On August 6, 2025 the FDA sent a letter to all manufacturers, importers and distributors of marketed unapproved animal-derived thyroid medications, also known as natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) or desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), such as Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid, Nature-Thyroid, and Natural Thyroid to notify them they (the FDA) intend to take action against all of the manufacturers, importers and distributors of NDTs.

Doctors and prescribers will have the next 12 months to transition their patients to an FDA-approved synthetic thyroid hormone replacement medication such as Synthroid and Levothyroxine.

The ask is simple:

Please help by signing this petition urging the FDA to maintain the originally mandated timeline, which allowed manufacturers of natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) medications until 2029 to secure FDA approval. We simply ask that this timeline remains in place, rather than being accelerated, to ensure a stable and measured transition for both providers and patients.

Background:

From the early 1890s through the mid-1970s, natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) or desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), was the preferred form of therapy for hypothyroidism. In 1965, approximately 4 of every 5 prescriptions for thyroid hormone in the USA were for NDT (4)"

Robust scientific evidence supports the efficacy and safety of NDTs when used appropriately. The American Thyroid Association and other reputable bodies acknowledge that while synthetic versions are commonly prescribed, NDTs remain a valid and often necessary treatment for particular groups of patients

Up to 10% of patients suffering from hypothyroidism and other thyroid-related conditions often experience chronic fatigue, weight gain, depression, and other symptoms that significantly impair quality of life. While synthetic thyroid medications are available, they do not work equally well for all patients. For many, NDTs provide effective relief when synthetics fall short.

Currently there are between 1.5 - 4 million Americans taking NDTs.

This is a excerpt from an article published in Frontiers in Endocrinology  January 8, 2024

14:1309159. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1309159
Natural desiccated thyroid for the treatment of hypothyroidism?
Adrian H Heald 1,2,*, Peter Taylor 3, Lakdasa Premawardhana 3, Mike Stedman 4, Colin Dayan 3

"Primary hypothyroidism affects about 3% of the general population in Europe (1). Early treatments in the late 19th Century involved subcutaneous as well as oral administration of thyroid extract (2, 3). Until the early 1970s, the majority of people with this condition were treated with natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) (derived from pig thyroid glands) in various formulations (4), with the majority of people since then being treated with levothyroxine (L-thyroxine).

It is reported that up to 10% of treated diagnosed hypothyroid individuals report impaired quality of life, despite achieving serum free thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels within the laboratory reference range and ideally in the ideally in the lower half of the reference range (5). A proportion of people with hypothyroidism who are seemingly treatment resistant as described, are prescribed liothyronine (L-tri-iodothyronine), usually in addition to levothyroxine and occasionally as monotherapy but some do prefer NDT (6).

Robust scientific evidence supports the efficacy and safety of NDTs when used appropriately. The American Thyroid Association and other reputable bodies acknowledge that while synthetic versions are commonly prescribed, NDTs remain a valid and often necessary treatment for particular groups of patients.

As a medical doctor, I've witnessed the transformative impact that desiccated thyroid medications such as Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid, Nature-Thyroid, and Natural Thyroid can have on patients suffering from thyroid dysfunction. Not only have I prescribed these medications to hundreds of patients with remarkable success, but I also rely on Armour Thyroid for my own health. This isn't just a professional responsibility—it's deeply personal.

Our healthcare system should prioritize patient-centered care, offering a range of treatment options to suit individual needs. Denying access to NDTs not only undermines this principle but also marginalizes patients who depend on them to lead healthy, functional lives.

It is crucial that we advocate for the continued availability and recognition of NDT medications as a legitimate choice for both doctors and patients. that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare, let's push for inclusive treatment options that cover every patient's needs.

Again, please help by signing this petition urging the FDA to maintain the originally mandated timeline, which allowed manufacturers of natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) medications until 2029 to secure FDA approval. We simply ask that this timeline remains in place, rather than being accelerated, to ensure a stable and measured transition for both providers and patients.

Once we have enough signatures we will file a formal petition on the FDA website.

Thank you for your support!