thyroid extract may increase the incidence of pregnancy in infertile patients due to luteal-phase deficiency. More studies are needed in this area before conclusions can be made.

 C


According to human research, thyroid extract may increase the incidence of pregnancy in infertile patients due to luteal-phase deficiency. More studies are needed in this area before conclusions can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Various doses have been studied, but there is no proven effective dose for thyroid extract. The following doses of thyroid extract have been taken by mouth: 50 milligrams of thyroid extract daily and 100 milligrams of Thyranon? daily for four months.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Thyroid extract may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Thyroid extract may increase blood sugar levels. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by their qualified healthcare professionals, including pharmacists. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Thyroid extract may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of drugs may be increased or decreased in the blood and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package inserts and speak with qualified healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, about possible interactions.
Thyroid extract may also interact with agents that affect the immune system, agents that affect the nervous system, amiodarone, antacids, antidepressants, antiepileptic agents (such as hydantoins), barbiturates, bile acid sequestrants, calcium salts, carbamazepine, cholesterol-lowering agents, corticosteroids, digoxin, estrogens, iron salts, ketamine, magnesium supplements, rifamycins, sucralfate, theophylline, thyroid hormones, and weight loss agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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