Date of Award
Summer 2022
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Lisa Murphy
Abstract
The treatment of hypothyroidism with Levothyroxine (T4) has been well studied and FDA approved. However, many patients continue to have signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism while on Levothyroxine treatment despite reaching appropriate thyroid levels. An additional thyroid treatment known as desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) is made from dried pig thyroid glands and is advertised as a “natural” alternative to Levothyroxine. Despite lack of FDA approval and studies surrounding DTE, clinicians have prescribed DTE to patients, many of whom reported relief of their symptoms. The following poster highlights the approach to the treatment of hypothyroidism with Levothyroxine and DTE and outlines potential side effects due to the gaps in knowledge from the medical community.
Recommended Citation
Fong, Aimee, "Treatment of Hypothyroidism: Desiccated Thyroid Extract" (2022). Capstone Showcase. 46.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2022/pa/46
Additional Files
GMT20220423-230534_Recording_1920x1080.mp4 (22514 kB)This is a video of my presentation of my poster
Included in
Endocrine System Diseases Commons, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Commons, Medical Biochemistry Commons, Medical Pathology Commons, Other Medical Sciences Commons
Treatment of Hypothyroidism: Desiccated Thyroid Extract
The treatment of hypothyroidism with Levothyroxine (T4) has been well studied and FDA approved. However, many patients continue to have signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism while on Levothyroxine treatment despite reaching appropriate thyroid levels. An additional thyroid treatment known as desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) is made from dried pig thyroid glands and is advertised as a “natural” alternative to Levothyroxine. Despite lack of FDA approval and studies surrounding DTE, clinicians have prescribed DTE to patients, many of whom reported relief of their symptoms. The following poster highlights the approach to the treatment of hypothyroidism with Levothyroxine and DTE and outlines potential side effects due to the gaps in knowledge from the medical community.