Aa
Amour Thyroid
Why are so many doctors against Rxing Amour Thyroid for hypothyroid. If there is even a slight possibility it may help me to feel better I want to try it. What loss is it to them to just let someone do a trial run....I bet if they felt half of what I feel like with the same condition they would exhaust every option.
It obviously works for some people...
Has anyone had trouble with their doctors and eventually convinced them?
It obviously works for some people...
Has anyone had trouble with their doctors and eventually convinced them?
I just wanted to say my doctor is a regular MD that has taking training holistic/naturopathic approches to medicine. She is a little mean with some very poor bed side manner, but she really knows what she is talking about. I have seen 3 endocrinologist and talk to many others that have told me the samething: when my TSH is at 3, my symptoms are from another source, because that is in the " normal range". My family doctor(spoken of above) said "we want you to be closer to 1 with you TSH, not 3". She is a fantastic doctor when she is in a good mood, when I catch her on a bad day and she usually makes me cry :~)
I am not going to go on and on regarding the issue on diseased animals.
That is NOT my cat on my icon for what is is worth.
CANADA’S “THYROID” contains: dried Thyroid.. from what - animals - It is like an Armour product - just without the "A" on the pill.
If we picked at every article out there on what's bad to eat - what's good - what is full of bacteria and hormones and additives and everything else we would starve to death. BUT
are we trying to remain informed on this ...........YES. It's all about choices as you well know.
No body said YOU said anything about dying on the med - It was a metafor.
I totally see your point. and I see you are - as me - quite the animal lover and protector. I would not want to see anything inhuman happen to any animal. Is it happening - Yes I believe so -
is it for thyroid medication - well I don't think that is the case.
I hope you find answers to your hypothyroidism questions here and I hope if you make the choice with Thyrolar it is works well for you. I also hope your chemo has ended and your condition has improved
I never had chemo - I have not needed it - I also can't imagine what you went though and still may have. I care very much for the welfare of people as I do an animal and I truly hope what ever battle you are in ends.
That is NOT my cat on my icon for what is is worth.
CANADA’S “THYROID” contains: dried Thyroid.. from what - animals - It is like an Armour product - just without the "A" on the pill.
If we picked at every article out there on what's bad to eat - what's good - what is full of bacteria and hormones and additives and everything else we would starve to death. BUT
are we trying to remain informed on this ...........YES. It's all about choices as you well know.
No body said YOU said anything about dying on the med - It was a metafor.
I totally see your point. and I see you are - as me - quite the animal lover and protector. I would not want to see anything inhuman happen to any animal. Is it happening - Yes I believe so -
is it for thyroid medication - well I don't think that is the case.
I hope you find answers to your hypothyroidism questions here and I hope if you make the choice with Thyrolar it is works well for you. I also hope your chemo has ended and your condition has improved
I never had chemo - I have not needed it - I also can't imagine what you went though and still may have. I care very much for the welfare of people as I do an animal and I truly hope what ever battle you are in ends.
Helping people like you makes my day even better! We are here to help you work through your new DX anytime you want. C~
Thank you C~
I understand, and agree completely. We are all here for much needed support...I guess that was why I was surprized at the initial responses. I didn't get the answers about what I was concerned and asked about LOL... the Hypothyroidism and my wacky levels!! LOL :)
As I said I am learning as I am going, just like I would imagine everyone here was when they first heard the news.
It is quite frightening to find out your life is going to change in any way. I thought when I was finished with Chemo I would get my life back ,,,then this bomb fell on me yesterday... I feel like it's back to the drawing board! But friends and family get us through those times. I am on a great support group for Chemo Thank you, and they have all been my rock of Gibralter!
I hope you have the day you need to have!!!
Thanks again
D.T
I understand, and agree completely. We are all here for much needed support...I guess that was why I was surprized at the initial responses. I didn't get the answers about what I was concerned and asked about LOL... the Hypothyroidism and my wacky levels!! LOL :)
As I said I am learning as I am going, just like I would imagine everyone here was when they first heard the news.
It is quite frightening to find out your life is going to change in any way. I thought when I was finished with Chemo I would get my life back ,,,then this bomb fell on me yesterday... I feel like it's back to the drawing board! But friends and family get us through those times. I am on a great support group for Chemo Thank you, and they have all been my rock of Gibralter!
I hope you have the day you need to have!!!
Thanks again
D.T
My post was not intended directly at any one member. It was directed at the general flow of where the post was heading and based upon my experience where it can end up. Honestly, I didn't look at member-names or who said what. It was across-the-board observation I put into words after reading the entire thread. I don't usually post posts like this one, but the info is so valuable I'd hate to see it disappear.
I honestly don't recall, without going back, to the post where somebody stated "all" and wished they'd stated "some".
DT .. while I have you here .. have you seen the brand new Chemotherapy Tracker? Let me know if you need any help with it .. it is a wonderful tracker and resource tool!
Glad we are on the same page ... helping ea. other.
C~
I honestly don't recall, without going back, to the post where somebody stated "all" and wished they'd stated "some".
DT .. while I have you here .. have you seen the brand new Chemotherapy Tracker? Let me know if you need any help with it .. it is a wonderful tracker and resource tool!
Glad we are on the same page ... helping ea. other.
C~
WelI I thought this is exactly what I did say in my second post..."we are not all cut from the same cloth.... and we all have to find what works for us."
In fact that is exactly what I said. And added I should have said what works for "some" doesn't for others and vice versa. I guess you did not read my whole post.
