Switching From Synthroid To Armour

[paisleydragonfly]

I had thyroid cancer in 2003 and had a total thyroidectomy. Following the surgery, I was perscribed 200 mcg. of Synthroid and radioactive iodine. I consistantly gained weight until I moved to another state in 2006 and had a doctor that switched me to Armour thyroid. I had great results for 2 years losing nearly 40 pounds and feeling like myself again. I moved back to the original state and went for cancer screening and labs. My levels were normal, yet he said he liked the consistant results of synthetic. He advised me to go back on Synthroid 200. Since 6 months ago, I have regained 36 pounds and feel terrible! He says that there is no connection with weight gain or tiredness and that the levels need to be slightly hypothyroid to prevent cell regrowth. He makes me feel like my problems are completely unrelated to thyroid medication, but I don't believe it. I am 31 years old in great health (besides being overweight), no other health problems...there seems to be a connection to me. What do you think?  

[stella5349]

If you had success on one med ( Armour ) then why go back just b/c a doctor does not support it.

It's sensibile for your doctor to see the benefits of your past and at least consider letting you continue what woks best for you.

[MKlacza]

Well... that may be so with the T3 and T4 but sometimes our bodies do not convert the T4 over... I am on Armour and doing much better. I really cant complain other than I think I need a up in my meds. My symptoms are not the meds, its lack of the meds and needing a little more. I am very pleased so far!! I have had every symptom some are speaking of and after starting Armour, they have disappeared!! I mean I had a few symptoms, but that is adjusting to the meds and getting the Synthroid out of my body etc.. I sure hope you can figure this out for yourself!!

[paisleydragonfly]

I tried that and he said that you don't need to take T3 because T4 converts to T3. I have taken Cytomil 25 mcg with 150 Synthroid before, still not as good of results as Armour though.

It seems to make more since to me to take the natural form, even if it does come from an animal.

Do you think there are more components to your own thyroid than making T3 & T4 than research has shown? It just seems like such a battle to keep normal levels. I don't know anyone who is ever quite the same after thyroid problems.

[peggy64]

tell him your preference is armour because of the T3. If he won't budge and you don't want to change MD's ask him to add Cytomel, which is T3.

These docs are frustrating, as sometimes we have studied up on this more than they have.

I am seeing a new one wed and I don't know what I am going to do if he wants to switch to synthroid. However, my grandmother has used it for years with no problem. I don't know what to think.