Hypothyroidism has a high prevalence in the United States. I am not an endocrinologist but see at least 10 patients per week with either hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis( autoimmune thyroiditis) Levothyroxine is one of the most frequently prescribed medication in the United States. In 2016 there were 123 million prescriptions for levothyroxine . I prefer to use the name brands Synthroid and Tirosint instead of levothyroxine as I have seen individuals do better with the name brands. This is because there are no additives and no gluten in the name brands. Some FDA laws in 2007 required that synthetic T4 content in pills be within 5% of stated dose.
To tell you the truth , T4 which is levothyroxine is not enough for most patients. I do utilize T3 , synthetic as cytomel or liothyronine or natural as armour thyroid. For women or child bearing age I usually go with Synthroid or tirosint but have bene known to use T3 ( although not as effective ) for hypothyroidism or hashimoto’s
It is not unreasonable to try T3 in some patients. I have success with rotating thyroid , both T3 and T4 in most patients. I also recommend compounded thyroid in some patients. I have a special affinity for thyroid disease as for myself I have very controlled Hashimoto’s with TPO antibodies less than 25 ( from 1000) with using low dose naltrexone, selenium and a gluten free dietary lifestyle. I have used different thyroid medications throughout my life, now with no thyroid supplementation of any kind.
Until tomorrow…