Thyro-Gold

December 24, 2016

Introduction

Many patients and physicians who practice alternative medicine, consider Dr. John C. Lowe a pioneer in the field of of thyroid disorders. Although his primarily field of study seemed to be fibromyalgia, he held many theories regarding hypothyroidism that many felt aligned with their values. According to this article, and many others on the web, Lowe believed that clinical tests that determined the T3, T4, and TSH levels within a patient were often false and could not be reliably trusted. Someone could still have hypothyroidism if there tests came back well within normal ranges. He recommended thyroid hormone therapy to his patients, even if diagnostic tests did not indicate a patient had hypothyroidism. Some of his patients seemed to feel better as a result of this extra thyroid hormone. Lowe believed that all hypothyroidism patients should take thyroid hormone replacement therapy as a cure for their thyroid issues, and according to the website, eventually developed Thyro-Gold, a dietary supplement that contains desiccated thyroid, in order to achieve this.

Formula

Thyro-Gold primarily contains thyroid gland powder from bovine in New Zealand along with other secondary ingredients such as 100 mg of L-Aspartic acid, 25 mg of 10% Extract of Coleus Forskohlii, and Glyceryl Behenate. The secondary ingredients of Thyro-Gold’s formula have been shown in scientific studies to have little benefits for the thyroid itself. Rather Thyro-Gold uses these as the frame for its vegetable capsule. One of them is also used as an herb powder although it is not as effective as some of the other more popular herbs such as Bladderwrack, or Cayenne Pepper. Studies, in particular, have shown the benefits of Ashwagandha for the thyroid. It is a bit surprising that Thyro-Gold does not include it in their formula.

The main ingredient, the thyroid extract, is touted as the best and most advantageous element for the thyroid, but many experts disagree with this statement. They caution against the use of thyroid extracts in supplements as dietary supplements are unregulated. Each capsule can contain any amount of thyroid hormones. One capsule may contain any range of T3 or T4 hormones, or possibly even nothing at all. If this capsule was produced by a regulated pharmaceutical company or obtained through a prescription, it would list the exact amount of hormone in each pill. However, as mentioned before, the unregulated nature of supplements makes the exact amount known.

This is the primarily safety aspect to be concerned with, with extracted thyroid hormones. If you accidentally take too much, you can experience many unpleasant symptoms such as high blood pressure, anxiety, sleeplessness, and increased heart rate. We would at least recommend talking to your doctor before deciding to take these supplements.

Another safety risk to consider is that extracted Thyroid Glands from bovine is Mad Cow Disease, which can be fatal to humans. While it is certainly rare for Mad Cow Disease to occur in New Zealand, as Thyro-Gold’s website so often says, it has occurred before contrary to what the website states. Mad Cow Disease and its variants are much greater risks in countries such as the United Kingdom, so it is safer that Thyro-Gold is sourced from New Zealand, but the risk is still there.

Company Practices

Thyro-Gold and its parent website has a lot of information about thyroid conditions and potential ways to alleviate the symptoms. Some of the information I have read so far looks good but there is some that is based on the theories of one man and not exactly supported by the major scientific community yet. Some of this information is regarded as pseudo-science from many scientists and experts. Furthermore there is no money-back guarantee. If this product does not work for you, it is likely you will not be able to get your money back.

We do like how Thyro-Gold’s website is made and is not bombarding you with marketing terms and stock images. The website has a personal touch to it. On the contrary, it does seem a bit outdated and could use a few improvements.

Effectiveness

Thyro-Gold has the potential to boost T3 or T4 levels within your body. Since this is a dietary supplement, however, the exact amount of hormone in each capsule is unknown and unregulated. You will have to do a significant amount of experimenting to find the optimal dosage for your specific conditions. Some may need to take as many as 6 capsules a day.

