~~ QUESTIONS ON MEDS~~ RE: Armour

[stella5349]

Many of you have been asking about Armour and wanting more information. I have been getting alot of PM's regarding many different things related to it

I though it best to open a post regardless if you are on Armour or if you have questions regarding it.  I am not a doctor - but I have been taking the medication for almost a year now and have done remarkably well.

Though my "Analytical" side makes me want to know "why" I feel better now - vs- before. So I have been digging into alot of information.

One thing I have learned with my new doctor is the body need to work as a whole system and we can't just treat one thing. So more digging again.

It is a far different for me now - vs- when I first came on the MH board. I still have alot more to learn - but if anyone wants to post any thoughts - please do so.

[nellster]

Hi Stella, thanks for this.  I began my time on Armour about 25 days ago.  I realize that my body needs time to adjust and I can recall my side effects when I began synthroid its just that I can't seem to get away from daily headaches.  I am giving the hairloss time and generally feel that I am gaining ground, getting almost where I need to be.....

Side effects that disapeared as fast as they appeared:  Itchy scalp and joint pain.

[ChitChatNIne]

boo!  just wanted to let you know I am clueless but say hello to you all on this thread!

C~

[stella5349]

Ok the headaches are a combination of two things. First the adjustment period. Usually it takes two weeks to subside. BUT your body may still be in a hypo state until your increases put you at a stable level.

So the headaches would hang around of as long as it takes for you to get optimized.

Hair loss is another thing. I think to help you with that some B'sand E vitamins and fish oil for a little whaile (maybe 2 weeks)

[laura1967]

Hi Stella! I just completed 5 wks on my armour. I increased dosage on saturday by 1/4 grain. I am now up to 75mgs per day in divided dosages.  I was on 75mcgs of synthroid before, so it seems i am on a correct dosage doesn't it? I had gone hypo to tsh of 3.5 I think....so the increase I am at is actually higher. I still don't feel any different. The fog hasn't been touched and I am still quite tired. The joint pain is still better. At night I am still getting the occasional palp or skip in my heart...hate that feeling.....makes you nervous. I am taking my supplements....eating right....what else can i do?
I have done all the holistic and naturopathic stuff that I know to do. Including acupuncture which was awesome, but too expensive ($100.00 per session). I went probably 10 times and cannot afford anymore!  It relaxed me but never healed me. The synthroid should be pretty cleared out of my system. Any ideas?    thank you!

[stella5349]

Actually you are on more.

1 grain 60mg is about .88mcg Synthroid so you are on .75 mg Armour.

That would be about a .110mcg Synthroid approx. right now.

Even through Armour's effects are somewhat fely 2 hrs after taking you will not be symtpom free or feeling the full effects until two weeks pass.

If you need an increase you will know IF the symptoms are still present after two weeks on the new dosage.

I totally get the cost of alternative medicine - I am in the same boat.

What supplements are taking?

[laura1967]

Okay so I will not know if dosage correct for about 2 weeks. I hope I am not on too much...lol
I am taking Usana supplements, they are medical grade and have highest absorption rate. They include:vitamins, minerals, antioxidants with all kinds of diff stuff, grape seed extract, their omega's, extra calcium/magnesium. These I take 2xper day.
On the side I take oreganol oil, chlorella, extra vit c & B's. Among others at times...lol
I only take medical grade stuff because it is the only way you know you are getting what it says on the label. I learned the hard way in taking cheap stuff....it does the body no good. LOL    Anyway, I am kind of a guru with herbs and such as well....have been studing natural health for many years.

[stella5349]

Cool I will probably be Pming you for herb information as weel as the medical supplements info.

I have been surfing around on that for some time