I am on Chemo and most likely got Hypothyroidism from my meds...as it is a side effect. I JUST found out I have Hypo yesterday and I came here for support certainly not controversy. I have not even started treatment, so I was looking into all of the possibilities and I was merely answering Julianne's first question "Why she was having trouble getting it". As she said, it is banned in Canada..... I would think You should be asking why the Canadians banned it???? Not why The FDA allows it? That certainly IS controversy no ???
I was simply sharing with Jullianne (btw) what I have read, been told by my Docs and Endo and friends have experienced...I thought I made myself quite clear of that and I NEVER said anyone died from it!! It works for some and not for others... like my Chemo works (so far for me and not others) simple as that. I am a firm believer in individualism...we are not all the same. I know some folks who swear by Synthroid others who could not even last 2 weks on it. I am just starting the journey to find out what is going to work for me! I "thought" this was a good start.
I really don't even want to go here.... as far as the FDA is concerned but since you brought the issue up with your questions.... HERE is where the real controversy is: it is the most inept institution that allowed Chinese pet food into this country and marked it SAFE and thousands upon thousands of our pets were killed by it! ( I notice you have a picture of your cat as your logo).... I would think that careless blunder made you furious, along with the thousands who lost their pets, because of the same FDA you are defending. Now we are finding they are allowing and have allowed tainted food into this country on a daily basis....Melenin has been found in some of our milk products...(not many YET thank God) funny how we don't here much about it, just the little blurbs here and there...while Chinese babies are dying and getting sick by the thousands! The FDA refuses to mark our food GMO grown, as they do in Europe...in fact the rest of the world has so little confidence in the American FDA and our system our Beef and other food is banned in many countries! That is quite reasuring when even 3rd world countries like Somalia, will not take our food because they don't trust it! And they are starving! Our beef has been banned in Europe for years because of the hormones antibiotics and general **** we put into our beef.
I can't begin to list how many drugs were given the big stamp of approval by the FDA saying they were safe... Vioxx just came to mind because it has recently been pulled if Iam not mistaken ( I think it was Viox fogive me if I am wrong it could have been celebrex or nexium one of them any way) now they are changing there tune on that as well because some people have died! And the list will go on and on unless something changes soon.
I hope this answers some of your questions on the whys things are still on the market in this country, when they should not be. So when I found out I had Hypothyroidism Yesterday you bet I went on an all out hunt for the truth about every drug. Thyrolar has it's issues as well. I am not saying it is perfect. Right now I don't know what I am going to take for sure all I do know is I have to take something and I am going to be darn sure it is the safest drug on the market and NOT because the FDA says so!
And to further clarify myself, as I see that is very neccessary, I in no way am saying nor did I say Armour should be taken off the market. If it works for some Wonderful!! If it doesn't they do need to move on. My heart went out to the woman who wrote about alternatives who has had no succsess her frustration was deep and understandable. Having to be on Chemo for 6 months of my life and deal with the side effects every day I know her frustration believe me!
As far as my Hypothyroid tx...I choose not to take anything that has anything to do with animal protein or could in any way mean that animal is being harmed by the process. That is MY choice. You have yours. Some doctors concern was the possibility of contamination if the pig or cow they used was sick to begin with. That makes sense to me. We get salmanella from chickens...one reason is factory farms treat them so inhumanely...the other we cook it and prepare it unproperly.
If fact be told... There was a time they thought some of the natural animal (bovine)based Thyroid drugs could give you Mad Cow disease....and they (the FDA) were thinking of taking it off the market. Read up on that, it is all over the net. But that was swept under the rug by who??? Of course the almighty
Pharmeceutical lobbyists in Washington as well. They don't want to lose the billions they are making from any of these drugs. My chemo drugs are 2,000 a month! I have insurance thankfully...but look at the side effects! I get Hypothyroidism and will probably be on medication the rest of my life because of it.
So again I was merely answering the first question by Julianne...Why was her doctor so reluctant to give her Armour.... I read the threads and noone brought up the animal protein issue which has been a concern for years. So I added what I knew what I researched and experienced from friends. The info is all out there for anyone who wants to look.
I thought that was what this forums was about...sharing support...we don't have to agree...we all have opinions but support for those going through frustrating times, seems to be the main reason we should be here. That is why I joined when I found out yesterday. Certainly not for controversary. To each her/his own!
Be well!
D.T
In fact that is exactly what I said. And added I should have said what works for "some" doesn't for others and vice versa. I guess you did not read my whole post.
I am on Chemo and most likely got Hypothyroidism from my meds...as it is a side effect. I JUST found out I have Hypo yesterday and I came here for support certainly not controversy. I have not even started treatment, so I was looking into all of the possibilities and I was merely answering Julianne's first question "Why she was having trouble getting it". As she said, it is banned in Canada..... I would think You should be asking why the Canadians banned it???? Not why The FDA allows it? That certainly IS controversy no ???
I was simply sharing with Jullianne (btw) what I have read, been told by my Docs and Endo and friends have experienced...I thought I made myself quite clear of that and I NEVER said anyone died from it!! It works for some and not for others... like my Chemo works (so far for me and not others) simple as that. I am a firm believer in individualism...we are not all the same. I know some folks who swear by Synthroid others who could not even last 2 weks on it. I am just starting the journey to find out what is going to work for me! I "thought" this was a good start.
