Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Glandular tissues, particularly desiccated thyroid extract derived from animal thyroid glands (usually porcine), have a long history of use in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Their use is primarily rooted in tradition, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries—before synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) became available. These glandular extracts contain both thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), mimicking the natural hormones produced by the human thyroid. Historically, desiccated thyroid was the standard treatment for hypothyroid patients and is still available as a prescription in some countries. However, scientific evaluation of glandular tissues has raised concerns regarding dose standardization, safety, and consistency of hormone levels. The concentration of T3 and T4 in these extracts can vary from batch to batch, which sometimes results in under- or overtreatment. Modern clinical guidelines favor synthetic levothyroxine, which offers precise dosing and fewer side effects. While some patients report symptomatic improvement on desiccated thyroid, well-designed studies have not shown clear superiority over levothyroxine. In summary, the use of glandular tissues for hypothyroidism is supported largely by tradition and historical precedent, with limited contemporary scientific validation. Most endocrinologists recommend synthetic preparations over glandular products due to better safety and efficacy profiles.

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