How Does Nature-Throid Work?
The thyroid gland makes two different thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and
thyroid USP (T4). Usually, the thyroid gland produces much more T4 than T3; however, T3 is much more active than T4. The body can convert the T4 hormone into T3 as necessary. If your thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormones, there are a few different ways to increase your levels.
Most people with an
underactive thyroid are treated with synthetic T4, also known as
levothyroxine (
Levoxyl,
Levothroid,
Synthroid, and others). However, some people prefer to be treated with natural thyroid products, such as Nature-Throid. Nature-Throid is made from pig thyroid glands, so it contains both T3 and T4.
General considerations for when and how to take Nature-Throid include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form and is usually taken once a day.
- Although the prescribing information for Nature-Throid does not mention this, it is best to take the drug on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.
- Since the tablets contain ground-up pig thyroids, they have a characteristic odor that many people consider unpleasant.
- Your healthcare provider will adjust your dose based on certain blood tests. Be sure to tell him or her if you have missed any of your doses, as this may affect any dose adjustments.
- Try to take Nature-Throid at the same time each day to keep an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
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