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Raw thyroid: Any drawbacks?
What are the drawbacks to taking reasonable amounts of dessicated thyroid, such as from Natural Sources?
I'm a male, 60. My TSH is 5.5 and I have some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. I have tried taking one or less capsules per day of Natural Sources raw thyroid and it seems to help. But I would like to know if I might be harming myself in the long run.
Is there an increasing tolerance level? Is there a harmful effect on what little natural thyroid production I presently have? Once I start will I have to use it for life? Are there better OTC products?
Can I rely on what "feels" like the right dosage?
I'm a male, 60. My TSH is 5.5 and I have some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. I have tried taking one or less capsules per day of Natural Sources raw thyroid and it seems to help. But I would like to know if I might be harming myself in the long run.
Is there an increasing tolerance level? Is there a harmful effect on what little natural thyroid production I presently have? Once I start will I have to use it for life? Are there better OTC products?
Can I rely on what "feels" like the right dosage?
Most probably THYROID STORM (atrial fibbrillation) at a guess.Which could cause massive heart attack or stroke.
Sorry...but I say it as I see it :(
Because of your age...most Docs wont prescribe Natural Thyroid Hormone for you if you have any heart issues, vascular diseases etc.
These would have to be ruled out first by a Cardiologist.
Sorry...but I say it as I see it :(
Because of your age...most Docs wont prescribe Natural Thyroid Hormone for you if you have any heart issues, vascular diseases etc.
These would have to be ruled out first by a Cardiologist.
I agree with Deb. IF (the big fat IF) the OTC meds are effective at all (and I don't know that they are) in controlling a thyroid condition, then taking too much of them would be equivalent to taking too much of your prescription thyroid meds. Twice would probably do you in...ten times, no way.
In addition, dessicated thyroid products have a high T3 content compared to the T3 that our thyroids would produce if they were working properly. T3, unlike T4, is very fast-acting, so it could get you into trouble almost immediately. Deb's also right about the heart issues...T3 meds do not mix with heart issues.
There is just no way with thyroid meds to say "take one capsule per day". It totally ignores the fact that we are all comfortable at different levels and all react to the meds differently. You might have the exact same numbers (lab results) as someone else, but might respond to half as much medication as that other person. This is like being diabetic...you take your meds...you monitor your blood levels...you adjust your meds until you feel good.
My best advice to you would be to forget OTC remedies. If you're convinced that you want to go with a non-synthetic product, then it would behoove you to find a competent doctor to manage prescription dessicated for you after a cardiac workup to rule out any contraindications. I don't think you want to mess with this, and Deb's also right that it gets even trickier for oldies like you (I'll be sixty on my next birthday)!
Gee, Deb, somehow you just made me feel like a relic! LOL
In addition, dessicated thyroid products have a high T3 content compared to the T3 that our thyroids would produce if they were working properly. T3, unlike T4, is very fast-acting, so it could get you into trouble almost immediately. Deb's also right about the heart issues...T3 meds do not mix with heart issues.
There is just no way with thyroid meds to say "take one capsule per day". It totally ignores the fact that we are all comfortable at different levels and all react to the meds differently. You might have the exact same numbers (lab results) as someone else, but might respond to half as much medication as that other person. This is like being diabetic...you take your meds...you monitor your blood levels...you adjust your meds until you feel good.
My best advice to you would be to forget OTC remedies. If you're convinced that you want to go with a non-synthetic product, then it would behoove you to find a competent doctor to manage prescription dessicated for you after a cardiac workup to rule out any contraindications. I don't think you want to mess with this, and Deb's also right that it gets even trickier for oldies like you (I'll be sixty on my next birthday)!
Gee, Deb, somehow you just made me feel like a relic! LOL
Ouch! A massive heart attack would be a serious side effect, wouldn't it?
It appears that T3 and T4 levels are so critical, that desiccated thyroid use would be self-limiting; if it's effective at all, you will know when you've had enough.
It also sounds like desiccated thyroid is fairly benign, if used intelligently.
I take your points about using professional medical care. I don't intend to use this information irresponsibly.
No, none of it is "fairly benign"...hormones are powerful stuff. Synthetic or "natural", you have to adjust, adjust, adjust to get it right. It's all very potent, and dessicated (prescription) even more so than synthetic since the high T3 content makes it that much more volatile. You really have to know what you're doing.
Thyroid hormones affect every cell in your body, so the repercussions can be quite ubiquitous.
The problem is that T3 is very fast-acting. The effects are apparent almost immediately. T4, on the other hand, has to build in your system to a stable level, which takes 4-6 weeks between each meds adjustment. However, these two (T3 and 4) interact to create your whole thyroid profile, so you can see where it can get complicated. It can be a bit of a juggling act until you find the right dose with any of the (few) options we have available.
You've probably never been hyper, but take my word for it, hypo is better any day.
BTW, you have to make the distinction between OTC animal products and prescription dessicated thyroid hormone. They are two very different things..one an accepted treatment, the other questionable. So, I really don't know what you're referring to when you say "dessicated thyroid is fairly benign".