I really don't even want to go here.... as far as the FDA is concerned but since you brought the issue up with your questions.... HERE is where the real controversy is: it is the most inept institution that allowed Chinese pet food into this country and marked it SAFE and thousands upon thousands of our pets were killed by it! ( I notice you have a picture of your cat as your logo).... I would think that careless blunder made you furious, along with the thousands who lost their pets, because of the same FDA you are defending. Now we are finding they are allowing and have allowed tainted food into this country on a daily basis....Melenin has been found in some of our milk products...(not many YET thank God) funny how we don't here much about it, just the little blurbs here and there...while Chinese babies are dying and getting sick by the thousands! The FDA refuses to mark our food GMO grown, as they do in Europe...in fact the rest of the world has so little confidence in the American FDA and our system our Beef and other food is banned in many countries! That is quite reasuring when even 3rd world countries like Somalia, will not take our food because they don't trust it! And they are starving! Our beef has been banned in Europe for years because of the hormones antibiotics and general **** we put into our beef.
I can't begin to list how many drugs were given the big stamp of approval by the FDA saying they were safe... Vioxx just came to mind because it has recently been pulled if Iam not mistaken ( I think it was Viox fogive me if I am wrong it could have been celebrex or nexium one of them any way) now they are changing there tune on that as well because some people have died! And the list will go on and on unless something changes soon.
I hope this answers some of your questions on the whys things are still on the market in this country, when they should not be. So when I found out I had Hypothyroidism Yesterday you bet I went on an all out hunt for the truth about every drug. Thyrolar has it's issues as well. I am not saying it is perfect. Right now I don't know what I am going to take for sure all I do know is I have to take something and I am going to be darn sure it is the safest drug on the market and NOT because the FDA says so!
And to further clarify myself, as I see that is very neccessary, I in no way am saying nor did I say Armour should be taken off the market. If it works for some Wonderful!! If it doesn't they do need to move on. My heart went out to the woman who wrote about alternatives who has had no succsess her frustration was deep and understandable. Having to be on Chemo for 6 months of my life and deal with the side effects every day I know her frustration believe me!
As far as my Hypothyroid tx...I choose not to take anything that has anything to do with animal protein or could in any way mean that animal is being harmed by the process. That is MY choice. You have yours. Some doctors concern was the possibility of contamination if the pig or cow they used was sick to begin with. That makes sense to me. We get salmanella from chickens...one reason is factory farms treat them so inhumanely...the other we cook it and prepare it unproperly.
If fact be told... There was a time they thought some of the natural animal (bovine)based Thyroid drugs could give you Mad Cow disease....and they (the FDA) were thinking of taking it off the market. Read up on that, it is all over the net. But that was swept under the rug by who??? Of course the almighty
Pharmeceutical lobbyists in Washington as well. They don't want to lose the billions they are making from any of these drugs. My chemo drugs are 2,000 a month! I have insurance thankfully...but look at the side effects! I get Hypothyroidism and will probably be on medication the rest of my life because of it.
So again I was merely answering the first question by Julianne...Why was her doctor so reluctant to give her Armour.... I read the threads and noone brought up the animal protein issue which has been a concern for years. So I added what I knew what I researched and experienced from friends. The info is all out there for anyone who wants to look.
I thought that was what this forums was about...sharing support...we don't have to agree...we all have opinions but support for those going through frustrating times, seems to be the main reason we should be here. That is why I joined when I found out yesterday. Certainly not for controversary. To each her/his own!
Be well!
D.T
What I see here is a very healthy exchange of a WEALTH of information by so many members! This is just awesome. What we need to keep in mind is that Armour is an FDA approved medicine and that medicine, along with others which are more widely used and/or accepted within society and medical professionals, doesn't make any one better or worse .. it is a very highly individualized basis between a patient and a doctor to determine what works best for whom, where, and how and why. That is my opinion as a patient who has been on Synthroid and on this community for over 2yrs now.
If we take all that has been written in this one thread alone, and take a moment to realize that even with the one small regret of posting the word "All" vs. "Some", we need to focus in on the WEALTH of information here and not focus on whether one is better than the other and open ourselves up wide for controversary which is not the intent of the original poster or any of the posters in this thread.
Even less traditional means, such as Dr. Weil, are of interest to many people; my best friend believes and refers me to his website all the time to look @ his thoughts vs. traditional medicine as I coordinate my care with my own physician.
So let's maybe move fwd to take all of our passion and drive and energy for healing ourselves with what works best for all of us, no matter if it's Armour, or Synthroid, or another med, and work together to share the knowledge and the websites, and our thoughts rather than look @ every written word and pull it apart and expand on it's merits or discount its faults.
We want to be able to be together as a unit here on thyroid; not be separated among groups of who takes what drug and why one is better than the other.
It's fine to give opinions................it's fine to ask ?'s and wonder if it's accurate, but let's be careful to keep it as a source of information and not turn into a flame or controversary that makes the entire post get zapped by the mods and then we lose it all and nobody gains anything worthwile but wasted time typing words at their keyboards.
Just my two cents as I read through this highly informative thread today,
C~
co-CL Thyroid
If we take all that has been written in this one thread alone, and take a moment to realize that even with the one small regret of posting the word "All" vs. "Some", we need to focus in on the WEALTH of information here and not focus on whether one is better than the other and open ourselves up wide for controversary which is not the intent of the original poster or any of the posters in this thread.
Even less traditional means, such as Dr. Weil, are of interest to many people; my best friend believes and refers me to his website all the time to look @ his thoughts vs. traditional medicine as I coordinate my care with my own physician.
So let's maybe move fwd to take all of our passion and drive and energy for healing ourselves with what works best for all of us, no matter if it's Armour, or Synthroid, or another med, and work together to share the knowledge and the websites, and our thoughts rather than look @ every written word and pull it apart and expand on it's merits or discount its faults.
We want to be able to be together as a unit here on thyroid; not be separated among groups of who takes what drug and why one is better than the other.
