Armour Thyroid 60 Mg Tablet
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Thyroid hormone is used to treat underactive thyroid . It is a natural product made from animal thyroid glands . It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. Having enough thyroid hormone is important for maintaining normal mental and physical activity. In children, having enough thyroid hormone is important for normal mental and physical development.
This medication is also used to treat other types of thyroid disorders and also to test for thyroid function.
This medication should not be used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels.
Older adults should discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with their doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, laboratory test results, and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on age/weight.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
- increased sweating
See also How to Use Section.
Thyroid Medications And Weight Loss
Dr. Danielle Weiss is the founder of the Center for Hormonal Health and Well-Being, a personalized, proactive, patient-centered medical practice with a unique focus on integrative endocrinology. She enjoys giving lectures and writing articles for both the lay public and medical audiences.
It can be challenging to lose weight when you have hypothyroidism, and your thyroid medications may have something to do with it.
Getting the dose just right is critical, as is the timing of when you take it. In some cases, you may need to supplement with another medication.
For the sake of your overall health, as well as your weight-loss efforts, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to get the most out of thyroid hormone therapy.
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Additional Tips For Curbing Weight Gain With Hypothyroidism
Treat your underactive thyroid
While treating hypothyroidism is likely not the only solution for helping you slim down to your ideal weight, it will help you get back on track. Normalizing your thyroid hormones usually improves your energy levels, reduces fatigue, decreases muscle and joint pains, relieves constipation, and improves low mood.
Skip the center aisles at the grocery store
Shopping around the perimeter of the grocery store is an excellent strategy for eating well because that is where you find fruits, vegetables, and meat. Center aisles usually contain the processed foods, which are often high in saturated fats and refined sugars, which can inhibit your weight loss efforts.
Find an exercise routine you can stick to
Daily exercise is necessary for everyone, especially in our sedentary, overly busy world. But, if you force yourself to run and you cannot stand running , you likely will not stick with it. Do something that you find fun and enjoyableâmaybe gardening, a pilates class with friends, or water aerobics.
Consider the autoimmune protocol
One of the leading causes of hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. People with autoimmune diseases may benefit from trying the autoimmune protocol, a temporary elimination diet. The AIP diet helps you identify which foods may be causing inflammatory markers to wreak havoc on your system.
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The Cost Of Armour Thyroid Vs Synthroid
Thyroid medication needs to be taken for life, so the cost can be an important factor.
Price typically varies depending on the strength of the dose. Per 30 pills :
- Synthroid: $27-$36.
- Generic levothyroxine or other brand names: $12-$35
- Armour Thyroid: $19.50-$50
Summary: Generic levothyroxine is cheaper than branded Synthroid, while Armour Thyroid is typically the most expensive option.
Armour Thyroid & Weight Loss: How It May Occur
Armour Thyroid is a porcine-derived thyroid hormone replacement commonly administered as a treatment for hypothyroidism. In addition, it is regularly prescribed as an intervention for goiters , nodular thyroid disease, and thyroid cancer due to the fact that it is capable of reducing TSH concentrations. Unlike synthetically engineered thyroid hormones such as synthroid , Armour Thyroid is considered completely natural.
It is comprised of both T4 and T3 and is extracted directly from porcine thyroid glands as a result, it emits a noticeably pungent odor. Although Armour Thyroid has never been approved by the FDA, some patients prefer it over synthetic hormone replacement options for its favorable tolerability and side effect profile. That said, one noticeable side effect that can occur among those taking Armour Thyroid is weight loss.
In most cases, the weight loss experienced among Armour Thyroid users results from a reversal of untreated hypothyroidism. Correcting deficiencies of T4 and T3 , while simultaneously reducing TSH tends to increase basal metabolic rate . For this reason, many Armour Thyroid users may notice that they lose weight throughout their treatment.
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Armour Thyroid Vs Levothyroxine & Synthroid
I mentioned that Armour thyroid is unique among thyroid medications so let me explain a little bit further here.
Armour thyroid is ranked among a class of thyroid medications known as Natural Desiccated thyroid medications.
These medications are created by desiccating up the thyroid glands of certain animals in this case, pigs.
Pharmaceutical companies then encapsulate the desiccated pig thyroid gland and standardize the hormones in each capsule and humans then take it.
I know it sounds weird but it works incredibly well for several reasons:
#1. It contains the ACTIVE and INACTIVE thyroid hormones Both T3 and T4
When your thyroid is functioning at 100% it naturally produces 2 thyroid hormones each and every day.
Normally you wouldnt think twice about this, but it matters when you take thyroid medication.
