My switch from Armour to Synthroid/Cytomel

[laura1967]

I have recieved several notes and emails by others here regarding my switch from Armour to Synthroid and Cytomel. So I thought I would share with everyone interested so we can keep our questions together for others to learn from as well.
I was on 120 mgs of Armour and switched over to 5mcg Cytomel with 88mcg Synthroid. Within 6 weeks I did labs again, and then was increased to 100mcg synthroid and 10 mcg Cytomel. I felt great for a couple of months at this dosage.
Recently though I felt myself slipping.....the thyroid swelled and I knew it was the Hashimoto's attacking the thyroid again and knew it would be time for another increase. Labs proved correct. My endo said I could increase both meds but he wanted to do only 1 at a time, so we know which is having a more profound benefit. So we decided to increase the Cytomel to 15 mcg with the 100 synthroid. I am testing again next week to see if we will then increase my cytomel again or the synthroid. He does not have a problem taking me to the 25 mcg of cytomel if it is benefiting me the most.
When we find the correct dosage of Cytomel, we will then have it compounded into a time release form so I do not have to dosage myself throughout the day. It will remain steady in my bloodstream.
I decided to make the switch back in the spring.....my body didn't seem to be utilizing and absorbing the Armour properly. Must be I was very sensitive to changes in Armour and it crashed me quickly.
I have to say that I haven't had any negative affects at all from the change........I use to take Synthroid alone back before I went on Armour and remained ill for quite a while.
I am very pleased with my results thus far. I also will say that it is a lot easier to tweak the Free T3 and Free T4 individually.
I hope this appeases many of your minds and puts your fears to rest.
Nothing to Fear but Fear itself !!!

[laura1967]

Don't give up hope in finding a Dr that will address you low T3 levels.  :)   It has made a world of difference in how I feel!

[laura1967]

8 weeks is too long to wait for labs when you are switching over to different meds, or even upping dosages.....ask your Dr if you can test in 6 weeks to make sure you are not dropping to low.

Stella- I am so concerned at all the conflicting information out there on the truth of what is going on. BUT....big Pharm is only going to let us know what they want us to know.....not the truth!
At this point in the game I think it is time to go outside the box and send letters to the president and let him know that "WE NEED CHANGE!"   lol

[stella5349]

Well Laura - thanks for posting this... this is an option for many if this situation sticks around for some time.

I myself - am trying to stay on the same type of desiccated meds.

[anca77]

Hi,

I used to take 75 mcg of Synthroid in the morning then 30 mg of Armour around 11 AM and another 30 mg of Armour around 4 PM. With this shortage in Armour I had to switch to 100 mcg of Synthroid and 5 mcg Cytomel twice a day (total 10 mcg Cytomel).
I started this new treatment two days ago and I hope it will work as good as the Synthroid/Armour combination did. I will be disappointed otherwise, as it took me almost one year to get stable.
In two months I suppose to have a blood test and see the results.

[TamraW]

Laura, you are very kind for sharing. I am only on Synthroid, but my 3s are low. It sounds like you have a good endo.

Take care...
:) Tamra