What it is
Regulatory status: prescription drug; current US Armour Thyroid labelling states it has not been FDA-approved as a new drug
Mechanism evidence: human
At a glance
What it is, why people use it, the evidence, and what to know before trying it.
Why people use it
- Thyroid-hormone replacement in hypothyroidism
Evidence at a glance
Desiccated thyroid supplies active T4 and T3 and can replace deficient hormone, but it is not a weight-loss or longevity drug. Its fixed hormone ratio differs from human physiology and should be managed as prescription thyroid replacement.
Confidence: strong
Clinical safety
Contraindications, interactions and clinical cautions from reviewed sources.
Dose requires laboratory and clinical monitoring. Excess can cause palpitations, arrhythmia, bone loss and other hyperthyroid effects; coronary disease and older age require caution. Iron, calcium and several medicines can alter absorption or thyroid requirements.
Forms and variants
This review does not automatically apply to:
- levothyroxine alone
- liothyronine alone
- non-prescription glandular supplements
Seen in protocols
Public protocols that include Desiccated thyroid extract. Open one to see the full context and source.