Understanding the Ongoing Struggles of NDT Treatment
You may find it challenging to find a doctor who will prescribe NDT. The reason? The predominance of levothyroxine treatment has left many physicians misinformed about NDT.
Here are just a few of the concerns you may hear about NDT/DTE:
"NDT is too old-fashioned."
Many conventional physicians view NDT as too old-fashioned. This viewpoint is surprising, actually, given that NDT has been used safely and effectively for more than 100 years. Yet, some doctors still regularly prescribe other "old-fashioned drugs" such as aspirin and penicillin alongside newer medications.
"Levothyroxine is more effective than NDT."
Some practitioners claim that levothyroxine is a more effective treatment than NDT and better controls thyroid test levels. However, recent studies show that many patients who take levothyroxine still have abnormal test levels and continued symptoms. And research studies have shown that among patients who have taken levothyroxine and NDT, more patients prefer NDT treatment.
"NDT/DTE is not FDA-approved."
NDT was in use long before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) came into existence. As a result, the FDA "grandfathered" NDT and never required a new drug application (NDA) for FDA approval. So, while NDT is not officially "FDA-approved," it is strictly regulated by the FDA, and legal to prescribe as a hypothyroidism treatment. Like any FDA-regulated drug, NDT also meets stringent FDA manufacturing guidelines for potency and consistency.
"T3 levels are too high on NDT/DTE!"
Because T3 peaks quickly in the body – usually within two to six hours – patients taking NDT have higher T3 levels and T3 to T4 ratios than patients taking levothyroxine. Some experts express concerns that the higher T3 levels are too stimulating on the heart and increase atrial fibrillation risk. There are also concerns regarding T3's potential negative impact on bone density and the risk of fractures. However, various studies have found that at appropriate doses, NDT normalizes thyroid levels and eliminates the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism equally as well as levothyroxine, with no adverse side effects, including heart- and bone density-related symptoms. There is currently no evidence that fluctuations in T3 within the normal reference range, with normal TSH levels, constitute any excess risk.
"You'll get mad cow disease!"
This claim is one of the silliest. The fact is that all NDT drugs in the U.S. are from the thyroid glands of pigs – not cows. No cases of "mad cow disease" have ever been associated with prescription NDT drugs.
"NDT is not a prescription drug"
Finally, you may be told that NDT is an over-the-counter supplement and doesn't even require a prescription. This is not true. In this case, NDT may be confused with over-the-counter thyroid glandular supplements. All genuine NDT medications require a doctor's prescription, and NDT is not available over-the-counter as a supplement.
Finding a healthcare provider
A significant challenge many patients face is finding a healthcare provider willing to prescribe NDT.
If your current practitioner resists discussing alternative treatments, find a more open-minded provider. In addition to endocrinologists, other doctors also have expertise in treating the thyroid holistically, so it's important to do your research. Your ideal provider may be a naturopathic physician (ND) or an osteopathic physician (DO). You may also find the best hypothyroidism treatment from a nurse practitioner (NP) or a physician assistant (PA).
PHYSICIANS WEBSITES in the US or other:
- American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine (A4M)
- American College for the Advancement of Medicine (ACAM)
- Schedule a consultation with a Paloma Health thyroid doctor
- Search RLC Labs' Find a Thyroid Doctor Tool
- Check out ThyroidChange's Recommended Doctor List
- Broda Barnes Website
You can also contact Broda Barnes’ team at info@BrodaBarnes.org to inquire about finding a doctor in your area who practices Broda Barnes' approach. These doctors emphasize the use of desiccated thyroid for treatment. Note: You may be asked to pay a fee to receive a list of practitioners in your location.
Advice when Starting NDT Treatment
It's important to follow these tips for the best results:
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Take NDT in the Morning: Ideally, take your NDT with a glass of water on an empty stomach, at least 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
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Avoid Coffee or Milk Immediately: Wait at least one hour after taking your NDT before consuming coffee or milk, as both can interfere with absorption.
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Be Cautious with Certain Medications and Supplements: Antacids containing calcium, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium, iron, and calcium supplements, as well as multivitamins with iron or calcium, can affect how your body absorbs NDT. It's best to take NDT either 4 hours before or after these products. Similarly, calcium-fortified drinks may also impact absorption.
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Consider Dividing Your Dose: Since T3 in NDT peaks quickly in the bloodstream, some people find that splitting their dose—taking part in the morning and the rest in the afternoon or evening—helps them achieve better results.
Can I buy NDT/DTE online?
Yes, we encourage you to visit our product listing for up-to-date availability and additional details.