It's fine to give opinions................it's fine to ask ?'s and wonder if it's accurate, but let's be careful to keep it as a source of information and not turn into a flame or controversary that makes the entire post get zapped by the mods and then we lose it all and nobody gains anything worthwile but wasted time typing words at their keyboards.
Just my two cents as I read through this highly informative thread today,
C~
co-CL Thyroid
One question on the Armour "dangers" If your doctor Dr Weil has "decided " that Armour is unsafe due to animal protein concerns?!?!?"
- why is the FDA still allowing it to be produced? Why is it still being manufactured? Why are people not dying on the med and it isn't in the news?
There was just a huge recall of beef byproducts here Don't eat hamburger remember?
- Why is Westroid still in exsistance?
It's not accurate information - Please research more before throwing this out there.
It would be black listed so quick if it was a danger to anyone. As well --- would using animal hearts - veins and muscles for operations.
Please - read more on the medication.(s)
Thyrolar is also a good choice - different - but good IF you want to try a T3/T4 med and make a "choice" not to take dessicated thyroid medication.
One golden rule to consider before common thyroid patients start a controversial post like this- is :
If a medication is not working for you AS A PERSON - as you feel a change might be helpful - then research and learn how you can improve your life.
Whether on Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid , Euthroid, Thyrolar, Armour - Westroid Cytomel and on and on through out the world
Find what works best for you.
- why is the FDA still allowing it to be produced? Why is it still being manufactured? Why are people not dying on the med and it isn't in the news?
There was just a huge recall of beef byproducts here Don't eat hamburger remember?
- Why is Westroid still in exsistance?
It's not accurate information - Please research more before throwing this out there.
It would be black listed so quick if it was a danger to anyone. As well --- would using animal hearts - veins and muscles for operations.
Please - read more on the medication.(s)
Thyrolar is also a good choice - different - but good IF you want to try a T3/T4 med and make a "choice" not to take dessicated thyroid medication.
One golden rule to consider before common thyroid patients start a controversial post like this- is :
If a medication is not working for you AS A PERSON - as you feel a change might be helpful - then research and learn how you can improve your life.
Whether on Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid , Euthroid, Thyrolar, Armour - Westroid Cytomel and on and on through out the world
Find what works best for you.
To AR-10
As I stated in my first post the site is Dr. Weil.com which discusses the animal protien concerns... and there have been other studies done showing the combo seems to work better for SOME (I guess I should have put the word SOME in there, as it is true we are not all cut from the same cloth) I was merely stating some info I have researched and received. I personally know people who had no results with the one hormone approach, and when they switched to the combo approach their lives turned around for the better. Again for "them" A friend who was trying to get pregnant for years had no idea what the problem was...she was only on the one Hormone tx for 8 years with no results...when she switched to the combo, within 6 months she was pregnant after trying for 8 years. Sure it could have been a fluke. But she says she feels 100% better now than with the one hormone tx. As I said I am only adding some info I have personally experienced and have read and heard from prominent docs I respect here in the states. My own doctor just yesterday told me he only uses the combo Thyrolar now because of the higher rate of his own success with HIS patients. I never meant to inferre it works better for "EVERYONE"... as the Chemo I am taking does not work for everyone....but it is working for me. I am sorry you read it that way...that was not my intention.
I was simply stating why it has lost favour with many doctors here, as that was the initial question on the thread... why are some doctors reluctant to prescribe Armour ? According to SOME doctors it is the the animal protein risks and factors. But I hope it is working for many no matter what is in it. We all need to make our own decisions on how we choose our tx. The more informed we are the better chances we have. Just my humble opinion. Here in the states (not sure if you are in the states) It is easy enough to google all this on Thyrolar and the difference between combo versus one hormon therapy, as well....there will be a myriad of info there... Proof?? Well that is always in the pudding anyway! Good Luck.
To Sisuhealer... I too am a massage therapist and certified Nutritionist/ Alternative therapist...but since the chemo I have taken a hiatus from that (no energy to be on my feet all day like that) and needed REAL insurance to cover all the chemo costs. So I am back teaching again.
I hear you sister! It is frustrating. When I started the chemo my doc had me stop all my supplements, except the Omega 3's...he is big on those and very open to alternatives BUT not while I am on tx. because they were too risky to mess up my tx and tax my liver etc. I have to stay clear of iron and many supplements have iron in them. So I try to eat as healthy as possible and get my nutrients from good ORGANIC food. I have 2 more months of Chemo...and my labs have been good in that regard, except this bomb of hypothyroidism just dropped on me the other day which my doc warned from day one is a big side effect of the kind of Chemo I am taking, along with other sx.. But I had no choice. Some people get hyper/othyroidism from Interferone some don't and get other sx. It is like Russian roulet. I have yet to get the antibodies test back...I am curious what they will show...if I had a predisposition or is it all from the chemo.
Like finding a good doc...sounds like you are really passionet and frustrated about the one you have now and it is certainly your right to find someone you are comfortable with if what you are doing now simply is not working for you.
Are you in an area that you have many choices? You are seeing an Endocronoligist right? Not just a regular doctor. That is key. You mentioned Doc not Endo that is why ask.
I don't know of any purely alternative treatments for it. We woman really need to get those Hormones in balance especally in pre menopause. Which is around the corner for you and I ...Unless I hear something really contrary than I have, I am just going with the Thyrolar combo therapy....I really trust my Doc and Dr. Weil.
Dr. Christine Northrope is another wonderful reference for woman...if you have not allready read any of her books like "Womens Bodies Womens Wisdom" She is on line and often on PBS Television as well.