Why?
Because the conventional treatment for patients with hypothyroidism is to supplement with only the inactive thyroid hormone T4.
Physicians, such as endocrinologists, give patients T4 only thyroid medications because they assume that each patient will be able to perfectly convert the inactive thyroid hormone T4 into the active thyroid hormone T3.
This may work for many patients but it absolutely does not work for everyone!
In fact, it has been estimated that at least up to 15% of patients may have trouble tolerating T4-only medications and they manifest this trouble with low serum T3 levels despite a normal TSH.
This is just thyroid physiology 101 .
Thyroid Hormone Replacement Drugs
Levothyroxine is a type of thyroid hormone replacement drug that is often used to treat hypothyroidism. Brand names for levothyroxine include Synthroid, Levoxyl, and Tirosint.
Natural desiccated thyroid is also used to treat hypothyroidism. For some people, NDTs work better than levothyroxine. Many people prefer NDTs because they are considered more natural. Brand names NDTs include Armour and Nature-Throid.
Usually, people start thyroid hormone therapy by taking a low dose and gradually increasing it. Since hypothyroidism progresses over time, starting therapy with a low dose is helpful for reducing the risk of overmedication.
If you’re prescribed levothyroxine, your provider will tell you how much to take. Still, it’s possible to take too much levothyroxine by accident.
- Feeling like your heart is skipping a beat or racing
- Weight loss with no change in your diet or exercise routine
- Increase in food intake with no weight gain
In some cases, the symptoms and side effects of taking too much levothyroxine are similar to those of hypothyroidism. For example, you may feel more exhausted than usual, feel achy , or feel jittery and anxious. You may also gain weight.
It’s not unheard of for a person to go to their healthcare provider because they think they need a higher dose of their medication only to find out their symptoms are actually being caused by thyroid overmedication.
Thyroid Disease Healthcare Provider Discussion Guide
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Armour Thyroid Vs Synthroid: An Unbiased Look At The Evidence
Home » Hypothyroidism » Armour Thyroid vs. Synthroid: An Unbiased Look at The Evidence
Armour Thyroid and Synthroid are medications used to treat hypothyroidism .
Synthroid is the most commonly prescribed, however some claim Armour Thyroid produces better results.
So, which is the best treatment for you?
This article looks at the evidence for both to help you decide.
Contents
Which Is Better For Weight Loss
Is one of these medications superior to the other when it comes to weight loss?
The answer is yes!
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Hey There! I’m Dr. Westin Childs. Welcome to my website! This resource is dedicated to helping people with thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, and weight loss problems get the help that they need.
I am a former Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine that now focuses on producing the information you see here while also formulating some of the best supplements on the market 🙂
Want to know why I’m so passionate about these topics? Check out my own personal health story.
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Other Ways To Lose Weight When You Have Thyroid Issues
Taking thyroid medication does not guarantee weight loss. If you have hypothyroidism and are struggling to keep your weight down even with the help of medication, there are a range of other strategies that may assist with weight loss.
Diet
When your metabolism slows down, as it does with hypothyroidism, you cant burn calories at the rate you would if your thyroid was functioning normally. Whether you’re resting or exercising, you will burn fewer calories than someone with a faster metabolism doing the same activity. Implementing simple tips for a healthier diet and reviewing your total caloric intake can help.
Since you burn fewer calories when you have hypothyroidism, you may want to track and slightly reduce your calories in order to lose weight. You might be surprised by the caloric load of certain food and drink. Reducing, replacing, or removing these from your diet could make a big difference to your weight over time.
High-calorie food to watch for include:
You could also see a dietitian for guidance on nutrition and the types of diets that are right for you and your goals.
Exercise
Cardiovascular exercise is a great way to burn calories and help keep off the extra weight that can build up thanks to a slow metabolism when you have hypothyroidism. Just an hour a day of physical activity not only helps you to lose weight, but also improves your overall health, energy levels, and mental state.
Examples of cardio exercise include:
What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to thyroid.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking thyroid.
Thyroid tablets may have a strong odor. This does not mean that the medication is spoiled or that it cannot be used.
Learn the brand name and generic name of your medication. Check your medication each time you have your prescription refilled or receive a new prescription. Do not switch brands without talking to your doctor or pharmacist, as each brand of thyroid contains a slightly different amount of medication.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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Why Choose Armour Thyroid Over Other Thyroid Medications
As mentioned before, Armour Thyroid is a naturally derived prescription medication, which some patients find preferable over laboratory-created artificial hormone replacers.
