The Side Effects of Desiccated Thyroid
Desiccated thyroid, also known as thyroid extract, comes from the dried glands of pigs or cows and contains both T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Both forms of thyroid can cause negative side effects if taken improperly, so it’s important to take them exactly as directed by your doctor in order to prevent complications from occurring. This guide will help you understand the common side effects of desiccated thyroid and how to avoid them by taking your medication correctly.
What is Desiccated Thyroid
Desiccated thyroid is a combination of two hormones that are often used to treat hypothyroidism: thyroxine and liothyronine. Both are produced by your thyroid gland, which sits in front of your windpipe and releases them into your bloodstream. When released, they circulate through your body to affect almost every cell in one way or another. Their most common function is to control metabolism, or how fast you burn calories for energy and convert food into fuel for cells throughout your body. When desiccated thyroid is prescribed, it’s used as an alternative treatment for people who don’t respond well to levothyroxine alone.
A desiccated thyroid is an option that can help people with hypothyroidism and thyroid problems, but it does have side effects. There are some more about the side effects of desiccated thyroid here.
Weight gain
A common side effect, your body will retain water when on desiccated thyroid and, because most people are already overweight, they won’t notice a weight gain. Be sure to keep tabs on your scale when you first start taking desiccated thyroid. You may also find that your pre-existing health conditions improve as a result; for example, if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, being on desiccated thyroid may stabilize both conditions. Note: If you have high cholesterol prior to taking desiccated thyroid and then begin treatment with it, know that studies show there’s an increased risk of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about any concerns before going on treatment with thyroxine supplements. And remember, taking too much can cause serious side effects, including insomnia. Before starting treatment with desiccated thyroid, discuss dosage options with your physician to ensure you choose a safe and effective dose.
Mood swings
One of the desiccated thyroid’s biggest side effects is mood swings. It can cause hypothyroidism, which affects your body in several ways — including your brain. Hypothyroidism means you’re not producing enough T3 and T4, which are important hormones that keep your metabolic rate steady. Low levels can make you feel low on energy, depressed, and even irritable. The symptoms usually don’t affect every area of your life — you might not be depressed all day but have a short temper at work or when you drive home. Other people may not notice it unless they know you well, but for those who know what to look for, it’s hard to miss. And if you start treatment with desiccated thyroid?
Within about three months, you should see an improvement in your mental clarity and overall outlook. Skip Synthroid: Synthroid is one brand name for levothyroxine sodium (L-T(4)), a synthetic version of thyroxine (T(4)). Although L-T(4) will treat hypothyroidism quickly and effectively, it doesn’t always provide relief from symptoms like anxiety and depression due to how fast the drug enters your system compared to natural T(3) treatments.
A decrease in energy
One of the most common side effects associated with desiccated thyroid is a decrease in energy levels. This side effect stems from the desiccated thyroid’s inability to keep blood sugar levels stable, which can lead to a feeling of exhaustion and fatigue. Before taking desiccated thyroid, be sure to read up on hypoglycemia, a condition where low blood sugar leads to dizziness, tremors, and even fainting spells. Additionally, if you choose desiccated thyroid as a treatment option for hypothyroidism, make sure that you have good control over your blood sugar level and are aware of any signs or symptoms that you might experience during your first few months on medication.
Sleeping issues
Some people with hypothyroidism report experiencing difficulty falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed. These sleep disturbances may be related to low levels of T3 (triiodothyronine), a thyroid hormone that helps regulate circadian rhythms and sleep/wake cycles. As part of Hashimoto’s treatment plan, some doctors prescribe thyroid hormone replacement medication in place of desiccated thyroid to help alleviate these issues. However, research shows that T3 supplementation alone doesn’t result in significant improvement for many patients with hypothyroidism. And long-term use can cause severe side effects, including high blood pressure and rapid heart rate (tachycardia).
