posted
I have been hypothyroid for 15 years, was able to control it with synthroid until 2 years ago when I contracted Lyme + coinfections.
Have had many thyroid tests and different responses to treatment from 2 LLMDs and 2 endocrinologists.
Have been on armour thyroid for about 8 months, I thought it was working because my weight and fatigue levels are normal (those are my usual gauges for thyroid problems).
My last test, which was for TSH and Free T4, put me at normal for T4 and high for TSH (15.28). The endo who ordered the test wants me to switch back to synthroid. He says that armour thyroid should not be taken by anyone because the level of the pig's thyroid hormone cannot be controlled. I don't know why he didn't want my T3 level tested.
I should also add that there was some eye rolling during our Lyme disease discussion.
I don't know what to do -- the armour was prescribed by the LLMD, should I stick with it or believe the non-LL endo?
Also -- I have been having some unexplained vaginal dryness and irritation since I started the armour, have been tested for everything. OB-GYN does think it could be related to thyroid.
Thanks for your help!!!
Posts: 449 | From Vermont | Registered: Nov 2004
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posted
I use to take Synthroid and then switched to Armour too and the doctor I was going to at that time told me the same thing.
Since I've been going to the Fibro and Fatigue Center, they have me on bio-identical hormones from a pharmacy in Colorado. I take the thyroid, estrogen cream, and progesterone - all bio-identical.
I've heard that many towns have bio-identical or compound pharmacies but haven't checked into it.
So there is another option and I think these thyroid hormones are closest to the real thing. Of course your problem will be convincing your doctor of that.
Sandy p.s. I noticed a difference in about 3 months when I started the bio-identical thyroid meds.
Posts: 686 | From Northeast Georgia | Registered: Sep 2005
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Sue vG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3143
posted
I didn't start on thyroid meds until I contracted lyme. Synthroid didn't cut it for me, nor did sythroid plus cytomel (T3) because it was too "rough."
The lyme apparently causes me to make antithyroid antibodies, which is not a simple case of underactivity, and standard tests were always low-normal.
I've been taking Armour for a few years now, and while there are some inconsistencies in strength from time to time, it keeps me going. Having a doc who is on it herself helps a lot with getting non-judgmental treatment (she also treats my lyme).
Karatelady's bioidentical hormones sound great - I'd go for that if I could, but if that's not an option, you might consider trying yet another doctor!
Posts: 1307 | From TX | Registered: Sep 2002
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riversinger
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4851
posted
I do much better on Armour, myself, after trying both Levoxyl, and a combo of Levoxyl and Cytomel.
$ynthroid spends large amounts of money on advertising, including dissing Armour. The truth is that $ynthroid was the LAST thyroid med to manage FDA approval, because they were unable to stabilize levels in their product. There have been far more recalls of $ynthroid than Armour. Doctors listen to the drug reps, and don't always do the research they need to.
That said, individuals respond to different medications. However, it is hard to tell from your tests. You need free T4 and free T3 tests to tell how your levels are. And someone can have T4 levels that are technically normal, but are too low for them. The normal range is pretty wide.
I would use how you feel, as well as how the numbers go. Its hard to say for sure what you need here, but you could increase your Armour intake, add some T4 to what you are taking, or switch completely. It will depend on how you respond, what is right for you.
posted
I am on armour and my LLMD wants me to switch to synthroid. I'm not sure I want to do that. I'm trying to figure it all out too.
Posts: 293 | From healdsburg, ca , sonoma | Registered: Feb 2005
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Riversinger, I totally buy the explanation about the influence of the synthroid manufacturer. I remember back in the 90s when they got into trouble for false reports that generic synthroid was not as effective as the brand-name.
After my first post, I dug out the info sheet the LLMD gave me about armour thyroid (he was the one who prescribed it). Right now I am taking 6 grains of armour per day (three 30 mg tablets). I'm going to ask him if I should just add another grain.
P
Posts: 449 | From Vermont | Registered: Nov 2004
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posted
Bio-Identical are much easier for your body to absorb than synthetic, also less toxic. I agree with KarateLady and I too goto a FFC.
Posts: 31 | From Los Angeles, Ca | Registered: Oct 2005
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quote:Originally posted by riversinger: $ynthroid spends large amounts of money on advertising, including dissing Armour. The truth is that $ynthroid was the LAST thyroid med to manage FDA approval, because they were unable to stabilize levels in their product. There have been far more recalls of $ynthroid than Armour. Doctors listen to the drug reps, and don't always do the research they need to.
Armour is natural, SYNTHroid is not.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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