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Synthroid vs Armour
I have been on Synthroid for 8 years. After all of these years on Synthroid, I still have all the symptoms.My worst symptom is the severe fatigue! For the last 2 years I have asked my doctor to try a different medicine ( Armour ). He states that " You're fine! You're tests are coming back normal. There is no difference in the medications." I would like to know if there really is a difference between Synthroid and Armour.
A personal recommendation from one of our experienced members would probably be best, but here is a link you can use to locate doctors that have prescribed Armour thyroid. You can enter your zip code and get a list of doctors in your area to consider. You can also find info on the individual doctor's area of specialization.
If you want to go with a member rec, then I suggest that you start a new post, asking for a good thyroid doctor in your particular area. This will get more attention and better response.
If you want to go with a member rec, then I suggest that you start a new post, asking for a good thyroid doctor in your particular area. This will get more attention and better response.
I hear that natural thyroid or dessicated thyroid (one of the popular brand is Armor) is actually a much better medication that a T4 only medication like Ultroxin.
I myself want to start with it, but am looking for a doctor who I can work with on this.
I myself want to start with it, but am looking for a doctor who I can work with on this.
The Armour website has a Physician locator for assisting patients in finding a doctor that will prescribe Armour. It's a great place to start.
Your current doctor is very wrong- the medications are VERY different. Some people may not notice any difference between one medication or the other but others may notice huge differences between them. Synthroid contains the storage hormone only (T4) so if your body isn't converting the storage hormone to usable hormone it's like your not taking anything. Armour on the other hand contains both the storage hormone (T4) as well as the usable hormone (T3) so if you are having a problem converting this drug seems to be much better for patients. Some people can be sensitive though to T3 so it's best to start out slow when switching over to see how you react and then increase from there.
Your current doctor is very wrong- the medications are VERY different. Some people may not notice any difference between one medication or the other but others may notice huge differences between them. Synthroid contains the storage hormone only (T4) so if your body isn't converting the storage hormone to usable hormone it's like your not taking anything. Armour on the other hand contains both the storage hormone (T4) as well as the usable hormone (T3) so if you are having a problem converting this drug seems to be much better for patients. Some people can be sensitive though to T3 so it's best to start out slow when switching over to see how you react and then increase from there.
How do I go about finding a doctor that will work with me? I need to do something because I feel horrible!! Thanks for any help!!
I am suprised your doctor looked at your TSH and said you are fine.
If my personal doctor was reviewing those labs - she would definately look at the two free tests and say the T4 thyroxine is too high and the FT3 is not up high enough either to relieve all hypothyroid symptoms.
She would tweak me on a T3 or use combo T3/T4 meds to increase that.
If my personal doctor was reviewing those labs - she would definately look at the two free tests and say the T4 thyroxine is too high and the FT3 is not up high enough either to relieve all hypothyroid symptoms.
She would tweak me on a T3 or use combo T3/T4 meds to increase that.
My last test results:
TSH 0.03 RANGE: 0.27 - 4.20
T3 FREE 3.3 RANGE: 2.3 - 4.0
FREE THYROXINE 1.66 RANGE: 0.60 - 1.70
CORTISOL SERUM 8.0 RANGE: 6.5 - 26.0
My doctor also ordered a complete blood workup which came out normal.
TSH 0.03 RANGE: 0.27 - 4.20
T3 FREE 3.3 RANGE: 2.3 - 4.0
FREE THYROXINE 1.66 RANGE: 0.60 - 1.70
CORTISOL SERUM 8.0 RANGE: 6.5 - 26.0
My doctor also ordered a complete blood workup which came out normal.
Of course you know that Synthroid is T4 and Armour is a mix of T4 and T3 in a ratio of abut 4.2 to one. Whether this is the only reason for Armour being sometimes more effective is a long discussion.
Taking a med that contains T3, you can expect an increase in the levels of total T3 and also free T3 in your blood. Since free T3 is the most active thyroid hormone, it largely regulates metabolism and other symptoms. All other things being equal, if your free T3 goes up your symptoms will respond.
A key question is whether your continuing symptoms are due to problems with your body converting the T4 in your system, resulting in lack of free T3, or whether your dosage is inadequate because the doctor is adjusting your meds mainly by TSH levels---which do not correlate well with symptom relief. For a better answer, you need to help us understand all this by posting your blood test results and reference ranges.
Taking a med that contains T3, you can expect an increase in the levels of total T3 and also free T3 in your blood. Since free T3 is the most active thyroid hormone, it largely regulates metabolism and other symptoms. All other things being equal, if your free T3 goes up your symptoms will respond.
A key question is whether your continuing symptoms are due to problems with your body converting the T4 in your system, resulting in lack of free T3, or whether your dosage is inadequate because the doctor is adjusting your meds mainly by TSH levels---which do not correlate well with symptom relief. For a better answer, you need to help us understand all this by posting your blood test results and reference ranges.
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