I know it is frustraing...I was a health nut for years...never had a disease or anything except a broken arm at 6! When out of the blue on a routine physical test i found out I have this disease...came out of no where no symptoms nothing...and had to go on Interferone, which to me is poison to the max, after trying to stick to the alternatives as much as possible, it killes me every time I take that shot and take those pills. I know what they are doing to my body and immune system. BUT they are killing the Dis-ease as well. So something to be positive about!
Hang in there sister! I hope you find a better endo...sounds like it is time!
I am here for you! These support groups are truly life savers!
D.T
As I stated in my first post the site is Dr. Weil.com which discusses the animal protien concerns... and there have been other studies done showing the combo seems to work better for SOME (I guess I should have put the word SOME in there, as it is true we are not all cut from the same cloth) I was merely stating some info I have researched and received. I personally know people who had no results with the one hormone approach, and when they switched to the combo approach their lives turned around for the better. Again for "them" A friend who was trying to get pregnant for years had no idea what the problem was...she was only on the one Hormone tx for 8 years with no results...when she switched to the combo, within 6 months she was pregnant after trying for 8 years. Sure it could have been a fluke. But she says she feels 100% better now than with the one hormone tx. As I said I am only adding some info I have personally experienced and have read and heard from prominent docs I respect here in the states. My own doctor just yesterday told me he only uses the combo Thyrolar now because of the higher rate of his own success with HIS patients. I never meant to inferre it works better for "EVERYONE"... as the Chemo I am taking does not work for everyone....but it is working for me. I am sorry you read it that way...that was not my intention.
I was simply stating why it has lost favour with many doctors here, as that was the initial question on the thread... why are some doctors reluctant to prescribe Armour ? According to SOME doctors it is the the animal protein risks and factors. But I hope it is working for many no matter what is in it. We all need to make our own decisions on how we choose our tx. The more informed we are the better chances we have. Just my humble opinion. Here in the states (not sure if you are in the states) It is easy enough to google all this on Thyrolar and the difference between combo versus one hormon therapy, as well....there will be a myriad of info there... Proof?? Well that is always in the pudding anyway! Good Luck.
To Sisuhealer... I too am a massage therapist and certified Nutritionist/ Alternative therapist...but since the chemo I have taken a hiatus from that (no energy to be on my feet all day like that) and needed REAL insurance to cover all the chemo costs. So I am back teaching again.
I hear you sister! It is frustrating. When I started the chemo my doc had me stop all my supplements, except the Omega 3's...he is big on those and very open to alternatives BUT not while I am on tx. because they were too risky to mess up my tx and tax my liver etc. I have to stay clear of iron and many supplements have iron in them. So I try to eat as healthy as possible and get my nutrients from good ORGANIC food. I have 2 more months of Chemo...and my labs have been good in that regard, except this bomb of hypothyroidism just dropped on me the other day which my doc warned from day one is a big side effect of the kind of Chemo I am taking, along with other sx.. But I had no choice. Some people get hyper/othyroidism from Interferone some don't and get other sx. It is like Russian roulet. I have yet to get the antibodies test back...I am curious what they will show...if I had a predisposition or is it all from the chemo.
Like finding a good doc...sounds like you are really passionet and frustrated about the one you have now and it is certainly your right to find someone you are comfortable with if what you are doing now simply is not working for you.
Are you in an area that you have many choices? You are seeing an Endocronoligist right? Not just a regular doctor. That is key. You mentioned Doc not Endo that is why ask.
I don't know of any purely alternative treatments for it. We woman really need to get those Hormones in balance especally in pre menopause. Which is around the corner for you and I ...Unless I hear something really contrary than I have, I am just going with the Thyrolar combo therapy....I really trust my Doc and Dr. Weil.
Dr. Christine Northrope is another wonderful reference for woman...if you have not allready read any of her books like "Womens Bodies Womens Wisdom" She is on line and often on PBS Television as well.
I know it is frustraing...I was a health nut for years...never had a disease or anything except a broken arm at 6! When out of the blue on a routine physical test i found out I have this disease...came out of no where no symptoms nothing...and had to go on Interferone, which to me is poison to the max, after trying to stick to the alternatives as much as possible, it killes me every time I take that shot and take those pills. I know what they are doing to my body and immune system. BUT they are killing the Dis-ease as well. So something to be positive about!
Hang in there sister! I hope you find a better endo...sounds like it is time!
I am here for you! These support groups are truly life savers!
D.T
Maybe you need a strength between 75mcg and 88mcg.
"Natural" means nothing to me.
"Bio-identical" means nothing to me.
A medication that works means a lot.
"Natural" thyroid hormones are not "bio-identical" (that means a lot to some people), nor do they contain the exact amount of T4 and T3 that a human thyroid produces.
"Bio-identical" thyroid hormones are synthetic, but they are exactly the same hormones your body produces.
Some people need a little T3 added to the T4 med to compensate for the fact that their body does not convert a straight T4 drug efficiently enough to provide an adequate level of T3.
Most people do not have that problem.
Unless you test high on your Free T4 and low on your Free T3, taking T3 can be problematic. When I say "Test high" and "test low", in this post I am talking about results that are within lab limits, but not optimal.
If you are bouncing back and forth between 75mcg and 88mcg, then the thing to try would be to find some middle ground by taking one strength a few days a week and the other strength a few days a week.
Have you discussed this option with your doctor?
Do you ever get a Free T3 test run?
Do you understand the difference between "normal" levels and optimal levels?
This is where most people get into trouble. They don't understand what optimal levels are, and often don't even look at their own lab results. They sit there and let the doctor tell them what is what, and often the doctor doesn't have a clue what is truly what.
