Aa
Trying Armour today.
I was diagnosed with Hypothyroid last June 8, 2007 when my blood result showed TSH of 6.22 (Reference 0.40 – 5.50). I do have most of the symptoms. I was on 25 mcg of Levothyroxine and had my blood test result yesterday, August 6, 2007 (After six weeks):
Thyroxine – Free is 1.5 (Ref 0.8 – 1.8)
T4 – Total is 10.7 (Ref 4.5 – 12.5)
T3 – Uptake is 34.8 (Ref 22.- 35)
TSH is 1.45 (Ref 0.4 – 5.50) *Some Endo wants this between 0.3 – 3.0
My doctor said I’m good at my dose and no need to change. I expressed to her that my blood result may look good but I don’t feel good…especially Brain fog; I can’t function at work when I need to think a lot to fix a problem. She recommends trying Armour and see if this is better. I research it in the internet and was surprised that this may work for me and help me with Brain fog. I’m starting today, August 7, 2007 with ½ grain (30mg) of Thyroid Tabs USP (MFG Qualitest). I have a follow-up appointment with my Doctor next week about this and post here the outcome.
Take care,
Rick
Thyroxine – Free is 1.5 (Ref 0.8 – 1.8)
T4 – Total is 10.7 (Ref 4.5 – 12.5)
T3 – Uptake is 34.8 (Ref 22.- 35)
TSH is 1.45 (Ref 0.4 – 5.50) *Some Endo wants this between 0.3 – 3.0
My doctor said I’m good at my dose and no need to change. I expressed to her that my blood result may look good but I don’t feel good…especially Brain fog; I can’t function at work when I need to think a lot to fix a problem. She recommends trying Armour and see if this is better. I research it in the internet and was surprised that this may work for me and help me with Brain fog. I’m starting today, August 7, 2007 with ½ grain (30mg) of Thyroid Tabs USP (MFG Qualitest). I have a follow-up appointment with my Doctor next week about this and post here the outcome.
Take care,
Rick
I am so glad to hear you're having a positive experience with the armour, Drick.
I consulted with an internal medicine doctor yesterday and she said that b/c of my hairloss it was time to try something else and I started cytomel today. (you can see details under my post: renewed hope.) She said we could try armour, but I prefer to try the synthetic combo first and then that way if it doesn't work, I still have another option. I expected to go to her just to become her patient and let her know what was going on... and to find out when I should come back to take action if my hairloss didn't stop, but she said the time to take action was now and I was SO relieved. I know hair and nails take a long time to recover and 3 months feels long, but might not be long enough... and she said I'd waited long enough and it was time to change and try something else. I think I love her! LOL!
Anyway, I'm still very curious to hear your experience, Drick... as I am willing to go to armour if need be. Thanks for sharing with us and I'm so glad you're feeling better.
I consulted with an internal medicine doctor yesterday and she said that b/c of my hairloss it was time to try something else and I started cytomel today. (you can see details under my post: renewed hope.) She said we could try armour, but I prefer to try the synthetic combo first and then that way if it doesn't work, I still have another option. I expected to go to her just to become her patient and let her know what was going on... and to find out when I should come back to take action if my hairloss didn't stop, but she said the time to take action was now and I was SO relieved. I know hair and nails take a long time to recover and 3 months feels long, but might not be long enough... and she said I'd waited long enough and it was time to change and try something else. I think I love her! LOL!
Anyway, I'm still very curious to hear your experience, Drick... as I am willing to go to armour if need be. Thanks for sharing with us and I'm so glad you're feeling better.
Wow, seems like the Armour kicks in much quicker than the synthetics. Looking forward to hearing what your labs are. If you think of it, please include the ranges with the results because I join this forum while at work and I don't have my records/info with me. Good luck!
Today is my first week with Armour. Since last Tuesday, my brain fog is manageable or gone. I'm able to concentrate and function everyday. The first week at work is a lot better and I did not ran out of energy on the 4th and 5th work day.
I have an appointment with my GP tomorrow to place a plan of action. Currently I'm taking 30 mg of Thyroid Tabs USP ( mfg Qualitest). I'm going to ask for additional Free-T3 and Free-T4 tests.
Take care,
Rick
I have an appointment with my GP tomorrow to place a plan of action. Currently I'm taking 30 mg of Thyroid Tabs USP ( mfg Qualitest). I'm going to ask for additional Free-T3 and Free-T4 tests.
