Synthetic versus Natural thyroid medication

[ThyroidHell]

I have read lot of these blogs here and Its not clear to me that if the natural ( armour) is good why is it difficult to get from doctor then ? Whats the story with it ?

[shaws Administrator]

Before the generic levothyroxine was introduced in the '70's I believe everyone was prescribed natural dessicated thyroid hormones and dosed until symptoms went. When the blood tests were introduced with the recommendation that once the TSH reached 10 you could only be prescribed levothyroxine, the new generic and to bring your TSH levels down to 'within normal' range:- extract from BTA.

If the serum TSH concentration is above the reference range but <10mU/L,then serum thyroid peroxidase antibodies should be measured. If the serum antibody concentration is high, then serum TSH should be measured annually or earlier if symptoms develop; thyroxine therapy should be started if the

serum TSH concentration rises above 10mU/L. If the serum antibody concentration is not raised, then repeat measurement of serum TSH approximately every three years is all that is required (IV,C)

(See also Chapter 3).

•

There is no evidence to support the benefit of routine early treatment with thyroxine in non-pregnant patients with a serum TSH above the reference range but <10mU/L (II,B) .

Physicians may wish to consider the suitability of a therapeutic trial of thyroxine on an individual patient basis

The British Thyroid Association's advice re Armour is:-

british-thyroid-association...

Dr Lowe wrote to them a Rebuttal saying that they were making False Statements about dessicated thyroid hormone.

I believe it is really about cost (not what thyroid gland hormone enables a patient to be well) about £1.50 per month for levo against about £55 (roughly) for 3 months for dessicated.

Considering that natural dessicated thyroid has been in use for more than 100 years and this is a link to Nature-throid that has never been recalled for inconsistent T3 and T4 and has had proven results for more than 75 years - you can judge for yourself the BTA's statement.

Some people do feel well on levothyroxine but others, unfortunately, do not. We also have to have enough thyroid gland hormones to eradicate the symptoms whatever is taken - whether NDT or levo.

[PinkNinja in reply to shaws]

I think it's actually around £55 for 1 month, depending on dose of course. You can get it from some pharmacies on prescription for £150 for 100 tablets. T3 is even more expensive

[shaws Administrator in reply to PinkNinja]

You can clarify the price from here:-

tollesburypharmacy.com/priv...

I am sure I paid not more than £60 for 90 two grains.

[PinkNinja in reply to shaws]

That's worth knowing! It seems to be much more expensive from other pharmacies and from many of the suppliers that local pharmacies are buying from. They are clearly getting it from the wrong places!

[shaws Administrator in reply to PinkNinja]

As I am not at home I cannot check but I feel sure that's about right. I also paid $70 = £45 for 100 two grains plus £18 to post office.

[nobodysdriving in reply to shaws]

In addition to what Shaws said, also thyroxine is synthetic and NDT is 'natural', with the natural meds you cannot put a 'patent' on them, hence there is less profit to make for the drug companies I have heard.

it's all a money spinner at the end.....

[helvella Administrator in reply to nobodysdriving]

Levothyroxine was patented in the USA in 1959:

United States Patent 2,889,363

Issue Date: June 2, 1959

But that is well and truly exhausted!

(I don't think it was ever patented in the UK but maybe someone else knows better?)

I suspect that someone could apply for a patent for some new formulation of desiccated thyroid which might contain very few additional ingredients. Hmmm, like RCL's new-ish Westhroid P!

(I couldn't immediately find a patent for that combination but that probably reflects on my limited experience of searching the US Patent and Trademark Office.)

Rod

[ThyroidHell]

I just watched Seminar in Finland in Youtube and wow what an eye opener I actually understand it all now. The T3 hormone is the key on its own. But the pharmaceutical industry doesn't like it !!! It makes people WELL !!!

[gillianc in reply to ThyroidHell]

Do you have a link to the seminar on Youtube?

[ThyroidHell in reply to gillianc]

I have but its in Finnish :o( I am from Finland

[Angel54]

Hi All,

Ive just started taking Armour and i payed £54.10 including delivery for 2 and a half grains.

I could have got it for £51.30 for a 2 grain and a half a grain but chose the separate 1 grain tabs.

This is for two months worth. from Pharmarama.

Love Angie xx

[Jennyinez]

Can you get natural thyroid meds in Ireland? Most places from the US won't chip here it seems.