A tool assists individuals and healthcare professionals in determining an appropriate amount of a natural thyroid hormone medication. It typically employs factors such as body weight, current thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T4, T3), and symptom severity to estimate a suitable starting or adjustment amount. For example, an individual with a high TSH and persistent hypothyroid symptoms despite being on a low synthetic hormone dose may use this tool as part of a discussion with their doctor to explore a potential trial with natural thyroid extract.
The utility of such a tool lies in providing a data-informed starting point for dosage discussions, potentially leading to more personalized thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Historically, thyroid hormone replacement primarily relied on synthetic T4, but some individuals report better symptom control with natural extract, which contains both T4 and T3. This tool acknowledges this individualized need and provides a method to consider the nuances of patient-specific factors. It is however not intended to replace appropriate medical advice.
