Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Thyroid substance, typically derived from the desiccated thyroid glands of animals (usually pigs), has a long history of use in traditional and early conventional medicine for supporting the glandular system, particularly in the management of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). The rationale is that consuming animal thyroid tissue provides natural forms of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) that can supplement deficient endogenous production. This approach dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries before the development of synthetic thyroid hormone replacements.

While desiccated thyroid extract was once the standard therapy for hypothyroidism, it has largely been replaced in modern medicine by synthetic levothyroxine, which provides a more standardized and controllable dose. Nevertheless, some practitioners and patients still use or advocate for desiccated thyroid preparations, often citing tradition or anecdotal reports of improved well-being compared to synthetic hormones. However, scientific evidence supporting the superiority or necessity of whole glandular extracts over synthetic options is limited, and concerns exist regarding dose variability and potential impurities in glandular supplements.

Overall, the use of thyroid substance to support the glandular system is primarily justified by tradition and historical practice, with some supporting clinical experience, but it lacks robust, contemporary scientific validation for general glandular health outside of regulated hypothyroid treatment.

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Nature's Sunshine Thyroid Support