Plate I · Understanding Thyroid Function & Treatment

Thyroid Health

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature. Learn about thyroid disorders and personalised treatment options.

Overview

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces hormones affecting nearly every organ in your body. When it doesn't function properly, it can lead to a range of symptoms from fatigue to weight changes.

Observed presentations

Signs & symptoms.

  • 01Unexplained weight changes
  • 02Fatigue or low energy
  • 03Temperature sensitivity
  • 04Changes in heart rate
  • 05Mood changes
  • 06Hair loss or thinning

Sections in Plate I

  1. ISection

    Common Thyroid Conditions

    Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) are the most common thyroid disorders. Hashimoto's disease and Graves' disease are autoimmune conditions affecting the thyroid.

  2. IISection

    Compounded Thyroid Solutions

    We can create personalised thyroid hormone formulations including T4, T3, or combination therapies. Custom dosing allows for precise adjustment based on your individual needs and lab results.

  3. IIISection

    Monitoring & Adjustment

    Regular monitoring through blood tests helps ensure optimal hormone levels. Compounded formulations can be easily adjusted as your needs change over time.

Related reading

Educational articles.

Build your knowledge progressively — start with an overview, then dig into the intermediate and advanced pieces that apply.

Common questions

Questions, asked often.

  • T4 (thyroxine) is the storage hormone that your thyroid produces in larger quantities. T3 (triiodothyronine) is the active hormone that your body uses. Most of your T4 is converted to T3 in your tissues. Some people have difficulty with this conversion, which is why combination therapy or T3-only formulations may be prescribed.
  • Most people begin to feel improvements within 2-4 weeks of starting thyroid medication, though full benefits may take 6-8 weeks. This is why follow-up blood tests are typically done 6-8 weeks after starting or adjusting medication, allowing time for hormone levels to stabilise.
  • Compounded thyroid medications allow for precise dosing, custom combinations of T3 and T4, and removal of fillers or dyes that some people react to. This personalisation can improve symptom control and reduce side effects for many patients, particularly those who haven't responded optimally to standard formulations.
  • For most people with hypothyroidism, yes. However, some causes of thyroid dysfunction (like temporary thyroiditis or medication-induced changes) may be reversible. Your prescriber will monitor your thyroid function regularly and adjust treatment as needed.
  • The most common tests are TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), Free T4, and Free T3. Some practitioners also test for thyroid antibodies (TPO and TG) to check for autoimmune conditions, and reverse T3 to assess conversion efficiency. Your doctor will determine which tests are appropriate for your situation.

After this plate

Where to next.

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Notice to the reader

Educational, not prescriptive.

Hormone therapy requires medical supervision. This plate is reviewed by our pharmacy team but isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with your prescriber before beginning, altering, or stopping any hormone therapy.