Thyroid Association of New Zealand Inc.

Whole Thyroid Extract - Dessicated Porcine Gland

For over 100 years dessicated pig’s gland was used successfully as the treatment for Hypothyroidism. In the 1970’s it was usurped by synthetic T4-only medications and doctors ceased to be trained in it's use.
Whole Thyroid (Thyroid USP) is standardised whole desiccated porcine gland which contains a combination of thyroid hormones and their precursors i.e. Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3), Diiodothyronine (T2), and Monoiodothyronine (T1) as well as calcitonin and any other hormones usually present in the thyroid.
Desiccated thyroid extract can be used by itself, as a complete thyroid hormone replacement treatment or in combination with synthetic T4 or T3 to alter the ratio of T4 to T3. The ratio of T3 to T4 is fixed at approximately 1:4, so it can't be adjusted unless T4-only or T3-only pills are taken as well.

Although Thyroxine (T4) is still the standard treatment for hypothyroidism, many studies had proven that the combination of T3 & T4 is a much better way of addressing hypothyroidism. Thyroxine (T4) is a prohormone for triiodothyronine (T3) as it is converted to the active T3. T3 is the dominant hormone in all body cells. It exerts the thyroid function in the different body organs with the predominant action on the brain, enhances long term memory and reduces anxiety. Patients on the combination therapy have reported that it improves the feeling of well being. In addition, this therapy has been shown to improve mood and alleviate depression. In contrast, research shows that treatment with T4 alone does not improve cognition and psychological wellbeing. T3 may also improve memory and help weight loss. Studies are underway into the functions of T2 & T1.

Currently in New Zealand there is no consented medicine containing Whole Thyroid.
This medication can be compounded on prescription and supplied in accordance with Section 29 of the Medicines Act and Regulation 44 of the Medicines Regulations.

APPROX. CONVERSION GUIDE:

Standard [USA]	Whole Thyroid	Synthetic Thyroxine
1/4 grain	16.25 mg Thyroid USP	25 mcg Levothyroxine [T4]
1/2 grain	32.5 mg Thyroid USP	50 mcg Levothyroxine [T4]
1 grain	65 mg Thyroid USP	100 mcg Levothyroxine [T4]