posted
Since thyroid nodules are growing and TSH has been high(3.0 and higher at times) for the past several months, my endo feels that I may be subclinically hypothyroid......she is giving me the option of taking thyroid meds to see if these issues improve.
She has prescribed 30mg of Armour a day......my questions at this time are:
1. Is there a specific type or brand of Armour that is better than another?
2. What are the potential side effects related to this med?
3. I am currently on Abab and Abart drops twice a day .....will Armour effect them at all?
I would appreciate any advice you can give me.
Thank you.
Posts: 574 | From New Jersey | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
Armour formula changed a while back. Some people find that it does not work as well as it used to. But maybe it will work for you. The old formula is still made in Canada, but it is a hassle to get it.
Lots of variation in response to the kinds of thyroid meds that are available. Can only tell what will work for you with trial and error.
You will find that thyroid treatment has almost as much controversy as lyme disease.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
I hope your endo is measuring your Free T3 and T4 levels too, not just dosing by TSH. For Armour, dosing by T3 levels may be important, to make sure they don't get too high.
If you have nodules, I would also think your endo performed a biopsy on one of them?
There are various brands of dessicated thyroid products: naturethroid, westhroid, EFRA, etc. What works for some people doesn't work for others, so it may be trial and error for you, as mentioned by Lou above.
And some people do best on T4 only (synthroid) while others do better with T3/T4.
Just be on the lookout for elevated heart rate and things like that. But I think that's a pretty small dose of armour, so expect it won't be a big issue for you.
Posts: 584 | From NY | Registered: Feb 2009
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posted
Thanks, Lou for input, I will do some research about this.
Thanks Lemon-Lyme for your response....recent labs are basically in the normal range: Free T4 Direct - 1.11(ref. range 0.82-1.77) T4 - 7.7(4.5-12.0) T3- 112 (71-180) Free T3- 2.8 (2-0 - 4.4)
Nodules were biopsied 6 months ago.....begnin pathologist report.....ultrasound every 6 months......recent ultrasound shows a little growth since last December.
Endo does not feel that it is an absolute must that I go on thyroid meds, but she is giving me the option based on her clinical analysis of labwork over the last several months where TSH has been on the high normal range, and also the recent ultrasound which shows nodule growth.
Endo did not mention which brand of Armour she was prescribing.....does anyone know which brand is most commonly used?
Can anyone tell me how to incorporate Armour with Abab/Abart, supplements etc.?
Posts: 574 | From New Jersey | Registered: Feb 2004
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Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
Armour Thyroid is the name of the brand. It contains both T3 and T4 whereas meds like Synthroid are T4 only. I think it is good your endo prescribed it.
I take Armour and do well. You need to take it at the same time each day, and I believe one hour before food and supplements. Dairy products and some supplements can reduce its absorption. For this reason, I take mine sublingually (dissolve under tongue) so I don't have to worry about interatctions.
Typically people start at a low dose like you are and then have their levels checked again in six to eight weeks. You may need another increase at the time. Some people, myself included, feel best with their Free T3 and Free T4 are in the upper 1/3 of the range.
Have you had your thyroid antibodies tested?
Posts: 4682 | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
Armour is the brand of the thyroid med. This is a dessicated form that comes from actual pig thyroid glands.
Other brands of dessicated thyroid were mentioned above Armour, Erfa(Canadian), Nature Thyroid.
Synthetic T4 meds Levothyroxin are just an artificial form that needs to be converted in the body to active T3. A lot of people I know do not do well on this.
Symptoms.. you may feel anxious starting off. You are only starting with a half a grain which isn't much. You may want to even break that in 2 starting off.
You can take this with the supplements you are on.
Thyroid should be taken first thing in the morning. Wait at least 30 mins before eating breakfast to let it get absorbed. Then continue day.
I have found it very useful to support the adrenal glands while taking thyroid meds. I would also highly recommend you fit this into your equation.
Hope this helps feel free to PM Fuel
-------------------- IgM- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgM- 41+
IgG- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgG- 41++ Posts: 610 | From Lymeville | Registered: Nov 2010
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posted
Thanks, Sammi for our input.......you say that you dissolve the med. under your tongue for better absorption......does it taste bad?
Thanks Fuel for your response........very helpful info.....what do you suggest I take to support my adrenals?
Posts: 574 | From New Jersey | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
Dissolving under the tongue is ideal. It does not taste too bad. I have tried Nature Thyroid and Erfa both are decent.