Once you do find the right dosage, the additional intake of T3 or T4 hormones within each capsule may help your underactive thyroid but at most will just mask the real symptoms underneath. Many underactive thyroid users suffer from a lack of specific minerals, herbs, and amino acids. Thyro-Gold will do little to help you in this regard.

Value

Thyro-Gold starts at $32.94 for one bottle without including shipping and handling costs. With all of these added together, the price you are looking at is at least $38. There is a slight discount for multiple bottles but this still makes it the most expensive thyroid supplement we have reviewed thus far.

Wrap Up

Thyro-Gold

  • 5.5/10
    Formula
  • 8/10
    Company Practices
  • 6.5/10
    Effectiveness
  • 7/10
    Side Effects
  • 7/10
    Value

Pros

  • May work for some
  • Contains an herb

Cons

  • No Iodine
  • No Money Back guarantee
  • Lacking Vitamins and Minerals
  • Contains Desiccated Thyroid

35 Comments

  • Dawn March 11, 2017 at 12:14 am

    I don’t like it at all. I take it and it makes me feel kinda crappy. No energy, arms feel weak. I have e-mailed this company and they haven’t even bothered to return a response. The first email I sent about taking proper dosage was answered immediately, but when I wanted to get my money back…. it’s like they fell off the face of the planet. No responses whatsoever. I don’t trust this company at all. I think they are a little shady. I give them no stars!!!!!!

    • Paula August 19, 2017 at 8:00 am

      Maybe because they only return unopened items and they say that on their website.

      • Jude July 23, 2018 at 4:57 pm

        Glad to know they don’t guarantee their product. How are you supposed to know if you like something if you can’t try it first.
        Very bad business practices 👎🏼 Thanks for the info.

  • Kellie R. May 19, 2017 at 9:28 am

    I love it!I have taken it on and off for several years!Its worth checking out. I found it on the website Stop the Thyroid Madness.

    • Alana June 26, 2017 at 4:18 pm

      I also was taking Thyroid Gold, but In December 2016 it just stopped working for me. I called to ask if anything had changed and they say no. Was wondering if you have noticed any difference in it’s effectiveness. Thank you for any information, as I’m miserable.

      • phoenix23002 July 30, 2017 at 10:32 am

        You could have reverse T 3 going on. This is where you are taking enough thyroid medication but… it just isn’t getting into your cells. There is a R T 3 blood test that will tell you if this is the case. The ‘cure’? Drop your NDT dosage down to 1 – 1.5 mgs daily with some T 3 or take T 3 only for approx. 12 weeks. At that time test for R T 3 again. It should have dropped and you can then resume dosing up (slowly but not too slow) your thyroid meds. You do need to correct whatever caused the R T 3 condition in the first place or it will return. Some causes… low B 12, D 3, iron or stressed adrenals. It is always a good idea to be working with your doc (even if he/she has no clue about thyroid conditions) for blood tests at the very least. Most of us find that it takes some tweaking to find that ‘sweet spot’ when it comes to dosing. You don’t want to go over but you don’t want to stay under medicated for too long either. This is where your doc can be helpful.. running tests every few months until you have found your optimal dosage.

  • Lorraine August 2, 2017 at 11:16 pm

    I have been using it for some years and love it. My double chin is gone and I feel so incredibly good. I was looking for something besides pig for my thyroid and this is wonderful. Love this product. The price was a bit more than Armour, but I can order it myself and have 3 months + supply.

    • Sue March 29, 2018 at 8:24 pm

      What is the name of it and where do you buy it?

  • Susan October 16, 2017 at 5:25 pm

    I have been on 88 mcg levothyrocine for underactive thyroid for 7 yrs … I can’t seem to lose weight I’m always tired they always tell me that my dosage is correct… family doctor…. I have high blood pressure on meds for that…. is it safe to quit my current medication and to start taking your product ???