Take care,
Rick
I always appreciate your input. I, like Craniac, would like to attack this through supplements rather than Rogaine. I'm still breastfeeding so Rogaine isn't an option. And, if time is all that's needed, then these supplements have done no harm.
Drick008... I'm also avidly watchign this thread for your input. I have the same take on Armour as Craniac - seems people either love it or hate it. I feel just fine on T4... just like before my TT (Total Thyroidectomy) so my only "symptom" is hairloss... but it's a biggie in my book.
Drick008... I'm also avidly watchign this thread for your input. I have the same take on Armour as Craniac - seems people either love it or hate it. I feel just fine on T4... just like before my TT (Total Thyroidectomy) so my only "symptom" is hairloss... but it's a biggie in my book.
Rick, although we digress on your thread, we are paying attention to what you're saying! It seems to me that people either love Armour or are completely against it. No gray area. I'm following your progress avidly.
GravesLady, I am a tad iron deficient, so I'm going to try to substitute Green Tea for coffee and eat more eggs. I do take biotin and I'm trying to remember to take Emergency C and sublingual Vit B12 with folic acid daily, but with the "fog," I feel pretty happy just remembering to take the Synthroid regularly! (I never did well with The Pill because I couldn't remember if I had taken it or not!) I've read up on Rogaine and Propecia, and both cause initial hair loss (which I can't afford at this point), and they stop working as soon as you stop using them, so I'd like to handle this with food and supplements if I can. I'm sure I'm being impatient. I'm definitely an "immediate gratification" person. Being unwell, company, and fish stink after 3 days, and it's been 3 months!! ;) Thanks for your input.
GravesLady, I am a tad iron deficient, so I'm going to try to substitute Green Tea for coffee and eat more eggs. I do take biotin and I'm trying to remember to take Emergency C and sublingual Vit B12 with folic acid daily, but with the "fog," I feel pretty happy just remembering to take the Synthroid regularly! (I never did well with The Pill because I couldn't remember if I had taken it or not!) I've read up on Rogaine and Propecia, and both cause initial hair loss (which I can't afford at this point), and they stop working as soon as you stop using them, so I'd like to handle this with food and supplements if I can. I'm sure I'm being impatient. I'm definitely an "immediate gratification" person. Being unwell, company, and fish stink after 3 days, and it's been 3 months!! ;) Thanks for your input.
Hair can be deficient in iron and the amino acid lysine. Lysine is an amino acid that helps transport iron, which is the most important element in the body and essential for many metabolic processes. When lysine and iron levels are low, the body might switch some hair follicles off to increase levels elsewhere. Meat, fish and eggs are the only food sources of lysine. There are also supplements that contain lysine.
Other natural ways to deal with hair loss include: Arginine, Cysteine, Green Tea,
Polysorbate 80, Progesterone, Saw Palmetto, Trichosaccaride, Vitamin B6 Zinc.
Dermatologist may recommend that trying drug treatments. The two popular drugs for hair loss -- Rogaine and Propecia -- both interfere with DHT's ability to destroy hair follicles.
Just a little hair info.
Other natural ways to deal with hair loss include: Arginine, Cysteine, Green Tea,
Polysorbate 80, Progesterone, Saw Palmetto, Trichosaccaride, Vitamin B6 Zinc.
Dermatologist may recommend that trying drug treatments. The two popular drugs for hair loss -- Rogaine and Propecia -- both interfere with DHT's ability to destroy hair follicles.
Just a little hair info.
My hope and prayer is that this thread will give knowledge and wisdom to all who reads it.
Well, this is my third day in Armour and I'm still doing better. Both my family and co-workers noticed a big difference in me from the previous months. Right now, I am able to hold conversations, train my trainee, and even led a meeting. My appetite increased and I'm hoping I don't start gaining the weight I lost since May 2007.
From my first post, I have my blood test result. The only thing I don't have were the Free-T3 and Free-T4 tests. This made me think that I need these additional testing after reading an article in the internet, where one can have their blood result in good levels (or even optimum) but still experience a severe hypothyroid symptoms due to low Free-T3. So, when I meet my GP next week, I'll tell her that Armour seems to be working better and ask her to add Free-T3 and Free-T4 tests.
