Blood Testing on Armour Thyroid

[Julie65]

I'm about to have my first blood tests run since switching from Synthroid to Armour.  I've been having TSH, Free T3 & Free T4 done until now.  I have Hashimoto's.  What should I have tested now and is it better not to take my pill right before the blood is drawn?

[cathy57]

Hi, I think you really need to see a new doc, one who tests for FT3, FT4 levels.  I've read a lot about the TSH, which really is a poor indicator of thyroid health once you're on meds.  Many docs put their patients on too low a dose, and they are still hypo even when medicated, all because they put TSH levels above how a patient feels.  Have you researched Armour thyroid or read Mary Shomon's book?  Just a thought.  You may want to read what Doctor Derry has to say.  Look him up on her website.

[NURSELPN]

I am also on Armout but I hold my pill until after I've had my lab drawn just to prevent a high level in my blood. Otherwise you may get a false high reading & require a med adjustmant that you really don't need. It's better to be safe then go back to feeling worse.
Good Luck, TJ

[IMBeliever]

I was on Levoxyl for years, and then my thyroid number really jumped and I felt horrible. Nothing the doctor did made me feel any better (increasing all the way up to 175 mcg) He then switched me to Armour, because my Mother is on it and felt instant relief. I did not have the same reaction. My TSH number continually grew, as did the symptoms. I am now on Synthriod 300 mcg, and Cytomel 5mcg and am finally starting to feel better. Unfortunately it takes a while for your symptoms to get better. Good luck!

[Free Bird82]

I would have them all done if you can. I don't think it would hurt that's for sure.  I'm going today to get mine testing too.  Why are you switching?  I'm curious, because they say (doctors) that my TSH is really good now 1.17 & I am on Synthroid & do not feel any better.  Still very tired, dizzy - pretty crappy altogether.  Is Armour supposed to be better for some?  Thanks....

[Julie65]

Hi Free Bird82-
I was like you on Synthroid - TSH was good, T4&T3 were also good.  But I still felt kind of crappy.  Mostly fatigue and the mental effects (depression, anxiety).  After about a week on Armour, my energy was better and the depression and anxiety are pretty much gone.  I guess it's because of the T3 that's in Armour.  I think my body wasn't able to convert the T4 in Synthroid into T3 well enough.  It would definitely be worth a try for you.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

I think it is okay to take the pill -- it should not effect the TSH too much.  It will effect the t4/t3 levels so make sure the timing of the dose and that of the labs is taken into consideration when you review the labs with your doc.  The issue is the T3 which peaks about 2-3h after the dose.