Desiccated thyroid extract

Based on subjective evaluation of thyroid symptoms and neurocognitive test results, there was no difference between a 16-week study of either desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) or levothyroxine in a randomised double-blind crossover study of 70 hypothyroid patients stabilised for 6 months on levothyroxine. However, a greater number of patients preferred DTE (48.6% DTE vs 18.6% levothyroxine) due to subjective judgement of better concentration, sleep and happiness... 

Hoang TD, Olsen CH, Mai VQ, Clyde PW, Shakir MK. Desiccated thyroid extract compared with levothyroxine in the treatment of hypothyroidism a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013 98(5) 1982-90. 

The use of desiccated thyroid rather than synthetic preparations is never justified, since the disadvantages of protein antigenicity, product instability, variable hormone concentrations, and difficulty in laboratory monitoring far outweigh the advantage of low cost. Significant amounts of T3 found in some thyroid extracts and liotrix may produce significant elevations in T3 levels and toxicity. Equivalent doses are 100 mg (1.5 g) of desiccated thyroid, 100 Mg of levothyroxine, and 37.5 ug of liothyronine. 

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