Additionally, it is estimated that up to 15% of hypothyroid patients have difficulty tolerating thyroid replacement drugs that only deliver the T4 hormone, such as Synthroid or Cytomel .
These are generally patients whose bodies may not be capable of converting T4 into T3 at rates high enough to maintain a proper balance between the two hormones.
Armour Thyroid also tends to produce fewer side effects in patients. Unless you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Armour Thyroid , the most likely side effect would be a temporary hair loss that will self-correct over time.
Comparatively, synthetic hormone replacers like Synthroid can cause side effects such as fever/ sensitivity to heat, irritability, headaches, nausea, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and changes in menstrual cycles.
Like any other thyroid replacement medication, Armour Thyroid is a prescription that needs to be carefully monitored by your doctor to ensure that you are receiving the correct dosage for your own unique needs.
That being said, Armour Thyroid is a great choice for patients who have been taking T4 replacement medications and are still experiencing hypothyroid symptoms like low T3 levels, weight gain, or menstrual/ infertility problems.
Have You Lost Weight Taking Armour Thyroid
If youve taken Armour Thyroid and lost weight during treatment, leave a comment mentioning how much weight you lost. Did you notice if the weight loss occurred in any particular area of the body or if it was widespread throughout the entire body? To help others get a better idea of your situation, mention: your Armour Thyroid dosage, how long it took for you to lose weight, and how well you are tolerating the treatment.
Do you believe that the weight loss occurred mainly as a result of an increase in BMR ? Or do you think that other effects of the medication such as: appetite changes, diarrhea, increased energy, and/or decreased food cravings helped you lose some weight during treatment? Can you be sure that the weight loss was strictly from Armour Thyroid or did you make changes to your diet, exercise, sleep, etc. throughout treatment?
Realize that most people taking Armour Thyroid will end up losing a bit of weight throughout treatment. That said, you shouldnt automatically assume that normalizing your thyroid levels will get you a perfect physique or is some magic bullet for weight loss. Usually it takes a combination of Armour Thyroid, regular exercise, and a nutritious diet to lose a healthy amount of weight.
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Variables That Influence Weight Loss From Armour Thyroid
The amount of weight you lose while taking Armour Thyroid may be contingent upon numerous influential variables. These variables include: Armour Thyroid dosage, duration of treatment, severity of hypothyroidism, co-administered drugs , and individual factors . Whenever contemplating how much weight youre likely to lose from treatment, it may be helpful to review these variables.
How To Tell If Your Dose Is Too High
Another issue to watch out for is accidental overdosing on your medication.
Believe it or not, this can happen either accidentally or intentionally and is probably more common than people realize.
But it is something that you want to avoid because overdosing on your thyroid medication can lead to long-term consequences if you arent careful.
Some patients have been chronically underdosed with standard T4 medications for many years and, when they finally feel better on Armour thyroid, may think that they need more medication than they really do.
Persistent hypothyroidism can cause a range of issues including hormone imbalances that may not be corrected even when taking the appropriate dose of medication.
This can lead patients to take ever-increasing amounts of Armour thyroid in hopes of fixing these problems.
But the reality is that taking these high doses is not helpful and may be harmful.
You can read more about the dangers of taking too much medication in this post here.
So, how do you tell if your dose is too high?
You can use a combination of your lab tests and your symptoms.
If your dose is too high you will experience symptoms which include heart palpitations that do not decrease over time, flushing, headaches, sweating, weight loss, fatigue, and hair loss.
In addition, you will most likely find that your TSH is suppressed and your free T3 is high .
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Armour Thyroid Dosing How To Find Your Dose
This article is going to be all about Armour thyroid and finding the right dose for your body.
This is probably the most important aspect to consider when taking thyroid medication and its not given enough attention by both patients and doctors.
And, believe it or not, its not always as straightforward as you think.
There are many factors that can alter how much Armour thyroid your body needs and other factors which can influence how effective the medication is once you take it.
If you are already familiar with Armour thyroid then you can skip to the sections below, but if you are new to it then youll want to read this section as well.
First off, what is Armour thyroid?
Armour thyroid is a thyroid medication that is used to treat conditions that result in LOW thyroid hormone production .
Armour thyroid is one of many thyroid medications available but it is special because it contains a combination of both biologically active thyroid hormones.
Most doctors prescribe thyroid medications such as Synthroid or levothyroxine which contain only 1 form of thyroid hormone.
Armour thyroid is often considered superior and more powerful than those medications because it contains both T4 and T3 .
This can lead to persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism and other issues such as the inability to lose weight, hair loss, and persistent fatigue.
Most of these issues can be improved with accurate dosing.
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