There are two main schools of thought when it comes to health; conventional and complementary (natural). Of course, every case is different and what works for one person may not be optimal for another. Here you’ve got to take into account the seriousness of your thyroid disorder, your overall health, comfort level, tolerances and preferences, and of course, the thoughts of your healthcare provider – and that’s just to start! Usually the best approach is to use the best of both worlds.

Thyroid Medication For Hypothyroid

1. T4 or thyroxine. Also known as levothyroxine, oroxine, synthroid, and eltroxin .

2. T3 or Cytomel is another option for treating an under-active thyroid. The downside here is the pill needs to be taken several times a day. This makes it slightly more inconvenient and can vary results when not taken regularly.

3. Desiccated thyroid = T4 + T3 + other known elements. This is a bio-identical hormone (whole thyroid extract) which is derived from pigs. You can think of it as a “bridging the gap” drug between conventional and natural/holistic healing approaches. When drugs are required both conventional and natural medical doctors seem to agree with this option, as it appears to react better with patient’s systems than synthetic T4.

Medication Dosage Equivalents: 100 mcg of Synthroid = 25 mcg Cytomel = 1 grain desiccated thyroid

Please note that some prescription drugs can depress thyroid function such as lithium bromide, tricyclic and moamine oxidase inhibitors; anti-depressants, dopamine (both treating depression caused by low thyroid sometimes) and adenosine.