  • Pamela October 22, 2017 at 8:13 am

    I have been on 50mg Synthroid for years now for hypothyroidism….and still; always tired, could not lose weight, In fact, I eat half of what I used to and still weigh the same after a year.
    Then last month my doctor told me I have high blood pressure. So I started reading about that; I read that the thyroid could actually cause high blood pressure.
    My doctor does not even test T3 and when I asked her if we should; she just brushed it off and said ‘oh, that’s too hard to test” And here is the strange thing, when I went to a walk-in clinic on a Sunday for a hand accident they tested my BP and said I do ‘not’ have high blood pressure.
    Anyway, I took the Thyro-Gold and after awhile noticed I did lose some belly fat and my hair started looking a little better. I am not telling my doctor that I am taking the TG and I am alternating days with the Synthroid. I will see what the bloodwork says in a few months. I am going by how I feel. And the blood pressure medicine made me feel so terrible I called the pharmacist to make sure I got the right thing. I am no spring chicken and I have learned one thing over the years…(doctor’s do not know everything)…they only see us like what 15 minutes two times a year; then on top of that the medical profession is controlled by the government so they are limited there. I can tell you one thing I am thrilled to have this alternative to even try. I finally learned to listen to my own body that I live in everyday and a body that I know how I feel.

    • JC July 15, 2018 at 10:53 am

      I spoke on the phone with Tammy Lowe of Thyrogold and she EMPHATICALLY INSISTED that no one should ever combine prescription thyroid medication with Thyrogold. Choose one or the other only.
      At first, Thyrogold was a wonder drug for me because I went from diagnosis of Hashimoto’s and 130 lbs to 205 lbs in 4 years. My Endo refused to listen. I gained 20 lbs, stopped taking the Levothyroxine and immediately lost the weight. I was reprimanded by the Dr and told take it again to then gain 30 lbs. When it got to 40 lbs, I quit the Levo again and lost all the weight again!
      Then, the Dr told me if Hashimoto’s sufferers don’t take their meds they could have ominous repercussions. I took it for 4 years straight and gained a total of 75 lbs. Walking 8-9k steps a day, cutting sugar and carbs, eating non-nightshade veggies didn’t help me lose weight. During those 4 years I educated myself about Hashi’s and begged the Dr to check my T3 and he repeatedly refused.
      My daughter and I searched for another Endo, but apparently he is the head of the department and I was told “I would have to get his permission to switch”! No other Endo would see me without this “permission”.
      I’ll have to to to another towns= and hospital to switch.
      I found the Natural Thyroid Solutions website and decided to give it a try.
      I started with 75 mg and lost 15 lbs in 2 months (I even had a piece of my granddaughter’s birthday cake!). I thought I found the help I needed!
      At first, when diagnosed, I had NO symptoms.
      After taking Levothyroxine for 8 weeks I had ALL the symptoms, hair loss, sluggish, aching joints, etc.
      I feel phenomenal when not on any supplements or medications for Hashimoto’s.

      Unfortunately for me, after 2 months on Thyrogold, I then had 3 weeks of no weight loss and began feeling bad again.
      That’s when the distributor directed me to call Tammy.
      She believed I needed to up my dose to 2 capsules at 300 mg. I always take it on an empty stomach with a lot of water, wait an hour before eating or drinking anything, and take my temperature every morning. I keep a daily journal of dosage, temp, weight. My temp went from 97.2 before Thyrogold to 98.4 after.
      Taking 300 mg for 2 weeks, I was going CRAZY! My hands wouldn’t stop shaking, horrible headaches, diarrhea, but I began to lose weight again. The shaky hands is known as ‘exaggerated physiological tremors”.
      I stopped taking it for 3 days (without telling anyone) and then reverted to 1 capsule of 75 mg. That’s where I am now for 4 days.
      I’m confused, angry, fed up with Hashi’s, and my hands are shaking again. On the 3rd day w/o Thyrogold, the shaking dissipated!
      I know it’s directly related.
      I’m now considering quitting Thyrogold and finding an Endo who will give me a prescription for something to help my T4 AND T3.
      The Thyrogold is $58 for 90 capsules of 75 mg and $78.50 for 90 capsules of 300 mg, if you include shipping and handling. $15 is just handling!
      I’m on Social Security and can’t afford it, especially with the side-effects.
      I have been making educational YouTube videos for 3 years and my hands are shaking so bad I can’t hold a camera anymore. I have trouble even putting the key into the keyhole of my front door now!
      I know some people take up to 6 capsules a day. I can’t imagine.
      My heart goes out to everyone with Hashimoto’s!
      Educate yourself about Hashimoto’s as much as possible. Read medical journals, not just random websites.
      XXXOOO

