Thyroid Conversion Guide: WP Thyroid and Nature-Throid

This conversion chart can help you compare the dosages of different types of synthetic and natural hormone therapies. Please note that each grain of WP Thyroid or Nature-Throid contains 38 mcg of T4 and 9 mcg of T3.

Natural Thyroid vs. Synthetic Thyroid (Armour, Synthroid, Tirosint)
Source: United States Pharmacopoeia - Drug Information 2000, 20th Edition

Talk to your doctor about whether natural thyroid hormone replacement is best for you, and what dosage will best suit your medical needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does T4 Do?

Thyroxine, often called T4, affects almost every cell in your body! It plays roles in3:

  • Metabolism of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins
  • Basal metabolic rate (the rate at which you use energy)
  • Long bone growth
  • Protein synthesis
  • Nervous system development

What Is T3 Hormone?

Triiodothyronine (T3) is made by enzymes called deiodinases acting on T4. Like T4, it has many functions, such as playing roles in growth and development, body temperature, and heart rate1.

Is T3 or T4 More Active?

T3 is more active--about three to four times more potent than T4--because it is easier for cells to take up and utilize T31, though it also has a shorter half-life than T45.

What Does Levothyroxine Do for the Thyroid?

Levothyroxine doesn't actually affect the thyroid gland2; it provides the body with the T4 hormone that the thyroid is failing to produce5.

How Can I Improve Conversion of T4 to T3?

There may be multiple reasons why your body isn't doing enough converting of T4 to T3:

  • Gut microbiota imbalance1
  • Lowered adrenal gland activity (adrenal fatigue)1
  • Iron deficiency anemia1

One way to get enough T3 is through hormone replacement therapy4. Talk to your doctor today to see if T4 + T3 combination therapy is right for you.

References

1. Childs, Westin. How to Increase Free T3 Levels Naturally: 8 Step Guide + Tips and Tricks. Restart Med. 2016 March.

2. Cooper, D. S. Thyroid hormone treatment: New insights into an old therapy. Journal of the American Medical Association. 1989 May, 261(18): 2694-2695.

3. Lichten, Edward M. Synthetic Thyroxine vs. Desiccated Thyroid. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2004 March, 291(12): 1445.

4. Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy. Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2016 October, par. How is thyroid replacement therapy dosage determined?

5. Wiersinga, W. M. Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy. Hormone Research in Pediatrics. 2001 May, 56(suppl 1): 74-81.

USES & SAFETY INFORMATION

Precautions

As with any prescription medication, talk to your doctor about any existing medical conditions, and let your doctor know immediately if you experience any side effects.

Tell your doctor if:

  • You have any food or medicine allergies.
  • You’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.
  • You are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, or if you start or stop any medications while on WP Thyroid® and Nature-Throid®.
  • You suffer from any medical conditions other than hypothyroidism, particularly heart disease, clotting disorders, or adrenal or pituitary gland problems.
  • You have diabetes. Monitor your blood and/or urinary glucose levels as directed by your doctor and immediately report any changes.
  • You’re taking anticoagulants (blood thinners).
  • Let your dentist know you are taking WP Thyroid® and Nature-Throid® before any surgery.
  • You experience any of the following symptoms: rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, leg cramps, headache, nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, tremors, change in appetite, weight gain or loss, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, fever, changes in menstrual periods, hives, skin rash or any other unusual medical event.

Warnings: Don’t Take For

  • Do not take WP Thyroid® and Nature-Throid® either alone or in combination with other medicines, for the treatment of obesity or weight loss. In patients with normal thyroid levels, doses of WP Thyroid® and Nature-Throid® within the typical range used for hormone replacement are not effective for weight loss. Larger doses may result in serious or even life-threatening effects, especially when used in combination with certain other drugs used to reduce appetite.
  • Do not take WP Thyroid® and Nature-Throid® for male or female infertility unless it is associated with hypothyroidism.
  • Do not take WP Thyroid® and Nature-Throid® if you have hyperthyroidism or are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Use WP Thyroid® and Nature-Throid® exactly as prescribed. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not stop taking either medication or alter how often it’s taken. Many factors can contribute to the length of time symptoms are alleviated, though generally people feel an improvement within a few weeks. For some, though, improvement in symptoms may take up to three months. Your doctor will determine which dose is right for you. If any life changes or new symptoms occur, consult your doctor to adjust your dose. Continue to see your doctor until your dosage levels prove stable based on your lab work, then continue to see your doctor at their request. Thyroid replacement therapy is usually taken for life.

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USE

WP Thyroid® and Nature-Throid® are thyroid replacement medications, containing standardized (T4) and (T3) hormones, used to treat hypothyroidism naturally; except in cases of temporary hypothyroidism, which is usually associated with an inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis). Thyroid replacement medication needs to be taken as prescribed by your physician and is typically taken for life.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Do not take WP Thyroid® or Nature-Throid® either alone or in combination with other medicines for the treatment of obesity or weight loss. In patients with normal thyroid levels, doses of WP Thyroid® or Nature-Throid® within the typical range used for hormone replacement are not effective for weight loss. Larger doses may result in serious or even life-threatening effects, especially when used in combination with certain other drugs used to reduce appetite. Too much thyroid hormone may result in a hyperthyroid state.