Thyroid Optimization in Fort Collins

Thyroid Optimization with NP Thyroid®

Comprehensive thyroid evaluation, NP Thyroid® prescribing when indicated, and targeted nutrient and vitamin D support for Northern Colorado adults. We test first, then treat — and we look at the full picture rather than relying on TSH alone.

Why Thyroid Health Matters

Your thyroid regulates metabolism, energy, body temperature, weight, mood, cognition, hair and skin health, gut motility, and menstrual cycles. When it's under-functioning — or when your body can't use the hormones it produces — the effects ripple through nearly every system.

Hypothyroidism affects roughly 1 in 20 U.S. adults, with another ~5% having subclinical or undiagnosed dysfunction. Subtle thyroid issues are commonly mistaken for stress, aging, or perimenopause — and conventional screening (which often checks only TSH) misses many of them.

Our Approach: Test First, Treat Second

Before recommending any medication, we run a comprehensive thyroid panel and review your symptoms, medical history, and any prior thyroid labs or treatments. From there, treatment is a shared decision based on what your labs and symptoms actually show — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

For some patients, the answer is nutrient-based support to restore optimal thyroid function. For others, it's NP Thyroid® alongside nutrient and vitamin D support. The plan is built for you.

NP Thyroid® — A Natural Desiccated Option

NP Thyroid® is a brand of natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) manufactured by Acella Pharmaceuticals. It contains both T4 and T3 in approximately the same 4:1 ratio your body produces naturally, derived from porcine thyroid tissue.

Patients often do well on NP Thyroid® when they:

  • Have persistent hypothyroid symptoms on synthetic levothyroxine
  • Show lab evidence of poor T4-to-T3 conversion (low Free T3 despite adequate Free T4)
  • Prefer a more physiologic hormone profile
  • Have not responded well to T4-only treatment

Whether NDT or another option fits depends on labs, symptoms, and your individual response. NP Thyroid® is FDA-approved, dispensed through standard pharmacies, and dosed in grains (1 grain = 60 mg) for flexible titration.

For a deeper dive on natural desiccated thyroid vs. synthetic options, see our complete thyroid optimization guide.

Comprehensive Thyroid Testing

Standard medical workups often check only TSH. We run a more complete panel:

  • TSH — the pituitary signal telling the thyroid to produce more or less hormone
  • Free T4 — the storage form of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid
  • Free T3 — the active form your cells actually use, converted from T4 in peripheral tissues

We may also add reverse T3 (which can block T3 receptors) and thyroid antibodies (TPO and Tg, which indicate autoimmune Hashimoto's thyroiditis) when clinically indicated.

Many patients with persistent symptoms and “normal” TSH have low Free T3 — which only shows up when you actually measure it.

Nutrient Support: The Foundation

Even with optimal thyroid hormone levels, your body needs specific nutrients to make, convert, and use thyroid hormone effectively. We educate every thyroid patient on these four nutrients and test or supplement where appropriate:

  • Iodine — essential building block. Thyroid hormones can't be made without it.
  • Selenium — crucial for the enzyme that converts T4 to active T3.
  • Iron (specifically ferritin) — required for thyroid hormone synthesis. Common low spot for menstruating women.
  • Zinc — supports T4-to-T3 conversion and T3 receptor function.

Restoring depleted nutrients can sometimes resolve thyroid-pattern symptoms before medication is even needed.

Vitamin D and Thyroid Function

Vitamin D affects thyroid hormone receptor function — meaning low vitamin D can blunt your body's ability to use the thyroid hormone it has. It also plays a role in autoimmune regulation, which matters for Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Many adults in Northern Colorado run low on vitamin D without realizing it.

Our approach to vitamin D support:

  • Baseline 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test — we treat based on the lab, not assumption
  • D3 intramuscular (IM) injection for severe deficiency — more effective than oral repletion alone in some cases
  • ADK oral supplement (vitamins A, D3, and K2) for ongoing sustainment
  • Follow-up labs to confirm levels are responding

Who's a Good Candidate?

Thyroid evaluation is worth considering if you have any combination of:

  • Persistent fatigue, especially with brain fog or mood changes
  • Weight that won't move despite consistent diet and exercise
  • Cold intolerance, chronically low body temperature
  • Hair thinning, dry skin, brittle nails
  • Constipation, slow gut motility
  • Perimenopausal/menopausal symptoms not fully explained by hormones alone
  • Hypothyroid symptoms on synthetic levothyroxine that haven't resolved
  • Family history of thyroid disease or autoimmune conditions

Get a Comprehensive Thyroid Evaluation

Book a consultation to discuss your symptoms, run a full thyroid panel, and develop a plan that addresses the underlying picture — not just one lab value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NP Thyroid®?

NP Thyroid® is a brand of natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) manufactured by Acella Pharmaceuticals. It contains both T4 and T3 in approximately a 4:1 ratio — the same ratio your body produces naturally. NP Thyroid® is FDA-approved, dispensed through standard pharmacies, and dosed in 'grains' (1 grain = 60 mg) for flexible titration.

Why prescribe NP Thyroid® instead of just levothyroxine?

Synthetic levothyroxine works well for many patients — it provides T4 and relies on the body to convert it to active T3. But some patients don't convert T4 to T3 efficiently and continue to experience hypothyroid symptoms on levothyroxine despite normal TSH. NP Thyroid® provides both T4 and T3 directly, which often resolves these symptoms. The right choice depends on your labs, symptoms, and individual response — your provider helps you decide.

My TSH is normal but I feel terrible. Should I still get tested?

Yes. A normal TSH only tells you the pituitary signal is in range — it doesn't tell you whether your body is actually getting and using thyroid hormone effectively. We run a more complete panel including Free T4 and Free T3 (and reverse T3 or thyroid antibodies when indicated) to look at the whole picture. Many patients with persistent symptoms and 'normal' TSH have low Free T3 or other signals that explain how they feel.

How long until I feel better on NP Thyroid®?

Most patients begin to notice improvements in energy, mental clarity, and temperature regulation within 2–4 weeks of starting at an appropriate dose. Full symptom resolution typically develops over 8–12 weeks as dose is titrated and labs are rechecked. Persistent symptoms beyond that often signal a contributing nutrient deficiency or other factor we'd evaluate together.

Do you offer vitamin D injections?

Yes. For patients with severe vitamin D deficiency, we offer intramuscular D3 injections, which raise blood levels more reliably than oral repletion alone in some cases. For ongoing sustainment, we typically recommend an ADK oral supplement (vitamins A, D3, and K2) which supports vitamin D's role in bone and calcium metabolism alongside thyroid health.

In-person evaluation required: All prescription therapies at Peak Medical Wellness require an in-person medical evaluation with a licensed provider prior to prescribing. Treatment eligibility is determined individually based on each patient's health history, current medications, and clinical assessment. We do not prescribe medications online without a prior in-person evaluation.

Pharmacy fulfillment: Medications dispensed or prescribed through Peak Medical Wellness are fulfilled through properly licensed United States pharmacies and compounding pharmacies. Compounding pharmacies are selected based on compliance standards, quality practices, and patient care requirements. All compounded medications are prepared in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.

Results disclaimer: Individual results vary. Outcomes depend on each patient's unique health profile, treatment adherence, and other individual factors. Peak Medical Wellness does not guarantee specific results.