  • Pamela October 22, 2017 at 8:15 am

    PAMELA (50mcg) not 50 mg. Please give us an edit link.

  • Pamela November 10, 2017 at 8:26 pm

    Can you please give me the link to re-purchase the Thyro-Gold supplement.

  • Leah November 24, 2017 at 9:44 am

    Formula

    0.3

    I’m not affiliated with this company at all but here is where to go to purchase the Thyro-Gold:
    Naturalthyroidsolutions.com

  • Sarah March 21, 2018 at 11:43 pm

    Formula

    10

    Company Practices

    10

    Effectiveness

    10

    Side Effects

    10

    Value

    10

    This stuff works! For several years, I’ve tried various synthetic versions of T4 (Synthroid, Levoxyl, etc.) and T3 (Cytomel, compounded slow-release T3), and no matter what dose, my free T4 and free T3 lab values would remain clinically low. About a year ago, I finally stopped taking the synthetic forms and started just taking Thyro-Gold (3 of the 150 mg pills/day). Ever since, my values have been in the optimal, high-normal range, where I had never managed to get them before. Ultimately, at about $30/month, the cost is comparable to what I paid for the prescription Synthroid and Cytomel, with the huge added bonus that it actually works! And it’s over the counter, so I don’t need to deal with prescriptions.

  • Coleen April 30, 2018 at 1:20 pm

    Formula

    10

    Company Practices

    10

    Effectiveness

    10

    Side Effects

    10

    Value

    10

    I have energy again and regulated/uninterrupted sleep for the first time in many years. Weight loss? No. But no gain either. Honestly, I expect with the increase in energy, an increase in physical activity, and with that weight loss. My hair and complexion are much improved. For me personally, It’s worth the $30 a month to feel so much better.

  • Saba July 7, 2018 at 11:23 am

    I have been taking Thyro – Gold for almost 2 years and it worked far better than Levothyroxine. I got my life back!! However, the last batch that I ordered seemed less potent and I got majorly hypo. My endocrinologist had to add 100 mg of levothyroxine to bring down my elevated thyroid (TSH 33). But even then my TSH remained a bit elevated ! So confused I switched to an an old batch of Thyro Gold that I had. On the same dose I turned severely hyper and lost 4 kilos in a month. So like you mentioned the amount of Thryoid hormone in the last batch i ordered was lesser. I am extremely stressed out because of this.

  • Katie Beecher July 16, 2018 at 12:48 pm

    When I tried to order it said $38 a bottle but then added $15 shipping. That is obscene.

    • brenda foster September 5, 2018 at 1:36 pm

      i think paypal actually makes money on the transaction too.

  • MsDeb November 2, 2018 at 2:13 pm

    Formula

    10

    Company Practices

    10

    Effectiveness

    10

    Side Effects

    10

    Value

    10

    I’ve been taking Thyro Gold since 2011. Works great. I have had shaky hands so it takes awhile to get adjusted correctly plus check for adrenal fatigue. Go to Stop The Thyroid Madness for great info!

