What is desiccated thyroid?
Desiccated thyroid hormone (also called Natural Desiccated Thyroid, NDT or DTE) is derived from porcine (pig) thyroid gland and provides a full spectrum of thyroid hormones, not just T4.
Each standard “grain” (~60–65 mg) contains approximately:
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T4 (thyroxine) ~38 mcg
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T3 (triiodothyronine) ~9 mcg
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Small amounts of T2, T1, and calcitonin
This differs fundamentally from synthetic T4-only medications, which rely entirely on the body’s ability to convert T4 → T3.
The Four Primary Prescription Desiccated Thyroid Brands (U.S.)
Armour Thyroid
The original and most recognized brand
Key features
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Long history of clinical use
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Reliable manufacturing consistency
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Widely available
Inactive ingredients
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Corn starch
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Lactose
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Dextrose
Best for
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Patients without corn or lactose sensitivity
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Those who do well with traditional formulations
Considerations
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Fillers can trigger GI or inflammatory symptoms in sensitive patients
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Often more expensive
NP Thyroid
A cleaner-excipient alternative
Key features
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Corn-free
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Lactose-free
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Fewer inactive ingredients
Best for
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Autoimmune thyroid disease
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Food sensitivities
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IBS or inflammatory gut conditions
Considerations
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Past recalls (2020–2021) for potency variability; manufacturing has since stabilized
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Tablet strength is 65 mg per grain (vs 60 mg for Armour)
Nature‑Throid
Minimalist formulation
Key features
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Fewer excipients than Armour
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Historically favored in integrative practices
Best for
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Patients seeking simpler ingredient profiles
Considerations
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Supply interruptions have limited availability
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Some patients report potency variability
WP Thyroid
Ultra-clean formulation
Key features
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No corn, gluten, soy, lactose, or dyes
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Focus on hypoallergenic excipients
Best for
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Highly sensitive or autoimmune patients
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Those reacting to multiple thyroid preparations
Considerations
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Availability can be inconsistent
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Often higher cost
Compounded Desiccated Thyroid
Customized thyroid therapy
Compounded desiccated thyroid is prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies using USP-grade porcine thyroid powder.
Advantages
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Fully customizable dosing
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Ability to remove all problematic excipients
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Useful when commercial brands are unavailable
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Can adjust capsule size, fillers, or delivery method
Considerations
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Requires a skilled, reputable pharmacy
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Potency consistency depends on pharmacy quality
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Not interchangeable between pharmacies without re-evaluation
Why Desiccated Thyroid May Offer Benefits Over T4-Only Therapy
1. Direct T3 availability
Many patients have impaired conversion of T4 → T3 due to:
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Chronic stress
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Inflammation
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Autoimmune disease
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Insulin resistance
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Aging
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Certain medications
Desiccated thyroid bypasses this bottleneck by supplying physiologic T3 directly.
2. Tissue-level thyroid signaling
Serum TSH and T4 may appear “normal” while tissue hypothyroidism persists.
T3 is the active hormone inside cells, influencing:
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Mitochondrial energy production
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Brain function
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Gut motility
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Lipid metabolism
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Cardiac contractility
Many patients report:
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Improved energy
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Better cognition
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Warmer extremities
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Improved mood
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Weight stabilization
…despite unchanged TSH…
3. Additional thyroid hormones (T2, T1, calcitonin)
While less studied, these components may contribute to:
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Metabolic regulation
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Bone signaling
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Neuromuscular tone
T4-only products do not provide these hormones.
4. Patient-centered outcomes
Multiple clinical surveys show that a subset of patients:
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Feel better on NDT
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Prefer NDT despite similar lab values
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Experience improved quality of life
This does not mean NDT is right for everyone — but it explains why it remains valuable.
Important Safety Considerations
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Desiccated thyroid contains fixed T3, which peaks rapidly
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Over-replacement can cause:
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Palpitations
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Anxiety
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Bone loss
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Arrhythmias
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Best practices
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Start low, titrate slowly
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Consider split dosing (morning + early afternoon)
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Monitor TSH, free T4, free T3, and symptoms
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Use caution in older adults or cardiac disease
Author
Scott Rollins, MD, is Board Certified with the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. He specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for men and women, thyroid and adrenal disorders, fibromyalgia, weight loss and other complex medical conditions. He is founder and medical director of the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado (imcwc.com) and Bellezza Laser Aesthetics (bellezzalaser.com). Call (970) 245-6911 for an appointment or more information.
