Armour

I have just found out that I have a hypothyroid. My doctor put me on Levothyroxine 50mcg. I've been reading alot about Armour and that it is natural and it is better than Levothyroxine. It also is suppose to help you loss weight better.  I haven't got to talk to my doctor about changing it yet.  Why do doctors not want to prescribe it?

[goolarra]

There are any number of reasons...some of them founded, others not.

My endo's argument, which convinced me was this:  Armour contains T4:T3 in a ration of about 4-5:1.  The normally functioning human thyroid produces T4:T3 in a ratio of about 20:1.  So, when taking Armour, you're getting a whole lot of T3, which can make it hard to regulate.  Furthermore, most people do well on synthetics.  If some T3 is needed, it's easier to regulate by adding some T3 as a separate pill.  Also, if on Armour, be sure to have your free T3 monitored regularly.

Synthetic T4 is the therapy of choice for those just starting thyroid hormone replacement.  If it doesn't work for you, you can always try something else.

The synthetic vs. natural issue can get quite heated at times.  Both sides have their supporters and detracters.  There's no doubt about one thing:  there are some people who have been helped by each.  The best thing we can all do is encourage our doctors to keep as many options open as possible.

[tracey123]

I have been on Armour for about 6 months now. It does take some time to get your dose adjusted correctly but I also did a lot of reading on levothyroxine versus Armour and I went on the Armour website and found a doctor in my area that works with Armour. The other doctors do not want to work with it because most of them are involved with the companies that produce Levothroxine (levothyroxine) and in my opinion probably get kickbacks for prescribing it. Also, Newer doctors have been trained on strictly the newer meds. Armour has been being produced for over 100 yrs and doctors now a days don't know how to prescribe it. They think all you need is medicine with T4 only in it like Levothyroxine when I think a lot of people need both to get feeling back to normal and to have energy again and be able to lose weight. I also have seen that the levothyroxine has a list of side effects with it. The armour has no side effects as long as it is dosed correctly. I  hope I was able to help. Good Luck.

[liya8]

Greetings from Hong Kong

I have been using Armour thyroid for the past 7 months.  Use 125mg Armour once per day and also take 0.5mg of Thyroxin per day.  I am a South African living in Hong Kong.  In South Africa I used to use Eltroxin 0.1 mg 3 times a day.  Here in Hong Kong I seem to shift between Hypothyroid and Hyperthyroid.  I struggle to maintain weight.  I weigh 44 Kilograms and find that I have tremors.  

I do feel better since using Armour thyroid.

I would love to know what I can take to lesson these as people often ask me if I am cold.  I often do feel verry cold and then the tremors are even worse.

[bev62]

Thanks everyone for your comments. Is it hard to get doctors to prescribe it? I've read that alot of doctors are against this med.

[goolarra]

There is a fair amount of resistance...Some flat out refuse, some will give it to you if you beat them up pretty good, others are okay with it.