  • Lorraine Tipton December 15, 2018 at 10:09 am

    It has been several years I am taking thryo-gold now. I did my homework. Actually, years of homework as the endo’s seem to know nothing and stopthetyroidmadness helped me to know how to do my own bloodwork (Ultalabtests.com) and regulate it myself. I just tested it through a Dr. (After years of not going to a Dr.) I did not go to the Dr. for the thryoid, but they tested it anyway which was fine, and my test results were PERFECT! The Dr. knew the TSH test would not be the same on a dessicated thyroid as on pharma meds. How nice to find someone who knew something!
    I LOVE this product. Feel so good! I take 2 capsules of 300 mg each daily.

  • Maya January 16, 2019 at 10:25 am

    Company Practices

    8

    I got Hashimoto and wanted to change from synthetic t4 to this product. Was told there is 50 mcg t4/12,5 t3 in a capsule of 150 mg. Used 2 capsules a day. Should be about the same amount as I used before. Without knowing it, my metabolism really decreased and ended up with very low thyroid blood values. And pretty seek. So I guess this did not work for me. The persons who sold it were very nice and answered all my questions very fast. But I consider this is a supplement product. Not an option for treatment. Or it is my body that will not obtain it.

  • lisa February 20, 2019 at 10:52 am

    I agree with Maya. I usually take a combo of Synthroid and cytomel. I stopped taking those and switched to TG exclusively at 2 capsules a day. After a few weeks, my labs were terrible. My TSH was 11 and my FT3 and FT4 were not in normal range either. My FT3 was better, but again, still not in range.
    This is truly a supplement. For me, a supplement to help my FT3 a bit, but that’s all. It’s not a replacement for Synthroid.

  • Bonnie Krajewski May 14, 2019 at 1:02 pm

    Formula

    0.2

    I’ve been on Thyrogold for at least 3 years and it has saved my life. Some of the prescription meds out there are t4 only. Thyroid has T3 & T4 in it. Those who are having issues with it may have low iron or adrenal issues. I strongly recommend the website stop the thyroidmadness.com. This site is the collective knowledge of thyroid patients in everything thyroid.

  • Tammy Morris September 28, 2019 at 1:39 pm

    Side Effects

    0.1

    I took Thyro-Gold for about 2 months. At first it really seemed to help but toward the end of the 2 months I would wake up in the middle of the night with my heart racing. I tried decreasing to 1 capsule/day but had the same effect. So I stopped for a year and just took Kelp. Kelp does a reasonable job of keeping my digestive system going and less hair falling out, but I still have a low basal temperature and very dry graying hair. I started taking Thyro-Gold again but within a week my heart was not beating regularly again. I weigh 120 lbs so I wondered if it was too much for my weight.

  • Deborah January 15, 2020 at 12:58 am

    Formula

    10

    Company Practices

    10

    Effectiveness

    10

    Side Effects

    8

    Value

    10

    I’ve been taking TG since 2011. I take two 150 mg a day. One in the morning and the other later in the day. If I took them at once I did shake. I was taking more at one time but my heart was pounding in my ears, I was shaking, and very anxious. You need to find the correct dose. So far great product. I took Synthroid for 10 years and got tired of feeling tired and depressed. The Dr’s go by that useless TSH scale and it does not tell you much. My daughter had graves and they said that she was just fine, according to that TSH test. StopTheThyroidMadness is a great site for people with thyroid disorders. Tammy above.. I have palps and a few times developed tachy. I take magnesium and Vit D3 with K7. Check out Dr Dean.. she is a pro on magnesium.

  • Raquel January 17, 2020 at 12:39 pm

    Formula

    10

    Company Practices

    10

    Effectiveness

    10

    Side Effects

    10

    Value

    10

    I love Thyro-Gold! I have been taking it for many years. I take more in the winter and less in the summer. I pay attention to my symptoms and dose accordingly. I am so happy that I can buy this without a prescription and take the amount I need without relying on a doctor to tell me the dose to take. I have taken Armour thyroid in the past and I prefer Thyro-Gold. Tammy is so nice and helpful when I have questions. Best company ever!!!!

