I wanted to make my Thyroid Pharmacist community aware of a recent development regarding thyroid medications.
On August 6th, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration issued letters to manufacturers of animal-derived thyroid products (such as Armour and NP Thyroid), often called natural desiccated thyroid (NDT), informing them of the FDA’s “intent to take action against marketed unapproved animal-derived thyroid (NDT) products.”
These medications are often life-changing options for those who do not experience benefits with synthetic thyroid medications. They have been around since before the FDA was established and have long been allowed on pharmacy shelves as prescription medications without official FDA approval.
In the letters, the FDA said that it “understands that a significant number of patients currently take unapproved NDT products” and noted that the agency believes “it will require up to 12 months to safely transition patients to an FDA-approved thyroid hormone replacement product.” It is not clear if the agency anticipates approving an NDT within 12 months or expects NDT patients to switch to FDA-approved synthetic alternatives, such as levothyroxine and liothyronine, by then.
I understand the FDA’s goal: to ensure 1. That the agency has reviewed and approved all medications, even those that predate the agency, and 2. That all NDTs are in compliance with today’s manufacturing, safety, and labeling standards.
That’s a good thing in theory – it ensures consistent quality, accurate dosing, and rigorous safety and effectiveness. The problem is the timeline. The FDA approval process can take years, and the current 12-month enforcement window simply isn’t enough time for manufacturers to go through all the steps required for formal approval.
Here’s what we know:
- Three companies that currently make NDT are already in the process of seeking FDA approval. The problem? This approval process can take years, and none of the companies are likely to have an FDA-approved NDT ready in the next 12 months.
- Additionally, compounding pharmacies may no longer be able to prepare NDT formulations because of a new “biologics” designation given to NDT products by the FDA. This classification means the medication is now regulated under a much stricter framework intended for products made from living organisms, such as vaccines, blood products, and antibodies, and may only be produced and sold with an FDA-approved Biologics License Application (BLA). Pharmacies are not eligible for BLAs – only large manufacturers can obtain them.
- Many of us know from personal experience that synthetic medications alone don’t work for everyone – and for some, NDT is the only therapy that truly restores their quality of life.
Last week I shared on Instagram that the FDA was planning to remove natural desiccated thyroid medications like Armour and NP Thyroid from the market and that we needed to take action and speak out to ensure that this didn’t happen!
I need to be honest here – I regret not acting sooner. Back in 2022, when the FDA first determined that animal-derived compounded medications were “biologics,” I was invited to join a call to discuss the matter and to see if we could ask the FDA to reverse this decision.
After all, most drugs that are classified as biologics are new, bio-engineered injectable products like gene therapies, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies.
It didn’t make sense that old-school oral medications would get the same classification. I assumed others had it under control. I offered to help circulate a petition if one was created, but I never received one, and I never followed up.
I didn’t act, and now this classification could prevent compounding pharmacists from making natural desiccated thyroid medications and could potentially lead to years where natural desiccated thyroid is unavailable in the United States.
This time, I want to make sure we do everything in our power to keep NDT medications accessible to the patients who need them.
I’ve been sharing about this on Instagram for the past week, along with other thyroid colleagues and patient advocates. A few of us have been working behind the scenes to ask the FDA for one reasonable, life-saving step: Extend the timeline for removing “unapproved” NDT from the market until two FDA-approved versions of NDT are available.
The good news is that I think our efforts are working. On August 13th, FDA Commissioner Martin Makary said that although the “FDA is committed to pursuing the first-ever approval of desiccated thyroid extract, pending results of the ongoing clinical trials,” the agency will, in “the meantime… ensure access for all Americans.” We are hoping to get more clarity on this!
NDT has been used for more than 120 years – long before the FDA was even founded. There is no reason patients should be denied access to medications that are working for them while we wait for FDA-approved versions to become available.
I truly believe this is an achievable request, but only if we raise our voices. If just 2% of the estimated 1.5 million people currently taking NDT in the United States (that’s about 30,000 of us) speak up, I believe the FDA will listen and grant an extension.
This would allow us to continue using “grandfathered” NDT until the FDA-approved versions are ready. But if not enough of us speak out, these lifesaving medications may be removed from the market after 12 months.
Here’s how you can help:
I’ve put together an Action Kit with clear steps you can take to make your voice heard – including who to contact, what to say, and how to share this message with others in our community.
Call to Action Kit: How You Can Help Protect Access to Natural-Dessicated Thyroid Medications
You can help protect access to these treatments by taking a few simple actions. Below is a step-by-step kit to guide you in making your voice heard.
1. Most Impactful: Write Members of Congress and FDA Officials
- Action: Write a personal letter to your U.S. Representative, Senators, and key FDA officials expressing your concern about the FDA’s proposed actions and the potential impact on your health.