Take care,
Rick
Well, this is my third day in Armour and I'm still doing better. Both my family and co-workers noticed a big difference in me from the previous months. Right now, I am able to hold conversations, train my trainee, and even led a meeting. My appetite increased and I'm hoping I don't start gaining the weight I lost since May 2007.
From my first post, I have my blood test result. The only thing I don't have were the Free-T3 and Free-T4 tests. This made me think that I need these additional testing after reading an article in the internet, where one can have their blood result in good levels (or even optimum) but still experience a severe hypothyroid symptoms due to low Free-T3. So, when I meet my GP next week, I'll tell her that Armour seems to be working better and ask her to add Free-T3 and Free-T4 tests.
Take care,
Rick
3.5 months is still in the early stages of the healing process. Hair and nails are the last to heal and takes the longest to heal. That is after your levels have been stable for a while, with no med. dose changes during the process. Then, are you at your optimal level to where you feel your best.
Unless there is a conversion problem, I am not an advocate of T-3 supplements from all that I have read. However, this is a matter of choice and preference.
I have read where doctors give their patients T-3 for a placebo effect. So, what is good for the mind is good for the body.
Unless there is a conversion problem, I am not an advocate of T-3 supplements from all that I have read. However, this is a matter of choice and preference.
I have read where doctors give their patients T-3 for a placebo effect. So, what is good for the mind is good for the body.
Please keep us all posted on your progress with Armour. I have been on Synthroid (first .50 for a couple of years, then .75, .88 now .112) -- makes me wonder why my dose is steadily increasing and has been since I was first diagnosed seven years ago.
Now, I am dealing with chronic body pain, chest pain, depression, extreme difficulty concentrating, no desire to do the things I used to love to do. I've had all kinds of blood tests and the Dr can't seem to find anything wrong. I keep telling her it's the Synthroid!
Unfortunately, not many Drs/endos here in Canada support the use of Armour and I too have done my research - it is certainly not for everyone but either are standard antibiotics - it is time the medical community started to wake up to the thousands of people who are suffering in silence with thryroid conditions.
Good Luck with the Armour and if you haven't visited www.stopthethyroidmadness.com - there's a lot of good information about Armour and other dessicated thryroid meds.
Now, I am dealing with chronic body pain, chest pain, depression, extreme difficulty concentrating, no desire to do the things I used to love to do. I've had all kinds of blood tests and the Dr can't seem to find anything wrong. I keep telling her it's the Synthroid!
Unfortunately, not many Drs/endos here in Canada support the use of Armour and I too have done my research - it is certainly not for everyone but either are standard antibiotics - it is time the medical community started to wake up to the thousands of people who are suffering in silence with thryroid conditions.
Good Luck with the Armour and if you haven't visited www.stopthethyroidmadness.com - there's a lot of good information about Armour and other dessicated thryroid meds.
I'm embarrassed to say I'm not really sure what TT is... I have Hashi's and hypo. When discovered, my TSH was 130, but it came down right away, as did my cholesterol after a month on Synthroid. My doctor has felt my neck manually each time, but made no mention of a goiter, and I don't see anything move when I swallow, but how do I know if I should get an ultrasound or something? How would she know if I had nodules? I've read other posts that said people had normal labs, but still had nodules.
I also know you're supposed to get your adrenal function checked before you take T3, but I feel like such a drama queen asking for all these tests. Compared to most people on this forum, I really don't feel that badly... Just tired and lazy, for the most part (normally I'm hyper and wired). I guess I'll make my list of questions for the next post-lab office visit and see what happens. Still want to hear what GravesLady says about T3...
I also know you're supposed to get your adrenal function checked before you take T3, but I feel like such a drama queen asking for all these tests. Compared to most people on this forum, I really don't feel that badly... Just tired and lazy, for the most part (normally I'm hyper and wired). I guess I'll make my list of questions for the next post-lab office visit and see what happens. Still want to hear what GravesLady says about T3...
My hair is used to be thick. My last haircut, the barber did noticed that my hair is thin and I'm losing a lot. This trial of Armour is mostly due to my Brain fog issue because I just can't function at work. Since I started this medication, I did noticed a big difference...I can concentrate better and able to have conversation with people. With my hair situation, it might take longer to see a difference (If any). I did find an article where some people might have a hard time converting synthetic T4 to T3 and Armour might work for them. That's why I have to try it. Six weeks on Levoxthyroxine with Brain Fog every day is too much. I used up a lot of sick leave already and sick of it LOL.
