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Dr. Orrange received her BA in Biology at the University of California, San Diego, and a Masters Degree in Health Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health. She received her MD from the USC Keck School of…
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What’s the deal with Armour Thyroid?
A great question came from a member who was taking Synthroid for hypothyroidism: “Should I be concerned I’m still having symptoms while on Synthroid? Should I switch to Armour thyroid? Why are some doctors hesitant to prescribe Armour Thyroid?
Armour Thyroid, or desiccated thyroid, is a variable mixture of T3 and T4 made from the thyroids of pigs. Many patients like the idea of a more “natural” thyroid replacement over using synthetic thyroid hormone like Synthroid (Levothyroxine) but is there any reason to switch to Armour?
One of the problems with Armour, which is why some Physicians are leery of prescribing it, is that the amount of T4 and T3, and the bioavailability of Armour thyroid can vary across batches. In general, 1 grain of Armour is equivalent to a total of about 74 mcg T4 but this can vary quite a bit.
Another problem with T3/T4 combinations like Armour is that patients treated with T3-containing preparations have wide fluctuations in serum T3 concentrations throughout the day due to its rapid gastrointestinal absorption and its relatively short half-life in the circulation…which is about 1 day.
Does taking combination T3/T4 (Armour) result in more symptom relief than synthetic thyroid hormone? No question about it. I have patients who report a difference but the studies don’t support this. In most large studies, combination T3/T4 therapy (Armour) does not appear to be superior to T4 monotherapy (Synthroid which is Levothyroxine) for the management of hypothyroid symptoms. A small study done on thyroidectomized patients did show that some derived benefit from Armour but in patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hashimotos Thyroiditis) studies have not shown any benefit.
The reason you can’t find Armour thyroid in most pharmacies now is that only three drug companies make it in the U.S. and all have slowed production. The reason for this is believed to be the Swine Flu scare and the fear of using pig thyroid for Armour.
Dr. Orrange
Armour Thyroid, or desiccated thyroid, is a variable mixture of T3 and T4 made from the thyroids of pigs. Many patients like the idea of a more “natural” thyroid replacement over using synthetic thyroid hormone like Synthroid (Levothyroxine) but is there any reason to switch to Armour?
One of the problems with Armour, which is why some Physicians are leery of prescribing it, is that the amount of T4 and T3, and the bioavailability of Armour thyroid can vary across batches. In general, 1 grain of Armour is equivalent to a total of about 74 mcg T4 but this can vary quite a bit.
Another problem with T3/T4 combinations like Armour is that patients treated with T3-containing preparations have wide fluctuations in serum T3 concentrations throughout the day due to its rapid gastrointestinal absorption and its relatively short half-life in the circulation…which is about 1 day.
Does taking combination T3/T4 (Armour) result in more symptom relief than synthetic thyroid hormone? No question about it. I have patients who report a difference but the studies don’t support this. In most large studies, combination T3/T4 therapy (Armour) does not appear to be superior to T4 monotherapy (Synthroid which is Levothyroxine) for the management of hypothyroid symptoms. A small study done on thyroidectomized patients did show that some derived benefit from Armour but in patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hashimotos Thyroiditis) studies have not shown any benefit.
The reason you can’t find Armour thyroid in most pharmacies now is that only three drug companies make it in the U.S. and all have slowed production. The reason for this is believed to be the Swine Flu scare and the fear of using pig thyroid for Armour.
Dr. Orrange
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I find it very difficult that you mention getting T3 and T4 and not mention that you also get a small amount of T1 and T2. This is what is missing from Synthrod. I sure have struggled with it I have never experienced being tired more so board.
What I have done is a regiment that consist of Iodine, Magnisium & potassium,Fish Oil and salts seems to help me ulitmately it will be my longivity that proves what works and what doesn't.I have lots of Armour the old brand in the fridge haven't used it for months.As far as Swine flu that to me is kind of far fetched (scare tactic kind of like radiation used to be) like I have heard so many physicians say that it wasn't adjusted enough. Walk a mile in my shoes.Oh, I was also convinced by Mary Shomon and their are things that totally blow me away. One other thing is their is a link to women who have had hysterectomies and blood disease that is so interesting I hope you will reseach and come back with your findings. Mrs. D Thyroid Cancer Survivor!
Dr O.
What are other options for those of us who have good numbers w/synthroid, but aren't seeing any symptom relief?