125 mcg synthroid to 120 mcg armour

[joaveiro]

I've been on synthroid for 10 years since I'm 22 and I've developed nothing but side effects from acid reflux to brain fog, hair loss, weight gain,  and extreme fatigue.  My doctor agreed Armour would be a good try and she started me at 120 mcg because she said that it's not usually exactly the same dosage and we'd check blood work in 4 weeks. Is this a good starting point? Thank you

[Barb135]

It sounds like your doctor might not know a lot about Armour - first off,  synthroid is prescribed in mcg; Armour is prescribed in mg.  Synthroid is a T4 only med, Armour has both T4 and T3 and contains much more T3 than humans, typically, produce.  Additionally, T3 is fast acting and doesn't stay in your system very long, so it does need to be split into multiple doses i.e usually 2, during the day in order to keep FT3 levels stable.

Most thyroid meds are started at lower doses and worked up, gradually.  

Your symptoms certainly indicate that you're still hypo and since you're on a fair sized dose of Synthroid, we might surmise that your aren't converting the storage hormone FT4 to the usable FT3, but of course, we can't suggest a dosage based supposition.  

If you'll please post your current thyroid labs, we'll be able to give our opinion.  But, of course, you still need to discuss any dosage changes with your doctor.  When you post your lab results, be sure to include reference ranges, as those vary from lab to lab and have to come from your own report.

[joaveiro]

The more I read the more I feel it's too high. I guess 120 is 2 grains and since I'll have synthroid in my system for the next month adding that much armor is too much. Should I just take half or should I take half I'm morning plus quarter in afternoon? What would be ideal?

[joaveiro]

To be clear i was on 125 synthroid and I started taking Armour today at 120mcg