Synthetic Thyroid Hormone

Primary thyroid hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine, also known respectively as T3 and T4, are hormones which are produced by the thyroid gland, and are based on the substance tyrosine

Thyroxine is the thyroid hormone most commonly found in the bloodstream, and is far more prevalent than triiodothyronine, at a ratio of around twenty to one.
Thyronine hormones have the effect of raising a person’s base metabolic rate, the rate at which they burn calories to produce energy, and they also have a role to play in the synthesis of new protein.

Thyroid hormones are a critical component of cell development throughout the body and are deployed in the regulation of many bodily processes and functions, including carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. The synthesis of thyroid hormones can be supported and stimulated in a variety of ways, both physically and psychologically.

Thyronamines work to inhibit neural activity in various ways, which is a component of various animals’ hibernation mechanic, as well as birds’ moulting. When administered to humans, thyronamines cause a rapid and significant decrease in body temperature.

Hypothyroidism is the common term for a deficiency of the thyroid hormones, and is typically treated with supplementation of both thyroxine and triiodothyronine. But T3 and T4 hormones are easily absorbed by the human digestive system, and so can quite safely be administered orally.

Levothyroxine is the commonest type of synthetic thyroid hormone, and is designed to be metabolised over a longer period of time than the natural hormone would be, which means that it can be more conveniently administered in a once-daily fashion. Natural thyroid hormone therapy usually involves hormones extracted from pigs, and contains traces of all four primary thyroid hormone.

Hypothyroidism will effect around five percent of the elderly population in developed nations, and the vast majority of these people will receive medical treatment for their condition. It can also be brought about as a result of giving birth, after which around five percent of all women suffer from thyroiditis leading to hypothyroidism. 1 in 5 of those woman will develop the condition on a permanent basis.

Thyronamines have not yet been developed for clinical use, but they may have a role to play in stimulating the brain to enter a semi-shutdown state by mimicking the onset of hypothermia. This might be of particular use in limiting the damage caused by ischemic shock.

Blood tests are necessary in order to diagnose a case of hypothyroidism, after which both synthetic and natural thyroid treatments are available in tablet form. Thyroid hormone therapy is usually administered as a daily dosage and it may be helpful to monitor the levels of thyroid hormones present in the blood during this period.

Herbal remedies are not recommended if a patient is on a course of thyroid hormone treatment, and medications containing iodine can make the condition worse.

As mentioned above, the most popular and primary form of synthetic thyroid hormone being used today is the drug levothyroxine, sometimes called L-thyroxine, typical brand names for which include Levaxin, Eltroxin, Thyrax, Levoxl and Synthroid. There are also generic versions of levothyroxine available. They should be taken shortly before mealtimes in order to maximize the absorption of the drug, and it is also suggested that thyroid hormone pills should be taken with water in order that the drug might be more easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

Certain foodstuffs can inhibit thyroid hormone absorption, and should be avoided while on a course of said treatment. These include any substance with a high level of calcium or iron, and any soy products. Patients should not therefore drink milk within 4 hours of taking thyroid hormone tablets.

Synthetic thyroid hormone may have side-effects for some patients, including but not limited to, loss of weight, insomnia, headaches, anxiety, palpitations or unusual swelling around the legs or ankles or both. A small minority of patients are allergic to synthetic thyroid hormones, and may experience serious allergic reactions, including having trouble breathing, face and tongue swelling, and other symptoms. In such a case, emergency medical help should be immediately sought.

Thyrogen and thyrotropin are hormone replacement drug therapies used specifically in the treatment of patients with thyroid cancer. Such patients may need to undergo various scans and blood tests in order to properly diagnose the levels of hormones in their bloodstream and other factors, and so they will have to stop taking levothyrozine temporarily. Thyrogen and thyrotropin allow for these tests to be accurately administered without the patient experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism.

In some cases, antithyroid drugs may be desirable, as in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, the medical term for an over-active thyroid gland. The two common forms of antithyroid drugs being used today are propylthiouracil and methimazole, under the brand name of Tapazole.

Most medical professionals agree that these drugs are a temporary solution to the problem and should not be used long-term at the risk of developing side-effects. For patients whose hyperthyroidism does not clear up with the use of antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine therapy may be a viable alternative.