Clinician
Natural Desiccated Thyroid:
A Broader Approach
to Treating
Hypothyroidism
Natural Thyroid Extract:
A Broader Approach
to Treating
Hypothyroidism

What is Natural Desiccated Thyroid?

Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) is a type of medication used to support patients with hypothyroidism. Unlike synthetic thyroid hormone treatments, which only contain T4 (thyroxine), NDT provides both T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4.

The History of Natural Desiccated Thyroid

A Century of Supporting Hypothyroid Patients

1880s

NDT has been used to treat hypothyroidism for over a century, dating back to the 1880s.1

1950s

Initially, NDT was the standard treatment for hypothyroidism before synthetic T4 became available in the 1950s.1

Despite the rise of synthetic options, NDT has experienced a resurgence in recent years, particularly among patients who continue to experience symptoms despite being on synthetic T4 treatment.

In fact, the number of people turning to NDT nearly doubled between 2010 and 2020.2

When Symptoms Persist, Many Patients
Turn to Natural Desiccated Thyroid

10-15%

of people taking T4 monotherapy
continue to experience symptoms.2

48.6%

of patients preferred NDT therapy over T4 therapy.3

In a randomized, double-blind crossover study of 70 patients randomized to either DTE or T4 for 16 weeks and crossed over for the same duration.3

In a survey of 11,166 patients currently on treatment for hypothyroidism conducted by the American Thyroid Association, patients on NDT therapy were

2x more likely

to report being “completely satisfied” with treatment compared to those taking T4 monotherapy or T4+T34
For these patients, the problem may lie in their body's ability to convert T4 into the active T3 hormone. NDT offers an alternative by providing both T3 and T4 in one treatment, potentially helping those who are struggling to convert T4 on their own.

Patients on NDT therapy also noted improvements in common symptoms of hypothyroidism:*​

Concentration, memory and decision-making​

Mental well-being and mood​

Weight loss​

Sleep

Energy​

*Measured by the general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) and thyroid symptom questionnaire (TSQ). ​

References:
[1] Wyne KL, Nair L, Schneiderman CP, et al. Hypothyroidism Prevalence in the United States: A Retrospective Study Combining National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Claims Data 2009-2019. J Endoc Soc. 2022 Nov 17; 7(1): bvac172. doi: 10.120/jendso/bvac172.
[2] McAninch EA, Bianco AC. The swinging pendulum in treatment for hypothyroidism: from (and toward?) combination therapy. Front Endocrinol. 2019;10:446. doi:10.3389/fendo.2019.00446
[3] Hoang TD, Olsen CH, Mai VQ, Clyde PW, Shakir MKM. Desiccated thyroid extract compared with levothyroxine in the treatment of hypothyroidism: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study; J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013;98(5):1982-1990. doi:10.1210/jc.2012-4107
[4] Peterson SJ, Cappola AR, Castro MR, et al. An online survey of hypothyroid patients demonstrates prominent dissatisfaction. Thyroid. 2018;28(6):707-721. doi:10.1089/thy.2017.0681

USE:

RenThyroid™ (Thyroid Tablets, USP) is a prescription oral medication used to replace or supplement thyroid hormones in patients with hypothyroidism from any cause, except transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis.

Note: RenThyroid has not been reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Thyroid hormone drugs, including RenThyroid, should not be used either alone or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of obesity. In patients with normal thyroid function, normal doses for daily hormone replacement are not effective. Larger doses may cause serious or even life-threatening events, especially when used in combination with certain other drugs used to reduce appetite.
  • RenThyroid should not be used for male or female infertility unless this condition occurs with low thyroid levels.
  • Taking too much RenThyroid may affect your cardiovascular system, especially if you are elderly or have heart problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any signs of chest pain, increased pulse, palpitations, excessive sweating, or any other unusual event.
  • Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you may have, especially heart disease, diabetes, blood clotting problems, and adrenal or pituitary gland problems. The dose of other drugs you may be taking for these conditions may have to be changed while you are taking RenThyroid. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels and/or the glucose in your urine, and immediately tell your doctor if there are any changes.
  • Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take anticoagulants, diabetes drugs, oral contraceptives, 
or biotin.
  • In infants, excessive doses of RenThyroid may cause a condition called craniosynostosis (premature closure of the skull bones).
  • In children, partial hair loss may occur during the first few months of taking RenThyroid.
This is not a complete list of risks. For more information, please talk to your doctor and read the full Prescribing Information.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
You may also report side effects to Genus Lifesciences at 1-610-782-9780 or Info@GenusLifesciences.com

RenThyroid has not been reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy.
Important Safety Information for RenThyroid
Thyroid hormone drugs, including RenThyroid, should not be used either alone or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of obesity. In patients with normal thyroid function, normal doses for daily for hormone replacement are not effective for weight loss. Larger doses may cause serious or even life-threatening events, especially when used in combination with certain other drugs used to reduce appetite.

More Info