- Why: Your elected officials need to hear from you directly. They represent your interests and can help raise this issue in legislative discussions.
- How to Write: Keep your message personal, concise, and respectful. Explain how animal-derived thyroid medications have improved your health and why they are necessary.
- Tip: You can find contact information for your U.S. Representative and Senators on the official U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate website, and for FDA officials on the FDA’s website.
- You can use https://democracy.io to send those emails.
- You can also call your State Representatives and Senators.
- Visit https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member and type your address into the search box. A list of your U.S. Representatives and Senators and their contact information will appear! Or, you can call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to be connected to your member’s office.
Sample Email Template:
Subject: Urgent Request to Protect Access to Animal-Derived Thyroid Medications
Dear [Senator’s Name],
I am writing to express my concern about the FDA’s stated intention to take action to take action against animal-derived thyroid medications. As a patient who relies on these medications, I have seen a significant improvement in my health when synthetic options have not worked. [Can add own experience here]. These treatments are vital to my well-being, and I believe their removal would have a detrimental effect on many individuals.
I urge you to advocate for the preservation of access to these life-changing medications while FDA approved options are being pursued. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Other ways to help…
2. Make Social Media Posts & Tag the FDA
- Action: Share your personal story on social media and tag the FDA (@FDA), and use the hashtags #SaveThyroidMeds, #ThyroidAwareness, #ProtectThyroidMedications #savethyroidmeds #saveNDT
- Why: Social media is a powerful tool to spread awareness quickly. The more people hear your story, the more likely this issue will gain the attention it deserves.
- How to Share: You can create an Instagram video, post, or Story that shares your experience with animal-derived thyroid medications, and why they are important to you. If you tag me @izabellawentzpharmd, I will share it to my audience to help amplify your message.
- Sample Post: “I’ve been using natural thyroid medications for [time period], and they have made a world of difference for my health. Let’s make our voices heard and protect access to these essential treatments! #ThyroidAwareness #ProtectThyroidMedications #savethyroidmeds #saveNDT @FDA”
3. Share Your Story on Instagram Stories
- Action: Share your experience using Instagram Stories and tag the FDA @FDA.
- Why: Instagram Stories are a fast way to raise awareness, and tagging the FDA directly can help get the attention of the agency.
- How to Share: You can share a personal video or text-based Story with a quick explanation of how these medications have impacted your life. Don’t forget to use the hashtags mentioned above!
- Tip: Keep it short and engaging. People respond well to authentic, real stories.
4. Post to Facebook, X, TikTok & Other Social Platforms
- Action: Post on your social media feed about how animal-derived thyroid medications have helped you.
- Why: Social media allows you to reach a wide audience and spark conversation about the issue.
- How to Share: Post a thoughtful message or video and ask your friends and family to share it with their networks.
- Sample Post: “Animal-derived thyroid medications have been a lifeline for me. Please join me in raising awareness and sharing our stories. #SaveAnimalThyroidMedications #saveNDT #savethyroidmeds”
5. Engage with the Media
- Action: Write a letter to the editor or engage with local media outlets about this issue.
- Why: Media coverage can amplify the issue to a broader audience, potentially bringing it to the attention of policymakers.
- How to Write: Keep your letter brief and compelling, explaining the personal impact of animal-derived thyroid medications and why their availability should be protected.
6. Encourage Others to Participate
- Action: Encourage your friends, family, and followers to take action and share this information with their networks.
- Why: The more people who speak up, the more impact we can have on this issue.
- How to Share: Forward this Call to Action Kit, tag others in your posts, and ask them to join the cause.
7. If you only have a little time… Sign & Share Petitions That Focus on Protecting Access to NDT
- Action: Sign petitions on Change.org (or similar platforms) that are advocating for the continued availability of animal-derived thyroid medications.
- Why: Petitions show a united front and demonstrate that this issue matters to many people. You can also create your own petition if one doesn’t already exist.
- How to Share: Share the petition link on your social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) and encourage your friends, family, and followers to sign as well.
- Sample Post: “Please take a moment to sign this petition to protect access to animal-derived thyroid medications that are essential for many of us. [Add link – see below] Let’s raise our voices to keep these treatments available! #ThyroidAwareness #savendt”
- Here are two petitions created by my colleagues that are getting the most traction. I initially planned on starting my own petition, but for now I feel having one petition with multiple signatures will allow for more impact than multiple petitions with fewer signatures 🙂
- From Dr. Amy Myers, MD: https://chng.it/xr5BMcxPZq
- From Dr. Brittany Henderson, MD: https://chng.it/5z6dy6BgBS
8. Consider joining the Thyroid Health Alliance to stay in touch and help us advocate.
The Thyroid Health Alliance works to protect patient access to NDT medications that have restored health and quality of life for millions worldwide. They champion informed patient choice, medical freedom, and the right to partner with skilled healthcare providers in selecting the best thyroid care. Through advocacy, education, and united action, they work to ensure NDT remains available for all who need it.
