The treatment for an underactive thyroid is pretty simple. Levothyroxine is a prescription medication that will work for most people. It takes time to get the dosing adjusted to get the thyroxin blood levels into a normal range. After that, it’s monitored over time and the dose is adjusted when needed.

It’s a simple process, except for those who refuse to take the medication because it’s a chemical sold as a medication. Let’s take a look at that issue.

Levothyroxine versus Thyroxin (T4)

I check the chemical structure of the synthetic and natural forms of thyroxin: they’re chemically identical with the exception of a single ion. Instead of a hydrogen ion in one bond, a sodium ion is used. That’s it. The function is the same. Not similar—the same. Levothyroxine is processed and eliminated the exact same way. While it’s made in a pharmaceutical plant, there’s no substantive difference in chemical structure or function.

There’s no reason to fear taking this medication; I do and Paula does as well. While many medications are completely synthetic and do things the body does not do, this is not one of them. However, for some people, there’s a natural alternative as long as they have no objections to pork products.

Armour Thyroid

Before the invention of levothyroxine, physicians prescribed ground thyroid glands of cows and pigs; pig thyroid is the typical source. The difference between desiccated swine thyroid and levothyroxine is that Armour thyroid contains both T4 and T3 (triiodothyronine.) The problem is that they’re not in the same ratio as found in humans, and that can make regulating thyroid hormone levels tricky.

There is one exception, other than personal preference. I got an email from a long-time reader who said she takes the Armour thyroid because levothyroxine just didn’t work. Since taking the Armour thyroid, her hormone levels are all within range.

Why would that be? My guess is that some people do not convert T4 to T3 effectively; therefore they would need both hormones, and Armour thyroid supplies both.

The Bottom Line

Based on the chemical structure and function, levothyroxine is the logical choice to treat an underactive thyroid. As I stated earlier, one ion does not make this the typical pharmaceutical; it’s as close to nature as I’ve seen. However, for those who cannot get their thyroid under control, it’s nice to have Armour thyroid as an alternative.

If you want to treat an underactive thyroid, those are the choices. There are no dietary supplements that can replace thyroid hormones. The prescription synthetic will work for just about everyone, and it makes no sense to avoid it. The truth is in the chemistry.

What are you prepared to do today?

Dr. Chet