Iodine is definitely a no-no for those of us dealing with hypothyroidism - it can actually worsen the hypothyroidism.

Now, your imbalanced FreeT4/T3 levels could use some attention.

Have you ever spoken to your doctor about taking some Cytomel to help with your low FreeT3 level?

ok. Thank you! I wasn't sure, since I started out hyper. I have spoken to my endo several times and he continues to tell me i am crazy to keep taking my synthroid and stop worrying so much. Literally these are his words. I am in the process of finding someone who will work with me. Elaine Moore had mentioned that at this point after RAI so many years ago, armour might be the way to go, but how do you know how to stop one and start another. My primary gave me a script for armour but I dont know how to do this. and forget about finding a multi without iodine or iron. I have been searching for ever. My apologies for being all over. I am just at such a loss and want to feel and look well again!

no to mention.....diet will be hard...I was fortunate enough not to have the weight issue on top of everything else, however, .i am thin to begin with, what would i eat???

I wouldn't worry about the iodine in your multi.

What we really need to watch is dietary sources of iodine such as that which is in iodized salt, fast/processed foods and shellfish.

This isn't to say you have to completely eliminate all iodine. It's just that, as with everything, moderation is key.

Many post-RAI patients do well with Armour.....or Armour plus a little Synthroid. Your labs would help you figure out just what you need.

When people switch from Synthroid to Armour, they usually start taking an Armour dose that is somewhat similar to their Synthroid dose and then adjust from there.

It's too bad your GP doesn't look at the prescribing information for Armour because it shows how to figure out equivalent doses.

Now, Armour contains both T4 and T3. Since T3 is 4 times as potent as T4, it's not an exact switch.

For example, if a person is taking 75mcg Synthroid (T4), they would want to take 1 grain (60mg) of Armour.

Reason being, 60mg of Armour contains 38mcg T4 and 9mcg T3. Since T3 is 4 times as potent as T4, 9mcg T3 has an equivalent potency to 36mcg T4. 38 = 36 + 74

I'll gladly help you figure out a good starting dose of Armour for you if you let me know how much Synthroid you take.

Thank you soooo much! You and others here really know what is going on. I am so grateful. Unfortunately, my endo does not listen and he certainly does not want me on armour. In fact he told me if I ever started on it from another doc i was not allowed to come back to his office. He feels armour is too unstable and can cause more heart issues. I currently take .137mcg. my numbers have been up and down the last couple years. I am sure with just approaching 40 and having had several miscarriages a few years back my body is all over. I just want to feel balanced again. My pcp gave me a script for 60 mg of the armour to start with. Should I take a few days off of synthroid then start? One never knows how important the thyroid is until you don't have one. "(

There is no need to stop Synthroid for any amount of time before starting Armour.

Your body needs thyroid hormone for proper function ....missing out on its daily requirements will do nothing but cause trouble.

60mg Armour is a very low starting dose (remember - it's equivalent to 75mcg Synthroid)

The Armour prescribing information mentions 15mg dose increases every two weeks.

Since 90mg Armour is equivalent to 112mcg Synthroid, you just might want to talk to your doctor about starting with 60mg and get approval to increase the dose by 15mg every two weeks as long as you're doing well.

Then, once you get up to 90mg, it would be appropriate to get labs after being on that dose for 4-6 wks.

This type of dose titration is mentioned in the Armour prescribing information.

There's a good chance you'll need a dose higher than 90mg (Armour lists the most common doses as 120-150mg).

Feel free to share your labs here (with ranges) so we can help you interpret them and have a meaningful conversation with your doctor.