I'm not saying that is your problem. I am just saying it is often a problem because people expect doctors to know everything.
Switching medications will not help if you and your doctor do not understand that you are supposed to hit the center of the dartboard, not just someplace on the dartboard.
Just my two cents.
Equally applicable to any thyroid medication you choose.
:o)
"Natural" means nothing to me.
"Bio-identical" means nothing to me.
A medication that works means a lot.
"Natural" thyroid hormones are not "bio-identical" (that means a lot to some people), nor do they contain the exact amount of T4 and T3 that a human thyroid produces.
"Bio-identical" thyroid hormones are synthetic, but they are exactly the same hormones your body produces.
Some people need a little T3 added to the T4 med to compensate for the fact that their body does not convert a straight T4 drug efficiently enough to provide an adequate level of T3.
Most people do not have that problem.
Unless you test high on your Free T4 and low on your Free T3, taking T3 can be problematic. When I say "Test high" and "test low", in this post I am talking about results that are within lab limits, but not optimal.
If you are bouncing back and forth between 75mcg and 88mcg, then the thing to try would be to find some middle ground by taking one strength a few days a week and the other strength a few days a week.
Have you discussed this option with your doctor?
Do you ever get a Free T3 test run?
Do you understand the difference between "normal" levels and optimal levels?
This is where most people get into trouble. They don't understand what optimal levels are, and often don't even look at their own lab results. They sit there and let the doctor tell them what is what, and often the doctor doesn't have a clue what is truly what.
I'm not saying that is your problem. I am just saying it is often a problem because people expect doctors to know everything.
Switching medications will not help if you and your doctor do not understand that you are supposed to hit the center of the dartboard, not just someplace on the dartboard.
Just my two cents.
Equally applicable to any thyroid medication you choose.
:o)
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's two years ago. My doctor has had me on Synthroid all this time, moving me from 75 mcg to 88 mcg and back and forward, and back and forward....I am losing my patience with all of this. I am also on .5 mg of Estradiol. I had a complete hysterectomy at 35, oh, I am 44 now. I cannot lose any weight, just keep gaining. I am very active. I am a licensed massage therapist and on my feet all day.
I really want to go natural, if there is such a thing. I know my current doctor will not even talk about "natural", so I have decided after the first of the new year, I am looking for a new doc. Enough is enough! Just concerned that I will be going into the same situation with a new doctor.
I really want to go natural, if there is such a thing. I know my current doctor will not even talk about "natural", so I have decided after the first of the new year, I am looking for a new doc. Enough is enough! Just concerned that I will be going into the same situation with a new doctor.
Could you please show me the statistics that prove that a T4/T3 combo works better, because apparently we don't all know.
The way you state it makes it sound like a T3/T4 combo drug works better for everyone, which is just not true.
The way you state it makes it sound like a T3/T4 combo drug works better for everyone, which is just not true.
Just thought of something in addition to my above post... The THYROLAR also is a combo of T3 and T4 which, as you all know I'm sure, has been proven to work better in combo than just taking one Hormone alone.
Dr. Weil also suggests a diet low in animal and dairy protien in general but especially for those of us with Hypo. Also to limit foods called "goitrogens" jeeeze goiter is even in the name! Apparently they can aggravate the thyroid.... foods such as cabbage broccoli,cauliflower,radishes rutabagas,turnips peanuts and soybeans. He says you don't have to avoid them all together just limit them.
Again all this is on the web site.... Just passing some more info along...
I always believed being informed is our best weapon. Especially when dealing with doctors. Perhaps you can get the "Thyrolar" in Canada Julianne??
I know Talc has been banned in the states in Baby powder and other things for years now... bad stuff, we don't need to use as fillers any longer.... so you may just be lucky they don't have the Armour if it has those fillers.
Funny note: here in the states Armour is the name of bacon and pork products....hmmmm wonder if there is a connection! ;)
Hope everyone is having the day they need to have!
D.T
Dr. Weil also suggests a diet low in animal and dairy protien in general but especially for those of us with Hypo. Also to limit foods called "goitrogens" jeeeze goiter is even in the name! Apparently they can aggravate the thyroid.... foods such as cabbage broccoli,cauliflower,radishes rutabagas,turnips peanuts and soybeans. He says you don't have to avoid them all together just limit them.
Again all this is on the web site.... Just passing some more info along...
I always believed being informed is our best weapon. Especially when dealing with doctors. Perhaps you can get the "Thyrolar" in Canada Julianne??
I know Talc has been banned in the states in Baby powder and other things for years now... bad stuff, we don't need to use as fillers any longer.... so you may just be lucky they don't have the Armour if it has those fillers.
Funny note: here in the states Armour is the name of bacon and pork products....hmmmm wonder if there is a connection! ;)
Hope everyone is having the day they need to have!
D.T
This is a new take on this I did not read here... Dr. Weil (for those unfamiliar is a very prominent alopathic (Harvard grad) and wonderful open minded alternative Doc in the States, with many published books and his own website. You can check this out on. Dr. Weil.com
He does not recommend the Armour form any longer because it is made from Pig protein...and if that pig has any diseases (considering the awful conditions some of our animals live in, could very well happen) the disease could be passed on to us. Now he recommends only the Thyrolar for that reason. And those I know who have taken have good things to say about it. Not sure if he uses the Synthroid as well. I don't think you need both if you are taking the one. Not sure. I am all new to this and learning day by day!
I have JUST been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism (no names yet) it was brought on by interferone chemo...I have been on for 5 months. I have yet to be tested for the antibodies. That happens in Nov. BUT I was wondering and hoping some of you experienced folks here could help me with some questions... My lab work was so erratic...I almost want to believe someone put the decimal in the wrong place!!!
