The prescription one
Prescription desiccated thyroid
If you need thyroid hormone, this has a set amount and a prescriber keeps an eye on it.
What variations of thyroid glandular exist?
Dried thyroid tissue from cows or pigs, sold over the counter as 'thyroid support'. Testing has found that many contain real thyroid hormone, which can push the thyroid into an overactive state. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The prescription one
Prescription desiccated thyroid
If you need thyroid hormone, this has a set amount and a prescriber keeps an eye on it.
The no-gland blend
Glandular-free thyroid nutrient blends
No hidden hormone, though added iodine can still affect autoimmune thyroid disease.
Usually skip
- The unregulated one (Over-the-counter thyroid glandular)Hormone content isn't regulated and can vary a lot, even when labeled 'thyroxine-free'.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Prescription desiccated thyroid' on the label (the prescription one)
Watch out for
- Thyroid tissue or 'thyroid concentrate' in an over-the-counter product
- High-iodine kelp or iodine combined with glandular tissue
- Claims that it can replace thyroid medicine
Check with your provider first if…
- You take levothyroxine, liothyronine, or prescription desiccated thyroid. Don't combine them without your prescriber.
- You have Graves' disease or an overactive thyroid. Avoid it.
- You have heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, or osteoporosis
- You're pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- Signs of too much thyroid hormone, such as a racing heart, shakiness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, weight loss, or feeling hot. It can also throw off thyroid lab results.
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.