ABSTRACT. This study compared the clinical effectiveness of a dietary organic natural desiccated thyroid product (Hypo Support Formula or HSF), to that of a synthetic T3 product (Cynomel). Methods: A single-subject two-phase repeated-measures study design was used. Comparisons were made between two study phases: the Cynomel phase followed by the HSF phase. Clinical evaluations included four basal measures: metabolic rate (BMR), heart rate (BHR), axillary temperature (BAT), and blood pressure (BBP). Other measures were body composition, mean hypothyroid symptoms intensity, Zung’s depression scale, and pain distribution. Study subjects were a female stable on 87.5 mcg of Cynomel for two years, and a male stable on 150 mcg of Cytomel or Cynomel for 24 years. In the Cynomel phase, the female remained on Cynomel through 10 evaluations on different days; the male subject remained on Cynomel through 12 evaluations. After the transition from Cynomel to HSF, she then had 10 more evaluations; the male subject had 12 more evaluations. Results: The female’s temperature was the same in both phases. In the HSF phase, her heart rate was significantly lower and her basal metabolic rate significantly higher. A noteworthy improvement for her in the HSF phase was virtual elimination of lifelong, severe hyperhidrosis. This has persisted now for 3.5 months. The male subject’s BMR and BAT were not different in the two phases. However, during the HSF phase, he had a significantly lower heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, pain distribution, pain intensity, and mean intensity of hypothyroid symptoms. Conclusions: Both HSF and Cynomel were effective, but HSF provided additional improvements.


Keywords. Basal metabolic rate ● Basal temperature ● Cynomel ● Cytomel ● Desiccated thyroid ● Hypo Support Formula ● RLC Labs ● Triiodothyronine

Lowe, J.C.: Comparison of Cynomel and Hypo Support Formula: Their physiological effects. Thyroid Science, 4(3):CLS1-11, 2009.

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