Thyroid hormone is used in two situations:
1) to replace the function of the thyroid gland, which is no longer functioning normally ("replacement therapy") and
2) to prevent further growth of thyroid tissue ("suppression therapy")
Many people have a thyroid gland that cannot make enough thyroid hormone for the body's needs. This is called hypothyroidism and may be caused by
- a non-functioning thyroid gland
- destruction of thyroid gland by surgery or radiation treatment, or by
- a non-functioning pituitary gland.
Hypothyroidism, is the most common reason for needing thyroid hormone replacement.
When someone is first started on thyroid hormone the initial dose is carefully selected based on information such as a person's weight, age, and other medical conditions. The dose will then need to be adjusted by a physician to keep the thyroid function normal. The physician will make sure the thyroid hormone dose is correct by performing a physical examination and checking TSH levels.
The pharmacists at Bayview Pharmacy have the ability to compound natural desiccated thyroid hormone capsules specifically for you, based on your symptoms and TSH levels. This type of compounded desiccated thyroid hormone contains the same hormones that your own thyroid would produce - T4, T3, and that's why patients have found it to work so well.
Our capsules contain the same natural ingredient (desiccated thyroid) as Armour Thyroid, Westhroid, and Nature-Throid.