Rick
Rick
I'm in your boat... using Nioxin, taking Biotin, Omega3, Evening primrose and Complex b, all in hopes to save my hair, but to no avail. I was hoping T3 supplementation might help too. I'm at 3 months on T4 as of Augst 11.
Craniac, I forgot... did you have TT?
Craniac, I forgot... did you have TT?
Your comment to drick008 is making me think: I am still having a great deal of hair loss after 3.5 months on T4. My next set of labs is in 2 weeks, and I asked that my free T3 be checked. I'm inferring from your post that you aren't a big advocate of T3 supplementation--just Armour, or even Cytomel?
I've been taking Biotin supplements and using Nioxin hair products, but my scalp is clearly visible all over my head. I was hoping adding T3 would help.
Very interested in anything you have to say. Thanks, Craniac3
I've been taking Biotin supplements and using Nioxin hair products, but my scalp is clearly visible all over my head. I was hoping adding T3 would help.
Very interested in anything you have to say. Thanks, Craniac3
TED stand for thyroid eye disease, which is seen in Graves' disease and seen in some hypos/Hashi and other autoimmune diseases. Apparently, Armour plays a roll in TED as well.
Thank you for your post. I will keep this in mind and I did saw others dividing the dose 2-3 times a day.
By the way, what does TED stand for?
Rick
By the way, what does TED stand for?
Rick
I stopped Ambien due to waking up feeling like having a hang over and feeling just terrible.
If you are not having a conversion problem, which your Labs state you are not, armour may not help.
In test done related that "overall there was little to no evidence that a combination
of T3 added to thyroxine provided therapeutic benefit
additional randomized control trials of L-thyroxine alone vs. thyroxine
plus T3 did not show any clinical benefit of T3 supplementation
Armour is harder to regulate in some patients and contains a much higher T3/T4 ratio than most humans need t3/t4 ratio of armour (pig)favors t3 much more than the normal human thyroid ratio. When starting Armour it is possible to have a few good weeks of feel good, then then for it to seem to wear off. Usually the reason is that the initial boost is from the T3 addition, but then the crash is because the T3/T4 ratio is not optimum for your body.
Armour can cause hyper symptoms if the med dose is taken all at one time. Some people taking one dose notice some transient hyper symptoms within an hour. Dividing the dose and taking it 2-3 times daily can help with this.
Some people develop TED when they take animal-based extracts such as Armour, because the immune system react to foreign proteins found in glandular extracts. Synthetic meds. doesn't cause this probelm.
There are people who say that they have done well on armour, but it just could be a placebo effect.
However we are not all alike and what help one may not help for another.
Just my opinion with material back up.
If you are not having a conversion problem, which your Labs state you are not, armour may not help.
In test done related that "overall there was little to no evidence that a combination
of T3 added to thyroxine provided therapeutic benefit
additional randomized control trials of L-thyroxine alone vs. thyroxine
plus T3 did not show any clinical benefit of T3 supplementation
Armour is harder to regulate in some patients and contains a much higher T3/T4 ratio than most humans need t3/t4 ratio of armour (pig)favors t3 much more than the normal human thyroid ratio. When starting Armour it is possible to have a few good weeks of feel good, then then for it to seem to wear off. Usually the reason is that the initial boost is from the T3 addition, but then the crash is because the T3/T4 ratio is not optimum for your body.
Armour can cause hyper symptoms if the med dose is taken all at one time. Some people taking one dose notice some transient hyper symptoms within an hour. Dividing the dose and taking it 2-3 times daily can help with this.
Some people develop TED when they take animal-based extracts such as Armour, because the immune system react to foreign proteins found in glandular extracts. Synthetic meds. doesn't cause this probelm.
There are people who say that they have done well on armour, but it just could be a placebo effect.
However we are not all alike and what help one may not help for another.
Just my opinion with material back up.
I know what you mean about Tylenol PM. I took this before I was diagnosed with Hypothyroid and it does give me a hangover feeling that's why I stop taking it. The feeling I have now is more of mental fatigue that I have not experience before. I don't take Ambien all the time. Only when I have a hard time sleeping which could be once or twice a week. I did took Ambien last night and right now I feel refresh...no Brain Fog at all. But I have to monitor my body to make sure I'm not overdosed on Armour.