  • John March 26, 2020 at 9:50 am

    DO NOT TAKE THIS CRAP blew up my blood pressure

  • Barbara Brown April 4, 2020 at 12:14 am

    Formula

    10

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    Value

    10

    Thyro-Gold definitely has T4 and T3 in it, my blood tests prove it. I take it because my immune system has destroyed my thyroid (Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism). The maximum dose advised by Dr Lowe is 2×300mg capsules daily, NOT 6!
    The dosage needs to be built up slowly. Increasing every 2 weeks IF symptoms and signs (e.g. basal pulse and temperature warrant it. See the 3 free chapters provided as pdf files on the Thyro-Gold website for information on dosing and monitoring.
    Thyro-Gold works and saved my life when I became allergic to all the other thyroid meds.
    If you find it doesn’t work for you, it is because something else is wrong. Check levels of: iron, ferritin (70-90), vitamin B12, vitamin D and cortisol (the latter by 24 hour saliva test). All these need to be optimal for your body to process thyroid meds.
    If you have allergies & intolerances it is worth givng Thyro-Gold a try.

  • Laurie May 5, 2020 at 2:52 pm

    I take two tablets every afternoon. Just works for me bec that is when I am most tired and dragging and can’t function which is so depressing. I am very active so when I am so tired ; I am unmotivated and then I get really depressed. The TG helps and gives me energy to be just normal. I don’t have any side effects.

    My question is: Is TG safe to take with hormone estrogen and progesterone. My cholesterol was a bit high so my Dr put me on over the counter medicine for that. I am also suppose to take a D vitamin everyday. So I try to space all this out. I am not a pill taker so this has been a real struggle for me.

  • Deborah May 11, 2020 at 9:00 pm

    The new Thyro Gold doesn’t seem to be helping anymore. I wonder if they changed the formula. It appears that I’m not the only one with this thought. I looked on the Thyro Gold FB page. I’ve been complaining to someone for months about this. I’m tired and depressed. I even take naps and took a four hour one the other day. I’m not a napper!

  • sam May 27, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    Formula

    9.1

    Company Practices

    9.6

    Effectiveness

    8.7

    Value

    7.2

    i didnt know about the rating bars till wrote comment it used to be9 or 10 for everything but now doesnt seem to be working so dissapointed !have used it for years and was great be fore

    so this rating is for the original thryogold but the above more liek the current one !

  • Andrea Pinnock July 2, 2020 at 4:56 am

    I agree. I just received my TSH results today and it has jumped significantly from a year ago from 2.18 to 8.44.
    I haven’t changed my dosage at all.
    I have been using a new batch of Thyro Gold received about 3 months ago.

  • Lucy August 18, 2020 at 7:52 pm

    I have had half my thyroid removed can I take TG in place of Synthetic thyroid?

  • Robbie Davis August 31, 2020 at 2:04 pm

    I had thyroid removed in 2017. Before hand i researched all about dessicated thyroid and bought a bottle of TG and one of their competitors.

    I used the competitor first and my numbers were absolutely perfect. I felt better than I ever have. My Dr did all the blood monitoring and i have the lab numbers to prove it.

    Then i decided to test the Thyroid Gold. I switched over taking the same exact dosage. To my horror my health started declining, on energy, cold , lethargic stomach problems etc. All the symtoms of hypo. My Dr ran complete tests and called me stating my numbers were terrible and what was going on. My TSD was 33 from .05.
    My t3 and t4 were almost drained to nothing. I was in trouble. All that good work down the drain because I changed brands.

    I cant believe TG is authentically representing the correct amount of dessicated thyroid present. Blood tests tell the story.

    I am starting back on the other brand and will update the new lab results.

    There is an old saying if it is working leave it alone. I am sorry I even tried TG. Not to mention it is overpriced with their shipping.

    Buyers beware and stay under Dr care when using any supplements. Stick to what is working.

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