Thyroid Hormone
Therapy
 It is estimated
that more than half of all people who are affected by thyroid disease
are not aware of their condition even though patients may have many
of the following symptoms of hypothyroidism which include:
- Weight gain
- Cold and heat intolerance (cold hands and feet)
- Fatigue
- Slowed metabolism
- Memory and concentration impairment
- Fluid retention
- Constipation
- Dry skin and/or hair
- Depression
- Low sexual desire
- Headaches, Migraines
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- PMS
- Enlarged tongue
- Swollen neck
- Deep voice
- Infertility
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Patients may have some or most of the above symptoms, but may
not be diagnosed for years!
Thyroid Hormone exists in 2 major forms:
- (T3) Triiodothyronine –
is the active form of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland produces
about 20 % of T3, the rest is produced in various tissues in the
body through the conversion of T4 when more T3 is needed.
- (T4) Thyroxine – is
the inactive form produced exclusively by the thyroid gland.
In today’s society, most people are only treated with synthetic
T4, although both T4 and T3 are secreted by the human thyroid gland.
Some studies suggest that replacement therapy with T4 alone does not
ensure normal thyroid levels in all tissues.
Some of the hypothyroid patients treated with T4 alone still remain
symptomatic. A combination of T4 and T3 may be an option for some patients, to help them achieve optimal thyroid replacement.
However, commercially available T3 is only available in limited strengths and only in immediate
release form. The immediate release form may result in higher than
normal T3 concentrations.
Some research indicates that replacement with compounded sustained
release T3 may avoid adverse cardiac effects due to synthetic
T3 levels absorbing and rising too rapidly.
Physicians and their patients may wish to consider the inclusion
of sustained release T3 in the treatment of low thyroid levels,
particularly when the response to T4 has not been complete.
Hazle Compounding specializes in compounding Triiodothyronine (T3)
in many different strengths, all in a sustained release form, and
customized to each patients individual needs. The T3 capsules are
color coded and we also offer a unique T3 starter pak for patients
who may be changing strengths as determined by their physician.
Ask our compounding specialists for more information about this
exciting therapy option for patients with low thyroid levels.
Hazle Compounding specializes in meeting specific needs...the importance of individualized therapy and the Physician-Pharmasist-Patient Relationship in providing optimal thyroid hormone replacement therapy can not be overemphasized.
We will work together with patient and physician, to develop a customized therapy plan that is best for each patient. All patients are counseled regarding the appropriate use of each medication, potential side effects, and signs that a dosage modification may be necessary.
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