Adrenal Supplements in my opinion, there are 2 types. One with actual adrenal cortex in them and Two, a host of supplements that the adrenal glands need for support and functionality.
I started off on supps with adrenal cortex in them. Personally, I don't think this is the route to go however, it did get me where I wanted... better!
Brands of Cortex types ADR by Pure Encapsulations Adrenal Stress End by Enzymatic Therapy
Non Cortex brands Energy Multi Plex by Researched Nutritionals AdaptaPhase II by Complimentary Prescriptions
Both very Good
-------------------- IgM- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgM- 41+
IgG- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgG- 41++ Posts: 610 | From Lymeville | Registered: Nov 2010
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posted
Fuel, thanks for the adrenal support recommendations.....did your MD suggest these?
My endo is good but I'm not sure if she knows too much about vitamins.....any advice as to how I can decide which adrenal supplements to use?
Posts: 574 | From New Jersey | Registered: Feb 2004
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Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
Armour does not taste bad.
I had saliva testing done to check adrenal function. Based on those results, my doctor recommended specific supplements.
You may want to consider saliva testing.
Posts: 4682 | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
Fuel, thanks for the adrenal support recommendations.....did your MD suggest these?
My endo is good but I'm not sure if she knows too much about vitamins.....any advice as to how I can decide which adrenal supplements to use?
Posts: 574 | From New Jersey | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
I have a naturopath that manages my thyroid and deficiencies.
The naturopath recommended the adrenal supplements on any thyroid meds because they tax the adrenals. Both of them work together more than people think. Supporting them is the only way to go.
You will probably feel a little anxious on the meds starting off. Don't get too nervous about it... it is normal. Take some good adrenal supps and don't stop taking them. You will notice in a few months a difference.
If you can't get rid of the jitters and aren't sleeping, take less thyroid meds until you find a happy medium. Keep track of what you are taking and when.
LLMD that handles Lyme obviously
Night all
-------------------- IgM- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgM- 41+
IgG- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgG- 41++ Posts: 610 | From Lymeville | Registered: Nov 2010
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posted
Thanks Fuel......Do you think it would be wise for me to start taking the adrenal support first for a little while to strengthen them before I begin the Armour? I think I am going to ask the endo if I can start with 15mg and build up slowly.
Posts: 574 | From New Jersey | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
If you feel alright and your energy is there and sleep is alright, you should be alright to start immediately.
If you have any symptoms, start the adrenal supps. Keep in mind if your adrenals are bad, it can take a year to get back to normal.
Like I said even though you will start feeling fine, keep taking them. Life is stressful especially with Lyme. The adrenals need all the support they can get.
-------------------- IgM- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgM- 41+
IgG- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgG- 41++ Posts: 610 | From Lymeville | Registered: Nov 2010
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posted
armour is excellent. I have been on all the thyroid meds for years and only armour helped bring my thyroid to a normal level. It is natural and does have an odor since it is from dissected pig, but it is so worth it.
I need the support to keep my throid funcitoning right
-------------------- Diagnosed with chronic neuro lyme 12/10 after 30 years of vertigo.2 tick bites in 3 yrs from upstate NY. Was on omincef for nine mths..zith and rifampin stopped.Remission~ All the pain and symptoms are back and I am not treating now with biaxin. Posts: 788 | From New york..queens | Registered: Nov 2010
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posted
armour is excellent. I have been on all the thyroid meds for years and only armour helped bring my thyroid to a normal level. It is natural and does have an odor since it is from dissected pig, but it is so worth it.
I need the support to keep my throid funcitoning right
-------------------- Diagnosed with chronic neuro lyme 12/10 after 30 years of vertigo.2 tick bites in 3 yrs from upstate NY. Was on omincef for nine mths..zith and rifampin stopped.Remission~ All the pain and symptoms are back and I am not treating now with biaxin. Posts: 788 | From New york..queens | Registered: Nov 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
armour is excellent. I have been on all the thyroid meds for years and only armour helped bring my thyroid to a normal level. It is natural and does have an odor since it is from dissected pig, but it is so worth it.
I need the support to keep my throid funcitoning right
-------------------- Diagnosed with chronic neuro lyme 12/10 after 30 years of vertigo.2 tick bites in 3 yrs from upstate NY. Was on omincef for nine mths..zith and rifampin stopped.Remission~ All the pain and symptoms are back and I am not treating now with biaxin. Posts: 788 | From New york..queens | Registered: Nov 2010
| IP: Logged |
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