- Armour Thyroid has been available for hypothyroidism sufferers for more than 100 years. Made from the thyroid of pigs, Armour Thyroid contains both T-4 and T-3. Some doctors who prefer a holistic approach to thyroid treatment still prescribe the medication; however, the majority of thyroid patients use Synthroid. At one time, rumors circulated about the ability to get mad cow disease from Armour Thyroid. These claims are unfounded because pigs do not carry the disease. Also, all pigs used for the product have been inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Controversy has been stirring ever since levothyroxine, or synthetic T-4 hormone thyroxine, entered the market. Levothyroxine brand-name medications include Synthroid, Levoxyl, Euthyrox and Thyrax. Many doctors are opposed to prescribing Armour Thyroid because they believe that levothyroxine medications are more stable than the natural product. In fact, the Executive Committee of the British Thyroid Association published a document in 2002 stating that levothyroxine was more stable and effective than Armour Thyroid. Also, some doctors think that the body works fine with just the T-4 hormone, which must be converted into an active T-3 hormone for the body to use. Numerous holistic doctors, however, believe that many people have problems converting T-4 into T-3, and so supplying a patient with both will achieve optimal results. In addition, there has been skepticism regarding the rampant use of synthetic thyroid medication because the companies that produce them have such a presence in the medical field. More than 20 million people are prescribed Synthroid compared to the couple of million who take natural thyroid medications. Ask your doctor for a couple months' supply to see if taking Armour Thyroid helps you.
- Dosages of Armour Thyroid start at 30 milligrams and go up in increments of 15 milligrams every two weeks. Many people cut their pills in half to take a dose (one-half of a pill) twice a day. The T-3 in Armour Thyroid has a short life span; so to keep consistent blood levels, half of a pill can be taken in the morning and in the afternoon. The amount of the medication that is prescribed depends on a person's T-4 levels. Side effects include hair loss, insomnia, high blood pressure, increased appetite, diarrhea, fever and weight loss. Many of these side effects disappear after a couple weeks of treatment. Try Armour Thyroid if you are having problems with your current thyroid medication or have low levels of T-3 and T-4.
