This International Thyroid Awareness Week, Roseway Labs is proud to support a global initiative to enhance understanding of thyroid health. As a compounding pharmacy dedicated to personalised care, we believe it’s crucial for both patients and practitioners to be well-informed about thyroid function, diagnosis, and treatment options.
We spoke to our Superintendent Pharmacist, Miriam Martinez Callejas about the importance of understanding thyroid function and how Roseway Labs supports both patients and practitioners with a range of licensed and bespoke (compounded) thyroid treatments.
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. It produces hormones that play a vital role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature.
When thyroid hormone levels drop too low or rise too high, it signals dysfunction - most commonly hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Recognising hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when there aren’t enough thyroid hormones circulating in the body. Typical symptoms include:
- Cold intolerance (cold hands and feet)
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Muscle cramps
Recognising hyperthyroidism
Blood tests are used to diagnose this condition, often starting with measuring TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). A high TSH level may indicate hypothyroidism. For a more comprehensive understanding, practitioners may also check levels of T4, T3 (active hormone), reverse T3 (inactive form), and even antibodies to screen for autoimmune thyroid conditions.
These advanced thyroid function blood tests T3 testing and T4 testing are available through our sister company, Gut and Health, for those seeking deeper insights into their thyroid profile.
Treatment options
While Levothyroxine (T4) is the most prescribed thyroid medication, not all patients respond the same way. Some may benefit from:
- Liothyronine (T3)
- Combination T4/T3 therapies
- Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) from animal thyroid glands
- Custom-compounded medications tailored to individual needs
In certain cases, patients are sensitive to fillers like lactose or require imported formulations not licensed in the UK. That’s where Roseway Labs plays a key role - offering bespoke solutions that eliminate allergens and match exact dosing requirements.
At Roseway Labs we help manage symptoms by creating the right medication mix, especially when licensed options fall short.
It’s essential to remember that T3 therapy should only be initiated by a specialist (usually an endocrinologist) after a full assessment.
Understanding thyroid dysfunction and having the right support makes all the difference. If you have questions or need tailored thyroid support, we’re here to help.