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Overview of WP Thyroid

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WP thyroid is a brand of thyroid hormone medication.

It is prescribed for people with hypothyroidism and for certain conditions such as cancer of thyroid.

It is part of NDT (Natural Desiccated Thyroid). Nature Thyroid and Armour thyroid are other thyroid hormone medications that fall in this category.

The medications are derived by crushing thyroid gland of certain animals like pigs.  Here is a overview of the medication, its uses and contraindications.

How does WP Thyroid differ from other thyroid medications?

Thyroid glands of the animals used for making desiccated thyroid medication are chosen based on the hormones being bio identical to that of humans. This natural form is different from the synthetically formed thyroid hormones like Levothyroxine and Synthroid.

Since WP Thyroid is derived from thyroid gland desiccation done from animal source the medication can provide you the entire range of hormones that are biologically active such as T4 and T3, and T2 and T1 which are less active. In fact thyroid glands of pigs are rich in T3.

When compared to other desiccated forms of thyroid hormone and WP thyroid, WP Thyroid contains very few ingredients that are inactive. Thus when used for hypothyroidism, the medication is more effective than the other forms.

What is the function of WP Thyroid?

T3 is the main active ingredient found in WP Thyroid.  The onset of the hormone begins in three hours post intake. The main function of WP Thyroid is to provide thyroid hormones, which are otherwise normally secreted by thyroid gland in the absence of thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism.

Thyroid hormones are vital for several mechanisms in the body including gland secretion, metabolism of fat and protein, cognition, gastrointestinal function and more. If the thyroid secretion is not sufficient it can lead to symptoms that include headache, constipation, depression, fatigue, muscle aches and more.

How does WP Thyroid help in various thyroid conditions?

WP Thyroid has various benefits that include the following:

  • It is prescribed for several hypothyroidism disorders including lowered thyroid hormone secretion due to shrinking or absence of thyroid gland or defective gland due to medication or surgery.
  • Hypothyroidism related to Pituitary malfunction or pregnancy is also an indication for use of WP Thyroid. Other conditions where the medication can be used include myxedema and cretinism.
  • Presence of thyroid nodules, multi-nodular goiter, chronic thyroiditis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are other conditions where WP Thyroid is prescribed.
  • In thyroid cancer
  • For infertility triggered by low levels of thyroid hormones
  • The medication is also used as for diagnosing the presence of hypothyroidism in mild form and differentiating it from normal anatomy of thyroid gland.

Weight loss and WP Thyroid

As many of the thyroid drugs are used as weight loss aids due to their role in triggering appetite loss or anorexia, many people think that WP Thyroid can also be applied in obesity. In fact, a double blind study published in 2013 indicates that desiccated form of thyroid can cause mild weight loss.

But you need to take a larger dose than the normal dose used for treating thyroid conditions to experience effective weight loss. But excessive dosage can cause serious consequences.

A study conducted on the effectiveness as well as risks involved on using thyroid hormone therapy for obesity revealed that no visible effect emerged from using thyroid hormone treatment for weight loss.

The study also indicates that the use of the hormone therapy can also bring about mild form of hyperthyroidism and also the unwanted side effect of increased appetite in milder form.

But with normal prescribed doses of WP Thyroid there will not be any weight loss. Any unwanted and serious side effects can be caused only when you increase the dosage.

WP Thyroid and breast Cancer risk

Just as breast cancer is influenced by increase or decrease in estrogen, it is also affected by high levels of thyroid hormone. According to a study published in EJE (Clinical and Translational endocrinology), increased breast cancer risk was found in patients with hyperthyroidism and lower risk in those with hypothyroidism.

Another study on the relationship between thyroid condition and breast cancer indicates that high levels of thyroid hormone results in higher breast cancer risk. The study suggests that high levels of thyroid hormone causes increased level of anti thyroperoxidase enzyme.  The study reveals that iodide levels and high thyroid gland activity can result in development of cancerous tissue in breast.

Final Takeaway

Thus use of WP Thyroid should be done with caution and taken as prescribed by your physician. In normal doses WP thyroid is effective in treating various thyroid conditions mentioned above.

But excessive dose can result in serious damage hence care should be taken. It is not advisable to use WP Thyroid in conditions such as sub-acute hypothyroidism, adrenal cortical insufficiency and thyrotoxicosis.

And normal dose of WP Thyroid do induce certain side effects including change in appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, headache, sleep problems and more. Chest pain and irregular heartbeats can occur in older people. Hair loss may be present in the initial months of WP Thyroid treatment.

Certain people have to take WP Thyroid permanently.

In such a case, it should be used with caution taking care not to change brand names or dosages. And discontinuing the medication should be avoided unless recommended by the physician.

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