Thyroid

Hypothyroidism is a common disorder, affecting about 5% of people over the age of 60 yr. Hormonal replacement therapy is a fundamental part in the management of this disease. There are two main categories of hormones available for treatment: synthetic and desiccated natural hormones. Levothyroxine, the most commonly used synthetic thyroxin form, is a stereoisomer of physiological thyroxin, which is metabolized more slowly and hence usually only needs once-daily administration.

Natural desiccated thyroid hormones, also under the commercial name Thyroid® in Canada is derived from desiccated porcine thyroid glands, it is a "natural" hypothyroid treatment containing around 20% T3 and traces of T2, T1 and calcitonin