Hypothyroidism Support Group

Hypothyroidism is the disease state caused by insufficient production of thyrohormone by the thyroid gland. There are several distinct causes for chronic hypothyroidism, the most common being Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hypothyroidism following radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. Advanced hypothyroidism may cause severe complications, the most serious one of which is...

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Switching from Levo to Armour

dawnrose0004
dawnrose0004
I am think about switching to mostly Armour with a little Levothyroxine. Currently I take 100mcg Levo and 105 Armour.

Does anyone how I can take as little Levo as possible?
cd3764
cd3764
Your labs would normally be your guiding factor.

Please know that changing meds resets the titration clock and it could be easily 6 months (or longer) before your optimal levels are restored.

The slow and steady approach continues to be necessary so, if you really want to do this, I'd suggest speaking to your doctor about upping your Armour by no more than 30mg and lowering your levo by 50mcg (these are considered equivalent doses).

That doesn't mean things will manifest in your labs as you might expect them to and that's why it takes awhile to find the doses that work well.

If you don't mind me asking....why do you want to take as little levo as possible?
dawnrose0004
dawnrose0004
I was wondering if the Levo was making me gain weight.
cd3764
cd3764
Wow....that would be quite the experiment!

I remember your most recent labs showed that your levels decreased quite a bit....and you were overdue for labs.

Once our bodies become slightly deficient in thyroid hormone, they will do whatever they can to keep vital body functions working properly.

This means that digestion will slow down.....and fat will accumulate.

I've been known to gain 5 lbs. in 3 days when my levels head a bit low.....and the weight comes off within 2 wks. of the needed dose adjustment that restores my optimal levels. This is without change in diet and/or activity level.

I suspect your weight issues are more related to not being at optimal levels vs. the meds themselves.

We need to maintain optimal levels for awhile so our bodies "know" they can count on that steady supply of hormone.

Once we're maintaining optimal levels, appropriate diet and exercise will make it easier to lose weight.
dawnrose0004
dawnrose0004
I just feel like I'm not getting better. For instance, I looked at my blood test results from 4/13 for free testosterone. The level was 2.2. Now my result is less than .2. I was starting to feel better and then wham!! Crappy, crappy crappy. Thanks why I need another opinion. I mailed my health questionaire and a $250 deposit to another doctor.
cd3764
cd3764
So sorry to hear this!

I know nothing about sex hormones and hope you find a practitioner who can help sort things out and, most especially, get you feeling good.

Please keep us posted.