Desiccated Thyroid and Hypothyroidism Support in Ottawa and Ontario
Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to support your body’s energy needs. It can affect metabolism, menstrual cycles, ovulation, mood, digestion, fatigue, and overall wellbeing, all of which can have a significant impact on fertility and reproductive health.
Desiccated thyroid (also sometimes called natural thyroid extract) is one form of thyroid hormone used by some patients under appropriate medical supervision. It is distinct from synthetic thyroid medications and may be an option for some struggling with hypothyroidism. Understanding the differences, the evidence, and when it may be considered is essential to both safe and effective care.
This page explains hypothyroidism, treatment options including desiccated thyroid, how testing and interpretation work, and how naturopathic support can complement your medical thyroid care.
Our clinic supports patients in person in Ottawa and through secure virtual care across Ontario.
What this Page Covers Regarding Desiccated Thyroid Medication and Hypothyroidism
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​What hypothyroidism is
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Differences between thyroid treatment options
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When desiccated thyroid may be appropriate
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Safety and testing around thyroid conditions and medication use
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How naturopathic support can benefit thyroid and reproductive health
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What to expect if you schedule a consultation
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland is underactive and not producing enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones help regulate metabolism, body temperature, energy levels, heart rate, digestion, and reproductive function.
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Common symptoms include:
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Persistent fatigue or low energy
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Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
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Constipation
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Cold intolerance
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Dry skin and hair changes
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Mood changes or depression
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Irregular menstrual cycles
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Slow heart rate
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Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
In reproductive health, even mild thyroid imbalance can affect menstrual regularity, ovulation, pregnancy outcomes, and sperm parameters.
How Thyroid Testing Works
Assessing thyroid health typically involves bloodwork. Common tests include:
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TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is often the first indicator of thyroid function
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Free T4 and Free T3: these tests measure active thyroid hormones
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Thyroid antibodies (TPOAb, TSI): evaluate autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto’s among other auto-immune thyroid conditions
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Careful interpretation is critical. “Normal” lab ranges are broad and may not reflect optimal function for reproductive health, especially depending on past medical history (reference ranges may differ if you have experienced pregnancy loss or have auto-immune thyroid disease). A full, individualized review of your symptoms, labs, and history is more useful than relying on a single number.
Treatment Options for Hypothyroidism
Synthetic thyroid medications:
The most commonly prescribed options include:
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Levothyroxine: synthetic T4
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Liothyronine: synthetic T3, sometimes combined with levothyroxine
These are widely studied, consistent in dosing, and often first-line for hypothyroidism.
Desiccated thyroid extract:
Desiccated thyroid comes from porcine or bovine thyroid (different preparations are available to accommodate personal or religious requirements) and contains a mixture of T4 and T3 in a natural ratio. Some people report symptomatic improvement with desiccated thyroid, but it also has variability between preparations and may present dosing challenges for some patients.
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Desiccated thyroid is not appropriate for everyone and may not be supported by all endocrinologists or family doctors. It is best considered when:
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Your healthcare provider has confirmed hypothyroidism with consistent lab test results
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You have persistent symptoms despite optimized synthetic therapy
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There are no contraindications (for example, certain heart conditions, this is reviewed thoroughly during your initial consultation)
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You and your clinician have discussed the risks, benefits, and monitoring plan
Choosing any thyroid therapy requires careful monitoring of bloodwork and symptoms.
Safety, Monitoring, and a Personalized Treatment Approach
Thyroid hormone has widespread effects on the body. Too much can cause symptoms similar to hyperthyroidism (anxiety, palpitations, weight loss, insomnia), and too little continues to leave symptoms unaffected.
Whether you are on synthetic thyroid, desiccated thyroid, or considering a change, individualized monitoring helps ensure:
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Appropriate lab interpretation
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Proper dosing based on age, symptoms, and goals
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Safe adjustment over time
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Coordination with pregnancy or fertility plans
This is especially important if you are trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, or planning pregnancy.
How Naturopathic Support can fit Alongside Conventional Medical Care
Naturopathic care does not replace medical supervision of thyroid hormone therapy. Instead, it can help in areas such as:
Evidence informed education:
Helping you understand what your labs mean and what treatment options exist. A thorough assessment to screen for comorbidities related to thyroid disease and develop a comprehensive treatment approach to support your overall health.
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Symptom and pattern review:
Looking at energy, digestion, mood, cycles, and metabolic patterns in context. Understanding implications of the thyroid condition and other components of your health and how they may be intersecting. For example, reproductive hormones, reviewing digestive function, mood, energy among other noticeable obstacles to health.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Foundations:
Supporting metabolic health, stress resilience, sleep quality, and nutrient status, all of which influence thyroid function.
Testing interpretation
Working with your existing labs and considering what additional tests may be helpful to obtain a more accurate understanding of your symptoms and to help guide clinical decisions regarding your treatment.
Supporting fertility treatment timelines
Thyroid balance matters for ovulation, conception, and early pregnancy. A coordinated plan can help align your thyroid care with fertility goals.
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Supportive care is not a substitute for medication management or endocrinology oversight, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
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When to Seek Urgent Medical Evaluation
Seek prompt care if you have:
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Rapid heartbeat, chest pain, or palpitations
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New or worsening shortness of breath
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Severe fatigue or weakness
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Symptoms that are rapidly worsening
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Significant changes in weight without explanation
This page is educational and not personal medical advice. If you believe your symptoms are urgent and necessitate acute care contact active emergency medical services by calling 911.
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What to Expect at your Consultation
Your appointment is practical, personalized, and grounded in evidence.
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Important aspects of your assessment may include:
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Your symptoms and timeline
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Your thyroid labs and relevant medical testing
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Medications and any hormone therapies
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Nutrition, sleep, stress, and lifestyle patterns
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Fertility goals if relevant
Your treatment plan and guidance may include:
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A clear explanation of your lab results in everyday language
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A personalized plan that aligns with your goals
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Prioritized next steps that are realistic and safe
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Guidance on what to share with your prescribing clinician
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A follow-up plan to revisit labs and symptoms over time
Most patients benefit from follow-up visits every 8 to 12 weeks, adapted to their care plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between synthetic and desiccated thyroid?
Synthetic medications contain individual thyroid hormones (T4 or T3) in precise doses. Desiccated thyroid contains a natural mix of T4 and T3 from animal thyroid tissue. Each has pros and cons and may be appropriate in different situations.
Can I use desiccated thyroid for fertility support?
Thyroid hormone balance is important for fertility, but treatment with hormone therapy should be made with your clinician. If you have hypothyroidism and are aiming to conceive, a coordinated plan with appropriate monitoring is essential no matter which formulation is used.
Do you test for thyroid antibodies?
When appropriate, yes. Thyroid antibodies can indicate autoimmune thyroid disease, which may influence both management and fertility planning.
Is desiccated thyroid safe?
In some situations, it may be, but it requires close monitoring and individualized dosing. It is not the best choice for everyone and decisions should be discussed with a knowledgeable clinician.
Do you offer virtual consultations across Ontario?
Yes. Consultations are available in person in Ottawa and securely virtually for patients across Ontario.
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Schedule a Consultation
Dr. H. Singh, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario who focuses on fertility and hormone health. He supports patients in Ottawa and across Ontario through in person and secure virtual consultations. Recognized by Faces Magazine Ottawa Awards, 2021 to 2024. He is a member of the OAND and the CAND.