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Opinions on Armour Thyroid?? Need to know.

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Posted 5/27/2015 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

My ENT doctor said he would give me Armour Thyroid if I wanted it, in order to correct the T3.

I've heard mixed reviews about it, from great, to (doctors saying), "I have mixed feelings about it."

My PCP recommended a compounded drug, but I'd rather see the ENT doctor.

Oddly, when I took it before, it didn't seem to help as much as the Synthroid did, although I may have been over-influenced by the Endocrinologist I was seeing at the time, who didn't like it.

I need to know soon, bc otherwise I need to keep an appt. I have with an endocrinologist in Winston-Salem, which is a bit of a drive.

Margaret
Posted 5/27/2015 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
I personally was not a fan of it. I was on another desiccated brand that I pay for out of pocket and tried to switch to save $. Even on the lowest dose, I would simultaneously have hypo and hyper symptoms.

I felt groggy/drugged and for some reason it was like I had no control over my left eyelid. I know that sounds weird, it was like it would droop and I could not hold it open. All the while, I would have increased heart rate and anxiety. Another poster supplied the ingredient list, and I expected to see some allergenic fillers, but I don't think they were there. So I have no explanation for my weird experience. I gladly went back to my other brand, broke-but feeling better! :)

I am sure others probably have better info for you.

Astroman?
Posted 5/27/2015 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
Thyroid supplementation can be tricky unless you know what you're supplementing for. Is it only your T3 or also T4 you need to supplement? Synthetic supplementation is better for T3 and natural, desiccated pig thyroid is good if you're supplementing both.

If you do use Armour, note that it now is made w/ a cellulose coating and has to be mashed up or chewed because the coating will not dissolve after you digest it.

For more detailed info, STTM has an abundance of info:
www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/options-for-thyroid-treatment/

Personally, I am doing well on Naturethroid but testing is very tricky, as I think it's not entirely reliable and adrenal, neurotransmitter and other hormonal levels need to be taken into consideration… but that website is a good place to start.

p
Posted 5/27/2015 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
Its really whatever works for the individual. But one can still feel changes even a few months after introducing a new thyroid med brand.

And even though dessicated brands are very similar in hormone, its partially the fillers that determine how you will feel on them. Thats why Armour, NatureThroid, Westhroid, NP thyroid, Erfa Thyroid and even Thyroid S from Thailand will all feel a little different to the same person.

I loved Erfa from Canada, then they changed it last year and the T4 would not absorb very well. NP thyroid seems to work a little better, but not the same for me as the older Erfa.

Some like Armour, some dont. Pre 2009 it was by far the best........the good old days.

Cash prices of the same dessicated will vary greatly depending where you get it. My ins wont cover any dessicated med.
Posted 5/27/2015 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for the responses.

Pirouette, I need supplementation for everything. My thyroid had to be surgically removed in 2008.

Thanks for the tip on mashing the pill.

Lymie Mom, do you think you had some kind of reaction? Perhaps an allergic reaction?

Astro., that's not good news about the insurance. If your insurance doesn't pay, it's highly unlikely that mine will pay.

Oh, and Nature Thyroid didn't work for me plus the ENT doc. said that the levels of that drug are too variable.

Margaret
Posted 5/27/2015 4:45 AM (GMT 0)
It very well might not have worked for you, but not for the reason your Dr suggested.

"ENT doc. said that the levels of that drug are too variable"

Ask him for proof, he has none.

All of the US manufactured dessicated meds get their pig hormone powder from the same supplier - and mix different fillers in. Yep. So your cells dont like the filler in Nature Throid.

Its tough changing thyroid med per that super long thread last month. Think of your thyroid hormone receptors as a picky eater 5 year old. Wont like what it wont try, and wont try if true hunger isnt present - yet. Very few people feel great on a new thyroid med during the first 45 days.

NP thyroid is around $30 cash for 90 days at Walgreen's, anywhere else is double or tripple the cost.
Posted 5/27/2015 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, Astro - that super long thread - all that work by you and other members...and hubby didn't stick with it long enough.
But, I shouldn't judge...he knows how bad he felt...and he's the one that is working to support me now.
He's a strong guy physically and mentally, so if he says he felt too crappy, then I believe the symptoms must have been pretty rough.

He is willing to try again, when I'm back to work...then if he has to take time off, it's doable.

I think we'll be perpetually broke.
Posted 5/27/2015 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
I use Armour and it's been a great help to me. I chew it up and place it under my tongue and it absorbs very quickly.

I gained 40 lbs in 3 months time due to my thyroid "going down" because my adrenals were doing their best to fail. So for me, Armour has been incredibly helpful.

I agree that each person will respond differently to each thyroid med! I started with Armour, but my doc was well aware that I may need a different brand if this one didn't work out.
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