What is your “Thyroid”?
Your thyroid gland is a small gland located in the front of the neck. It is situated just below your "Adams apple" or larynx. It produces two thyroid hormones - tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) - that travel though the blood to all tissues of the body. Thyroid hormones regulate how the body breaks down food and converts it to energy; either for immediate use or as storage for the future. In other words, our thyroid hormones regulate our body's metabolism.
What are the Most Common Thyroid Disorders?
Thyroid disease is common in the general population, and the prevalence increases with age. It is estimated that millions of people in the United States have some form of thyroid disorder and that a majority of these people are women. Two of the most common thyroid disorders are:
- Hyperthyroidism - If your thyroid is too active, it makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs. This condition is called hyperthyroidism. Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, increased heart rate, and heat sensitivity.
- Hypothyroidism - Hypothyroidism is by far the most common thyroid disorder in the adult population and is more common in older women. Hypothyroidism is your thyroid not working actively enough and producing less thyroid hormones than your body needs. It can make you gain weight, feel fatigued, and have difficulty dealing with cold temperatures.
How is Hypothyroidism Treated?
Hypothyroidism can be treated by utilizing thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The goal of thyroid hormone treatment is to closely replicate normal thyroid functioning. It is important to understand that every patient's therapy will be different. How the body absorbs the hormones, along with the amount of hormones it needs, varies. Your treatment plan will be individualistic. As such, you should expect some degree of experimentation when it comes to finding the dosage and form of therapy that works best for you.
Compounding Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy
The pharmacists at Vic’s Family Pharmacy have the ability to compound natural desiccated thyroid hormone capsules in strengths specifically for you, based on your symptoms and TSH levels. This type of compounded desiccated thyroid hormone contains the same hormones that your own thyroid would pro¬duce- tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) - and that's why patients have found it to work so well. Our capsules contain the same natural ingredient (desiccated thyroid) as Armour Thyroid®, Westhroid®, and Nature-Throid®.
Is a Compounded Prescription Right for Me?
- Talk to your health care provider - Discuss compounding as a treatment option, and let your health care provider know you heard about prescription compounding from Vic’s Family Pharmacy.
- Contact Us - To inquire about potential treatment strategies, and how Vic’s Family Pharmacy can help you.
