Natural Desiccated Thyroid for the Treatment of Hypothyroidism

This article discusses the historical use of NDT, derived from pig thyroid glands, as a treatment for hypothyroidism.

It highlights the shift from NDT to levothyroxine in the early 1970s due to concerns over potency and pharmacokinetics.

The authors review emerging evidence suggesting that NDT may be beneficial for patients who are symptomatically unresponsive to levothyroxine, particularly those with genetic polymorphisms affecting T3 conversion.

The article also discusses clinical trials comparing NDT with levothyroxine and the preferences of patients who have used both treatments.