Services
Natural Thyroid Replacement
Individualized Thyroid Evaluation and Treatment
Dr. Adrian J. Hohenwarter, MD has decades of experience evaluating and treating patients with thyroid-related concerns.
The thyroid gland plays an important role in metabolism and numerous normal functions throughout the body. When thyroid function is abnormal, patients may experience a variety of symptoms. Because these symptoms can also occur with many other medical conditions, proper medical evaluation is important before beginning thyroid treatment.
Dr. Adrian takes an individualized approach to thyroid evaluation and thyroid hormone replacement therapy, considering the patient's symptoms, medical history, physical findings, medications, laboratory results, and other relevant health factors.
Understanding Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland produces hormones that help regulate metabolism and influence many normal physiological processes.
Thyroid evaluation may include laboratory measurements such as:
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Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
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Free T4
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Free T3
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Thyroid antibodies when clinically appropriate
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Additional laboratory testing based upon the patient's individual circumstances
Laboratory results are interpreted together with the patient's medical history, symptoms, physical examination, medications, and overall clinical picture.
Symptoms That May Prompt a Thyroid Evaluation
Patients may seek medical evaluation for symptoms sometimes associated with thyroid dysfunction, including:
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Fatigue
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Changes in energy
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Unexplained weight changes
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Sensitivity to cold or heat
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Changes in bowel habits
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Dry skin
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Hair changes
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Changes in heart rate
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Sleep disturbances
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Difficulty concentrating
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Changes in mood
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Menstrual changes
These symptoms are not specific to thyroid disease and may have numerous possible causes.
Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a patient has a thyroid disorder. A medical evaluation can help determine whether thyroid dysfunction or another condition should be considered.
An Individualized Approach to Thyroid Care
Dr. Adrian believes thyroid care should consider the individual patient rather than relying upon symptoms or a single laboratory value in isolation.
Evaluation may include review of:
Medical History
Previous thyroid conditions, family history, medications, supplements, previous laboratory results, and other relevant health conditions.
Symptoms and Physical Findings
The type, severity, duration, and progression of symptoms are considered as part of the overall evaluation.
Thyroid Laboratory Testing
Appropriate thyroid testing may be ordered or reviewed to assist with diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Other Potential Causes
Symptoms commonly associated with thyroid dysfunction can also result from other medical, nutritional, hormonal, metabolic, or lifestyle factors. These possibilities may be considered when clinically appropriate.
Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy
When a patient is diagnosed with hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone replacement is medically appropriate, several prescription treatment options may be considered.
These can include synthetic levothyroxine (T4) as well as prescription thyroid preparations containing both T4 and T3.
Some patients refer to thyroid preparations derived from porcine thyroid glands as “natural thyroid” or desiccated thyroid hormone. These are prescription medications and should only be used under appropriate medical supervision.
Dr. Adrian considers the patient's medical history, laboratory findings, previous treatment experience, symptoms, potential risks, and individual clinical circumstances when determining which thyroid medication may be appropriate.
No single thyroid medication is appropriate for every patient.
Natural Desiccated Thyroid
Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) is a prescription thyroid medication derived from porcine thyroid glands and contains both thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Some patients may be interested in NDT because they previously used another form of thyroid replacement or wish to discuss whether a T4/T3-containing medication may be appropriate for them.
The term “natural” does not mean that a medication is inherently safer, more effective, or appropriate for every patient.
Dr. Adrian evaluates each patient individually before recommending a particular form of thyroid replacement therapy.
Monitoring Thyroid Replacement Therapy
Patients receiving thyroid hormone replacement require appropriate medical monitoring.
Follow-up may include:
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Review of symptoms
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Thyroid laboratory testing
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Medication and dosage review
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Assessment for potential side effects
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Evaluation of changes in health status
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Adjustment of treatment when clinically indicated
The goal of monitoring is to maintain appropriate thyroid hormone replacement while avoiding inadequate or excessive thyroid hormone exposure.
Patients should not change their thyroid medication dosage or discontinue treatment without discussing the change with their prescribing healthcare professional.
Nutrition and Thyroid Health
Adequate nutrition is important for normal thyroid physiology and overall health.
Nutrients such as iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, and others participate in normal thyroid hormone production or metabolism. However, nutritional supplements are not substitutes for medically necessary thyroid hormone replacement in patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
Excessive intake of certain nutrients, particularly iodine, may also adversely affect thyroid function in some individuals.
When appropriate, Dr. Adrian may consider nutritional status as one component of a patient's overall thyroid evaluation and care plan.
Thyroid Care in Central Pennsylvania
Dr. Adrian J. Hohenwarter, MD provides individualized thyroid evaluation and thyroid hormone replacement therapy in Central Pennsylvania.
Our Palmyra medical practice welcomes patients from communities including:
Hershey • Palmyra • Hummelstown • Harrisburg • Lebanon • Annville • Elizabethtown • Lancaster • Camp Hill • Mechanicsburg and surrounding Pennsylvania communities.
Patients searching for a thyroid doctor in Central Pennsylvania, thyroid treatment near Hershey or Harrisburg, PA, or a physician experienced with natural desiccated thyroid and thyroid hormone replacement therapy may contact our office to schedule an evaluation.
Schedule a Thyroid Consultation
If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, are currently taking thyroid medication, or are experiencing symptoms that you believe may warrant thyroid evaluation, contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Adrian J. Hohenwarter, MD.
Your consultation may include review of your medical history, symptoms, previous thyroid treatment, current medications, and relevant laboratory results. Additional testing may be recommended when clinically appropriate.
Office: 717-832-5993
Important Medical Information
Information on this page is provided for general educational purposes and is not intended to provide individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Symptoms commonly associated with thyroid dysfunction may have numerous potential causes. Appropriate medical evaluation and laboratory testing are important in diagnosing thyroid disorders.
Thyroid hormone medications are prescription medications and may have potential risks, side effects, contraindications, and medication interactions. Excessive thyroid hormone replacement can cause serious adverse effects.
Individual treatment responses vary, and no particular treatment outcome is guaranteed.
Patients should not begin, discontinue, or modify thyroid hormone medication without consulting their prescribing healthcare professional.
Prescription thyroid medications described on this page are provided as part of physician-directed medical care when clinically appropriate and are not available for purchase through the website's online retail store.