I went from 0.01 TSH hyper TSH to 57.97 TSH in just 2 weeks! Is this normal?? It seems like such a swing. I don't see an Endo till November anI wonder should I be doing something NOW? My T3 and T4 are normal.
I have no symptoms that I can pin point...of course I am on Chemo so I am tired all the time any way so that could mask it. Have the Thinning hair...dry skin. I am due to come off the Interferone in about 2 months. I was so excited about that and getting my life back and now this! :(
Trying to stay positive after this one two punch! Any ideas??
Thanks.
D.T
He does not recommend the Armour form any longer because it is made from Pig protein...and if that pig has any diseases (considering the awful conditions some of our animals live in, could very well happen) the disease could be passed on to us. Now he recommends only the Thyrolar for that reason. And those I know who have taken have good things to say about it. Not sure if he uses the Synthroid as well. I don't think you need both if you are taking the one. Not sure. I am all new to this and learning day by day!
I have JUST been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism (no names yet) it was brought on by interferone chemo...I have been on for 5 months. I have yet to be tested for the antibodies. That happens in Nov. BUT I was wondering and hoping some of you experienced folks here could help me with some questions... My lab work was so erratic...I almost want to believe someone put the decimal in the wrong place!!!
I went from 0.01 TSH hyper TSH to 57.97 TSH in just 2 weeks! Is this normal?? It seems like such a swing. I don't see an Endo till November anI wonder should I be doing something NOW? My T3 and T4 are normal.
I have no symptoms that I can pin point...of course I am on Chemo so I am tired all the time any way so that could mask it. Have the Thinning hair...dry skin. I am due to come off the Interferone in about 2 months. I was so excited about that and getting my life back and now this! :(
Trying to stay positive after this one two punch! Any ideas??
Thanks.
D.T
CANADA’S “THYROID”, formerly by Phizer and now by Erfa, contains:
Dried Thyroid
Magnesium Stearate
Cornstarch
Talc
Sugar
http://www.erfa-sa.com/thyroid_en.htm,
http://thyroid.erfa.net/distribution/index.php
Dried Thyroid
Magnesium Stearate
Cornstarch
Talc
Sugar
http://www.erfa-sa.com/thyroid_en.htm,
http://thyroid.erfa.net/distribution/index.php
I believe its very similiar to Armour. I don't know about it not containing iodine. It should be almost the same, except different fillers and perhaps the processing is different.
I went to my doctor today and asked her for Amour Thyroid, I was unaware of this, but it is not available in Canada and the only way to get it is to go to the US and have a doctors there Rx it for me. Then I can have my percriptions mailed to me.
However, she Rx'd me desccicated thyroid called "Thyroid", apparently it only lacks the iodine that amour has.
Has anyone heard of or used it?
Thanks
However, she Rx'd me desccicated thyroid called "Thyroid", apparently it only lacks the iodine that amour has.
Has anyone heard of or used it?
Thanks
It's good in most cases. If the doctor doesn't have time to read it or respond to it, then its time for a doctor change.
Writing letters is how I found two of the doctors I had. I basically write about my condition and what treatment has worked well for me and ask if they are willing to work with me on the same protocol. There are too many doctors who do not like Armour and this way I find upfront if they will keep me on it. I don't waste my time or theirs
I have a templete letter you can use if you wish also.
Many have found that if you write a letter to the doctor directly with your concerns and show the information on why you are thinking about this - the doctor will look at it in a kinder light -
like you are trying to express yourself instead of hammering them with a ton of paperwork.
Just a thought
Many have found that if you write a letter to the doctor directly with your concerns and show the information on why you are thinking about this - the doctor will look at it in a kinder light -
like you are trying to express yourself instead of hammering them with a ton of paperwork.
Just a thought
Good luck on Monday. Some doctors don't mind when you bring info in, others get mad about it. I had some doctors think I was a great patient caring so much about my condition and my health and I've had others give me the line...."Whose the doctor here." I believe we have to work with our doctor in partnership. If that cannot be achieved, then its time to move on.
Well, my new family doctor of 7 months said in one of our first appointments together she would give me "dessicated thyroid" if I didn't respond well to synthroid, which I am not. However, I asked her a few times to switch over and she almost acted like she didn't even hear me. Hmmm..?
I'm going in with ammunition on Monday, documents supporting the switch to Amour and even a conversion chart!!! Less work for her might actually get me the switch.
I
I'm going in with ammunition on Monday, documents supporting the switch to Amour and even a conversion chart!!! Less work for her might actually get me the switch.
I
It pretty much starts in medical training schools. Upcoming doctors are taught that patients with thyroid conditions only need a T4 replacement drug to control hypothyroidism. Many colleges have a connection with the research from drug companies and feel assured that what information they are given to them is the most updated information for treating hypothyroidism. They are also taught that a TSH range is what tells them if the patient has responded well to the T4 medication and rarely are the Free T3 and Free T4 levels considered when a TSH is within normal ranges.
Most cases if the TSH is within a range of normalism - the patient is left at their dose of Thyroid replacement and sent on their way as being fine.
The problem is - I believe - is that new medicine is now obsessively absorbed in lab numbers and considers the patients complaints as second hand. I can't blame them to a degree -
Due to the ability of greedy lawyers and the way our society is always looking at suit liabilities against their doctors - These doctors now feel that they are forced to base there sole decisions on a piece of paper with a lab value instead of symptoms.
