Thyroid extract
Alternate names: Desiccated Thyroid, Extracto de tiroides, Extrait de Thyroïde, Extrait Thyroïdien, Extrait Sec de Thyroïde
Actions: Endocrine
Background
Thyroid extract comes from tissue in the animal thyroid gland. Thyroid extract supplements contain dried and/or ground raw tissue or extract from tissue.
There are two major hormones produced by the thyroid gland: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid extract contains both hormones. 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.
People use thyroid extract for low thyroid hormone production (hypothyroidism), infertility, thyroid cancer, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. It might also be unsafe.
There are two major hormones produced by the thyroid gland: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid extract contains both hormones. 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.
People use thyroid extract for low thyroid hormone production (hypothyroidism), infertility, thyroid cancer, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. It might also be unsafe.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Thyroid extract is possibly unsafe. The strength of the hormones in thyroid extract is not consistent. This makes it difficult to get the right dose each day. Using thyroid extract might cause thyroid hormone levels to rise too much and cause serious side effects.
Heart conditions: Thyroid extract contains thyroid hormones. High levels of thyroid hormones can stress the heart. This might cause further heart damage in people with heart disease.
Elderly: Thyroid extract contains thyroid hormones. High levels of thyroid hormones can stress the heart. This could result in serious damage in older people who might already have a weakened heart..
High thyroid hormone levels: Thyroid extract contains thyroid hormones. In people who already have high thyroid levels, this could cause even higher levels and more side effects.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if thyroid extract is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Heart conditions: Thyroid extract contains thyroid hormones. High levels of thyroid hormones can stress the heart. This might cause further heart damage in people with heart disease.
Elderly: Thyroid extract contains thyroid hormones. High levels of thyroid hormones can stress the heart. This could result in serious damage in older people who might already have a weakened heart..
High thyroid hormone levels: Thyroid extract contains thyroid hormones. In people who already have high thyroid levels, this could cause even higher levels and more side effects.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using thyroid extract for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of thyroid extract might be. Thyroid extract might also be unsafe. The strength of the hormones found in thyroid extract is not consistent. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid, Levoxyl, and others)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Thyroid extract contains thyroid hormones. Levothyroxine is used to increase thyroid hormone levels in people whose levels are too low. Taking thyroid extract with levothyroxine might increase the effects and side effects of levothyroxine.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Products
View all products
Per serve:
- Porcine thyroid gland
- Porcine parathyroid glands
- Porcine hypothalamus
- Porcine pancreas
- Porcine adrenal mendulla
- Porcine thalamus
- Porcine pituitary gland
- Calcium iodide
- Iodine
- Porcine liver
- Porcine kidney
- Ferrum phosphate (Ferr Phos)
Practitioner product
Per serve:
- Porcine thyroid gland
- Porcine anterior pituitary gland
- Porcine adrenal cortex
- Porcine adrenal glands
- Porcine hypothalamus
- Porcine skin
- Porcine liver
- Porcine kidney
- Phosphoric acid
- Strychnos ignatii (Ignatia)
Practitioner product
vital.ly has licensed monographs from TRC Healthcare.
This monograph was last reviewed on 26/08/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 16/12/2015 20:39:55. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