Your voice matters! Every post, every letter, and every shared story contributes to raising awareness about the importance of animal-derived thyroid medications. Together, we can protect access to these life-changing treatments for those who need them.
If you haven’t already, please join my Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube communities, where I will be keeping everyone updated about other action items, petitions, and progress.
P.S. You can also download a free Thyroid Diet Guide, 10 thyroid-friendly recipes, and the Nutrient Depletions and Digestion chapter of my first book for free, by signing up for my weekly newsletter. You will also receive occasional updates about pressing issues such as this, new research, resources, giveaways, and helpful information.
Please note: Originally published Aug 15, 2025, this article has been updated for accuracy and thoroughness.
I had my total thyroid removed in 1956 at age 12, and have been taking Armour animal thyroid ever since. Once, many years later, it was unavailable for a short time, so I was forced to substitute a synthetic one. It had many problems, with both the dosage and side effects, so I resumed the animal one as soon as possible and never looked back. I would hate to have to endure those challenges again, now that I am in the twilight of my years, and already have other health problems to deal with as well.
Thank you very much for bringing this problem to the attention of those who stand to be acutely impacted by this if it does go into effect.
Harriet, Thank you so much for sharing your story. I can only imagine how challenging it must have been to go through thyroid removal at such a young age, and I’m grateful you’ve found stability with Armour over the years. Your experience highlights just how important access to these medications is for so many people, and I truly appreciate you adding your voice to this conversation. I’ll continue to do my best to keep our community informed and supported as we navigate these developments together. Wishing you strength, comfort, and continued health.
Synthetic thyroid was a disaster for me! My husband would pile 5 blankets on me. I was freezing cold, tired, brain fog, constipation, hair on the shower floor. What ruined me was the FDA approved Fluroquinolones, Iv and then when I got CDIFF took as capsules. Hilary Clinton, the news media said, takes the natural also. Maybe, you could enlist her influence to help us.
Gayle, Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m so sorry to hear about the struggles you faced with synthetic thyroid medications and the additional health challenges you’ve gone through. It really underscores how important access to natural options is for those who don’t do well on synthetics. I truly appreciate your suggestion and the thoughtfulness behind it. I’ll continue to raise awareness on this issue and share updates with our community as they become available. Your voice is an important part of this conversation. Wishing you healing and support on your journey.
Hello. Thank you for sharing your valuable information. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after the birth of my first child and was prescribed Synthroid or Levothyroxine only, had only my TSH tested, for 30 years. It helped some, but I still was pretty tired. In 2021, I started seeing a naturopathic physician who tested my free T3, free T4, and reverse T3. My T3 was low and reverse T3 high. She prescribed NP Thyroid, initially in combination with Levothyroxine, and I have felt much better ever since. Fast forward to today, and I was very concerned to hear the FDA decision about NDT meds. I contacted my naturopathic physician, and she to,d me that a representative from Acella Labs, who make NP Thyroid, foresaw this action coming and are already in phase 3 of obtaining FDA approval. That is encouraging, although I know it could still take longer than 12 months. Feel free to look into it further and share if you wish. God bless!
Hi Janine, Hello, and thank you so much for sharing your story and experience. I’m so glad to hear that you were able to connect with a practitioner who looked deeper at your thyroid labs and that you’ve found improvement with NP Thyroid. It’s always encouraging to see how individualized care can make such a difference.
I know the recent FDA decision regarding NDT medications has raised a lot of concerns, and I truly appreciate you sharing this update about Acella. I’ll continue to keep an eye on this and share any important developments with the community as I learn more.
Wishing you continued healing and wellness, and thank you again for reaching out.
Thank you so much for this information. I’ve been taking Armour Thyroid for 13 years, and it has been pivotal in stabilizing my Hashimoto’s. I’ll be following your instructions in the Action Kit to bring this to the attention of my senators. I’ll also show my pharmacist who fills my prescriptions for Armour Thyroid and who takes it herself!
Hi Jonni, Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m so glad to hear that Armour Thyroid has been such an important part of your healing journey and that you’ve found stability with it. I also appreciate your willingness to take action by reaching out to your senators and even sharing this information with your pharmacist, that kind of advocacy can make such a difference for our community.
Wishing you continued health and healing, and thank you again for your support and for helping spread awareness.