Thyroid Extract

• Overview
• Uses
• Side Effects
• Precautions
• Interactions
• Dosing

Thyroid extract comes from tissue in the animal thyroid gland. Some thyroid extract supplements contain dried and/or ground raw tissue from animal thyroid glands. Other thyroid extract supplements contain extract from animal thyroid glands. There are two major hormones produced by the thyroid gland: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid extract contains both hormones.

People take thyroid extract by mouth for a heart rhythm disorder called Adams-Stokes syndrome, stunted mental and physical growth (cretinism), enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland (Hashimoto's disease), low thyroid hormone production (hypothyroidism), infertility, severely low thyroid hormone production (myxedema), and thyroid cancer.

How does it work?

Thyroid extract contains the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are involved in many different processes in the body. Both T3 and T4 are involved in the control of growth and development, particularly in the development of the bones and brains of a developing fetus.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Infertility. Early research shows that taking a specific thyroid extract (Thyranon) daily, at increasing doses, for three menstrual periods, improves the chance of becoming pregnant in women with fertility problems.
• A heart rhythm disorder called Adams-Stokes syndrome.
• Stunted mental and physical growth (cretinism).
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).
• A condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland (Hashimoto's disease).
• Low thyroid hormone production (hypothyroidism).
• Severely low thyroid hormone production (myxedema).
• Thyroid cancer.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate thyroid extract for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Thyroid extract is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. The strength of the hormones in thyroid extract is not consistent. This makes proper dosing difficult. Using thyroid extract might increase the risk of thyroid hormone levels rising too much and result in heart complications.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking thyroid extract if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Heart disease or heart failure: Thyroid extract contains the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). In theory, taking thyroid extract might increase the risk of thyroid levels becoming too high. This can cause serious stress on the heart, which might cause further damage in people with heart disease or heart failure.

Elderly: Thyroid extract contains the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). In theory, taking thyroid extract might increase the risk of thyroid levels becoming too high. This can increase stress on the heart, which could result in serious damage in older people who might already have a weakened heart.

High thyroid hormone levels: Thyroid extract contains the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). In theory, taking thyroid extract might increase the risk of thyroid levels becoming too high, particularly in people who already have higher thyroid levels.

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Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid, Levoxyl, and others)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

Thyroid extract contains the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Levothyroxine is used to increase thyroid hormone levels in people whose levels are too low. In theory, taking thyroid extract with levothyroxine might increase the effects and side effects of levothyroxine.

The appropriate dose of thyroid extract depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for thyroid extract (in children/in adults). Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.