Thyroid hormones affect every cell in your body, so the repercussions can be quite ubiquitous.
The problem is that T3 is very fast-acting. The effects are apparent almost immediately. T4, on the other hand, has to build in your system to a stable level, which takes 4-6 weeks between each meds adjustment. However, these two (T3 and 4) interact to create your whole thyroid profile, so you can see where it can get complicated. It can be a bit of a juggling act until you find the right dose with any of the (few) options we have available.
You've probably never been hyper, but take my word for it, hypo is better any day.
BTW, you have to make the distinction between OTC animal products and prescription dessicated thyroid hormone. They are two very different things..one an accepted treatment, the other questionable. So, I really don't know what you're referring to when you say "dessicated thyroid is fairly benign".
"BTW, you have to make the distinction between OTC animal products and prescription dessicated thyroid hormone. They are two very different things..one an accepted treatment, the other questionable."
How can you say this? I consistently made a distinction:
In my first post I referred to "dessicated thyroid, such as from Natural Sources".
In my second post I referred to "any OTC product for hypothyroid" and "non-sanctioned thyroid remedies". We both know that Armour dessicated thyroid, and T3 thyroxine and T4 triiodothyronine do not fit either description.
In my third post I referred to "properly prescribed FT3 and FT4 replacements". We are both aware that OTC desiccated thyroid does not fit this description.
In my fourth post I referred to "Conventionally-prescribed FDA-approved FT3 and FT4 replacements" ditto above, and specifically differentiated "FDA-approved (Armour)" from "OTC (Natural Sources) desiccated thyroid". I asked if you knew of any practical difference. You responded by saying there "are VERY practical differences".
You must have understood at this point that this thread discussed two classes of substances, or there wouldn't have been any differences to comment on.
In my fifth post I concluded that "desiccated thyroid use would be self-limiting; if it's effective at all" further establishing my understanding that the (admittedly unstated) OTC product is not in the same class as regulated pharmaceuticals.
If there was ever any doubt that publicly-available OTC remedies are not in the same class as government-sanctioned physician-prescribed FDA pharmaceuticals, let it be known now. Otherwise, let's get on with the purpose of this thread.
The title of this thread is "Raw thyroid: Any drawbacks?" And my question, repeatedly stated, is "What are the drawbacks to taking reasonable amounts of dessicated thyroid, such as from Natural Sources?"
Other than the extreme example of a massive heart attack, nothing was said to contraindicate responsible use of OTC desiccated thyroid. Opinions were given to show that possible strong effects make the use of this product self-regulating, if effective at all.
Based on this, and on information that I have gathered elsewhere, I conclude that this substance (OTC desiccated thyroid) is fairly benign if used responsibly. I am open to changing this impression, and would welcome any further information you might have on this subject.
Hey Dooright, are you just naturally rude, or just trying real hard to be? People here offer their help to others for free. Do not boss them around.
"If there was ever any doubt that publicly-available OTC remedies are not in the same class as government-sanctioned physician-prescribed FDA pharmaceuticals, let it be known now. Otherwise, let's get on with the purpose of this thread."
-OK
-This is the 'dessicated' line in question- "It appears that T3 and T4 levels are so critical, that desiccated thyroid use would be self-limiting; if it's effective at all, you will know when you've had enough."
"The title of this thread is "Raw thyroid: Any drawbacks?" And my question, repeatedly stated, is "What are the drawbacks to taking reasonable amounts of dessicated thyroid, such as from Natural Sources?" "
-Drawbacks? read between the lines, its not regulated, so how do you know each dose is close to the other in strength? You dont. And that could cause cardiac issues. And how do you measure 'reasonable amounts' ?
"Other than the extreme example of a massive heart attack, nothing was said to contraindicate responsible use of OTC desiccated thyroid"
- responsible use would mean using this with proper lab tests and under the guidance of a doctor. And as I said, good luck finding a doctor that will work with a patient on OTC gladular thyroid.
"If there was ever any doubt that publicly-available OTC remedies are not in the same class as government-sanctioned physician-prescribed FDA pharmaceuticals, let it be known now. Otherwise, let's get on with the purpose of this thread."
-OK
-This is the 'dessicated' line in question- "It appears that T3 and T4 levels are so critical, that desiccated thyroid use would be self-limiting; if it's effective at all, you will know when you've had enough."
"The title of this thread is "Raw thyroid: Any drawbacks?" And my question, repeatedly stated, is "What are the drawbacks to taking reasonable amounts of dessicated thyroid, such as from Natural Sources?" "
-Drawbacks? read between the lines, its not regulated, so how do you know each dose is close to the other in strength? You dont. And that could cause cardiac issues. And how do you measure 'reasonable amounts' ?
"Other than the extreme example of a massive heart attack, nothing was said to contraindicate responsible use of OTC desiccated thyroid"
- responsible use would mean using this with proper lab tests and under the guidance of a doctor. And as I said, good luck finding a doctor that will work with a patient on OTC gladular thyroid.
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