Desiccated thyroid

Desiccated thyroid or thyroid extract refers to porcine or bovine thyroid glands, dried and powdered for therapeutic use. This form of thyroid hormone therapy has been used since the late 19th century and is still prescribed today for the treatment of hypothyroidism.

History

The use of desiccated thyroid in the treatment of hypothyroidism dates back to the late 1800s. The first recorded use of desiccated thyroid was by Sir George Redmayne Murray, who administered it to a patient suffering from myxedema, a severe form of hypothyroidism.

Preparation

Desiccated thyroid is prepared from the thyroid glands of pigs or cows. The glands are dried (desiccated), ground to a powder, then mixed with a binder and pressed into pills. The amount of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in the pills is standardized to ensure consistent dosing.

Use in Medicine

Desiccated thyroid is used in the treatment of hypothyroidism. It provides both T4 and T3, the two main hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Some patients prefer desiccated thyroid over synthetic thyroid hormones because it is a natural product and because it provides T3 as well as T4.

Controversies

The use of desiccated thyroid is controversial. Some medical professionals believe that synthetic thyroid hormones are superior because they provide more consistent dosing. Others believe that desiccated thyroid is superior because it provides both T4 and T3. The American Thyroid Association and the Endocrine Society both recommend the use of synthetic thyroid hormones, but acknowledge that desiccated thyroid may be a suitable alternative for some patients.

See Also

• Thyroid hormone
• Hypothyroidism
• Thyroxine
• Triiodothyronine

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