Patients with any condition - if things don't go right - will sue these physicians for malpractice and can destroy a doctors life. So for protection on the doctors part - they prefer to protect themselves with labs in case something totally unrelated to treatment happens to the patient and find themselves fighting in court over a med that is looked at as outdated non - consistant - and outdated treatment for hypothyroidism. I got that information from the ENT I had about 2 years ago.
When taking Armour medicine the TSH and Free levels of hormones differs - for some
greatly and can be looked at as not normal (hyper) on lab tests - but the patient is completely symptom free. That could potentially put the doctor in a position down the road if the patient has something happen to them - they blame the physician for what happened - and now the doctor is forced to explain why he kept that patient at those levels of hormones when they were not within the ranges that have been enforced. Would you risked that if you were them?
Many years ago = prior to labs even exsisting - patients went to their doctors as we do - complaining of all the same symptoms we do today. Doctors then - had no advanced testing of blood testing invented yet - so they based their treatment on the patient and individual reponse to the only thyroid medication available which was Armour Thyroid.
The patient would return after 2 weeks and convert with their doctor on how they responded - Depending on the reponse of the patient - the doctor would increase - decrease - or stabilize the meds - to see if their next visit was more positive. It was - in my mind - a very positive approach to helping the suffer of symptoms get well again and move on with their life. If you felt bad - they listened and adjusted according to you.
How wonderful it would be if we could go back to those times - AND ALSO- use the modern tests now available to blend the two approaches and "really" benefit a patients well being. Few doctors use this approach. Finding them is key!
I am not going to go into the strong influence pharmacutical companies have on current doctors and there tactics on how to promote there "product" to physicians to buy into their ideas that their drug is better than others.
I did that recently and found it too controversial for me to continue. But - I will say Armour Thyroid reps seem to be out there alot less in the community as others are.
Forest pharmacuticals stay strong and solid within their company to continue processing their medication with the same regulations as any other pharmacutical company has to follow and have been doing it for over 50 yrs.
Despite rumors of it being a non consistant and "tanted" drug - which is totally untrue - they continue production and are still very strong keeping up with the demands of patients wanting this medication and finding great benefits taking this replacement hormone.
Being on Synthroid - for me - was not a positive experience for many years. I stumbled onto Armour medication over the internet and wanted to try it -
Some patients greatly benefit being on Synthroid. It just didn't help me.
I went through 4 doctors in less the 4 mths because of my request to try it and was told blantly no. I kept looking for someone to let me "try."
Finally I found a regular MD who let me try and to this day - very thankful to him for listening to me. I can't imagine my life if I wouldn't have pushed to get on it.
Most cases if the TSH is within a range of normalism - the patient is left at their dose of Thyroid replacement and sent on their way as being fine.
The problem is - I believe - is that new medicine is now obsessively absorbed in lab numbers and considers the patients complaints as second hand. I can't blame them to a degree -
Due to the ability of greedy lawyers and the way our society is always looking at suit liabilities against their doctors - These doctors now feel that they are forced to base there sole decisions on a piece of paper with a lab value instead of symptoms.
Patients with any condition - if things don't go right - will sue these physicians for malpractice and can destroy a doctors life. So for protection on the doctors part - they prefer to protect themselves with labs in case something totally unrelated to treatment happens to the patient and find themselves fighting in court over a med that is looked at as outdated non - consistant - and outdated treatment for hypothyroidism. I got that information from the ENT I had about 2 years ago.
When taking Armour medicine the TSH and Free levels of hormones differs - for some
greatly and can be looked at as not normal (hyper) on lab tests - but the patient is completely symptom free. That could potentially put the doctor in a position down the road if the patient has something happen to them - they blame the physician for what happened - and now the doctor is forced to explain why he kept that patient at those levels of hormones when they were not within the ranges that have been enforced. Would you risked that if you were them?
Many years ago = prior to labs even exsisting - patients went to their doctors as we do - complaining of all the same symptoms we do today. Doctors then - had no advanced testing of blood testing invented yet - so they based their treatment on the patient and individual reponse to the only thyroid medication available which was Armour Thyroid.
The patient would return after 2 weeks and convert with their doctor on how they responded - Depending on the reponse of the patient - the doctor would increase - decrease - or stabilize the meds - to see if their next visit was more positive. It was - in my mind - a very positive approach to helping the suffer of symptoms get well again and move on with their life. If you felt bad - they listened and adjusted according to you.
How wonderful it would be if we could go back to those times - AND ALSO- use the modern tests now available to blend the two approaches and "really" benefit a patients well being. Few doctors use this approach. Finding them is key!
I am not going to go into the strong influence pharmacutical companies have on current doctors and there tactics on how to promote there "product" to physicians to buy into their ideas that their drug is better than others.
I did that recently and found it too controversial for me to continue. But - I will say Armour Thyroid reps seem to be out there alot less in the community as others are.
Forest pharmacuticals stay strong and solid within their company to continue processing their medication with the same regulations as any other pharmacutical company has to follow and have been doing it for over 50 yrs.
Despite rumors of it being a non consistant and "tanted" drug - which is totally untrue - they continue production and are still very strong keeping up with the demands of patients wanting this medication and finding great benefits taking this replacement hormone.
Being on Synthroid - for me - was not a positive experience for many years. I stumbled onto Armour medication over the internet and wanted to try it -
Some patients greatly benefit being on Synthroid. It just didn't help me.
I went through 4 doctors in less the 4 mths because of my request to try it and was told blantly no. I kept looking for someone to let me "try."
Finally I found a regular MD who let me try and to this day - very thankful to him for listening to me. I can't imagine my life if I wouldn't have pushed to get on it.
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