I had a Hernia Suegery last July 2nd and this kept me away from exercising. Currently I can only walk moderately. Hopefuly, when I could do more exercise, I could be able to sleep better.
Rick
I had a Hernia Suegery last July 2nd and this kept me away from exercising. Currently I can only walk moderately. Hopefuly, when I could do more exercise, I could be able to sleep better.
Rick
Please continue to keep updating... I know armour isn't for everyone and I'm not wild about switching meds, but if my hairloss doesn't stop by the end of the year (a full 7.5 months of waiting and seeing) I am going to try to see a doc about possibly switching.
Could the Ambien be giving you a "hangover?" If I take a Tylenol PM or benedryl, I'm pretty out of it for most of the next day. Just a thought...
It's 9:30 PM where I am and sleepy not due to mental fatigue but just sleepy due to not having a good quality sleep lately. I took the Armour madication (30 mg or 1/2 grain) at 8:00 AM and went back to sleep until 10:00 AM for breakfast. Appetite is okay and that's normal for me but surprised with a lot of appetite at dinner (I ate a lot). Yes, I felt a little brain fog but it was manageable. I took my Dad for lunch before taking him to his doctor's appointment at 2:00 PM. I did not have any problem communicating with my Dad or his doctor. We got back home around 3PM and still felt good without taking a nap. I did four Su Doku puzzles without problem and did a lot of research in the internet about my condition. Did cook for dinner for my folks and talk to my brother on the phone without any problem. All in all, today I did feel better than yesterday. We'll see how I do tomorrow when I go to work.
During my research on Armour, I did find that in some patient, Armour did work for them especially this so called Brain fog . Some people who were using synthroid did well with Armour while others who started with Armour did well with synthetic T3/T4. So its not for everyone. Since I started with Levothyroxine and manage to get my Thyroid test in line, then it is easier for me to monitor if Armour is good for me or not.
During my research on Armour, I did find that in some patient, Armour did work for them especially this so called Brain fog . Some people who were using synthroid did well with Armour while others who started with Armour did well with synthetic T3/T4. So its not for everyone. Since I started with Levothyroxine and manage to get my Thyroid test in line, then it is easier for me to monitor if Armour is good for me or not.
The best way to monitor my progress is to record how I felt before taking Armour. My work schedule is Wednesday to Sunday, 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM and I go to sleep around 2:00 or 3:00 AM. I usually wake up around 10:00 AM; however, I take my hypothyroid medication at 8:00 AM. I do have problem sleeping and have to take Ambien for it.
When I wake up, I do have Brain fog already and don’t have any motivation to do anything. I have to take naps to function or concentrate better. If I did not take naps, I become irritated and can’t communicate to anyone even in the telephone. At work, it’s hard to concentrate especially when I’m training someone. My patience is short and I felt bad to my trainee when I yelled at him for not doing it right the first time. I explained to him my situation and apologized. I noticed my energy runs out after the third day of work. The fourth and fifth day is horrible, meaning, I can’t function…I’m just weak and can’t concentrate at all.
I don’t get a physical fatigue or tiredness, but it’s more of mental fatigue. My family understands this now because before they thought I just became plain LAZY. When I did have a mental fatigue, I can’t solve a Su Doku puzzle at all.
Well, that’s it, I’ll get back later and record how my first day of taking Armour medication.
Take care,
Rick
When I wake up, I do have Brain fog already and don’t have any motivation to do anything. I have to take naps to function or concentrate better. If I did not take naps, I become irritated and can’t communicate to anyone even in the telephone. At work, it’s hard to concentrate especially when I’m training someone. My patience is short and I felt bad to my trainee when I yelled at him for not doing it right the first time. I explained to him my situation and apologized. I noticed my energy runs out after the third day of work. The fourth and fifth day is horrible, meaning, I can’t function…I’m just weak and can’t concentrate at all.
I don’t get a physical fatigue or tiredness, but it’s more of mental fatigue. My family understands this now because before they thought I just became plain LAZY. When I did have a mental fatigue, I can’t solve a Su Doku puzzle at all.
Well, that’s it, I’ll get back later and record how my first day of taking Armour medication.
Take care,
Rick
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