Desiccated thyroid — often called NDT — is a thyroid replacement made from dried pig thyroid glands. It contains both T4 and T3 hormones, unlike pure levothyroxine (T4) that many doctors prescribe. Some people feel more energy and fewer symptoms on NDT, but it’s not a miracle fix. You should know the basics so you can talk to your clinician and use it safely.
NDT gives you a mix of hormones: mostly T4 and a smaller amount of T3. That T3 can act faster and may raise energy and body temperature for some people. Levothyroxine (synthetic T4) relies on your body to convert T4 into T3. If your conversion is slow, you might still feel hypothyroid on T4-only therapy. Keep in mind: responses vary a lot. While some patients prefer NDT, others do fine on levothyroxine.
For dosing, a common conversion many clinicians use is roughly 60–65 mg of NDT (one grain) ≈ 100 mcg levothyroxine, but this is only an estimate. Don’t self-convert blindly — work with your prescriber and check labs after any change.
Start low and adjust slowly. After a dose change, check labs in 6–8 weeks. Important labs are TSH, free T4, and free T3. Also watch symptoms: heart palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, unexplained weight loss, or racing pulse can mean too much thyroid hormone. If you have heart disease, osteoporosis risk, or are pregnant, synthetic levothyroxine is usually preferred — tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Take NDT the same way every day: most people take it in the morning on an empty stomach. Avoid calcium, iron, and some supplements within four hours, because they lower absorption. Keep a simple symptom log for two weeks after a change — sleep, heart rate, energy, and bowel habits are useful markers.
Quality matters. Use established brands and pharmacies. Inconsistent batches or unknown online sources can cause dose swings. NDT is prescription medication in many countries; don’t buy from vendors you can’t verify. If you switch between brands, expect to recheck labs.
If you and your clinician decide NDT might help, plan regular follow-ups and lab checks. Small, steady adjustments and clear tracking of symptoms make it safer and more effective. If anything feels off, call your provider — thyroid dosing isn’t a 'set-and-forget' deal.
If you want, I can add a short checklist for switching to NDT or a sample symptom log to bring to your next appointment.
