It is estimated that 1 in 4 women will experience trouble with her thyroid in her lifetime. (The number is smaller for men, though the gap is closing.) Thyroid disease comes in two levels: hypothyroid (underactive) and hyperthyroid (overactive). Patients who are hypothyroid take a hormone pill to mimic the actions of their thyroid. Armour Thyroid is one of those options.
What Is Armour Thyroid?
Armour Thyroid is a natural option for those requiring thyroid replacement hormones. It provides hormones for both levels you'll often see on your blood test results: T4 (levothyroxine) and T3 (L-triiodothyronine).
Pros of Armour Thyroid
Amour Thyroid is a natural hormone-replacement drug that mimics the functions of the body's thyroid and helps the patient get back to "normal." For many varied personal reasons, some patients simply do not wish to put synthetics into their bodies. Armour Thyroid is not a synthetic and therefore may be an option.
Armour Thyroid affects both the T3 and T4 hormones, which the other main remedies do not.
Armour Thyroid does not contain gluten, corn or lactose, ingredients that more and more people are having trouble with (allergies, digestive problems, etc.) in today's world.
Cons of Armour Thyroid
Overmedication may result in a temporary hyperthyroid state. While some people claim to "wish" to be hyperthyroid (because they are under the false assumption that it simply means one can eat and eat while his metabolism races to keep weight on his body), they're also at risk for the other issues of hyperthyroidism: racing heart, night sweats, hair loss, bulging eyes, nervousness and chest pain. A too-high dose of Armour Thyroid can easily be regulated down to a more tolerable level should any of these symptoms appear.
Armour Thyroid is not the first choice of many endocrinologists. It can be difficult getting a prescription for this drug. Whether the doctor simply doesn't know about it or is used to prescribing another remedy (more than likely Synthroid), it can be hard coming to an agreement with your doctor to begin a course of this drug. Persistence, and a good relationship with your doctor, can help.
Vegetarians and animal activists may wish to select another option to replace their thyroid functionality. Armour Thyroid is made from porcine (pig) thyroid glands. While fully inspected and approved by the USDA, Armour may not be the option for an animal activist.
Keep in Mind
Keep in mind a few notions for all thyroid replacement medicine. First, all medication (whether it be a new drug, switching or reducing a dose, coming off a drug, etc.) should be discussed with your doctor. Many have indications (Armour Thyroid must be taken on an empty stomach) and may have interactions with other common vitamins and drugs. Also, you know yourself best. If you're feeling "not quite right," let your doctor know. She will work with you to tweak the medicine to get you feeling more like yourself again. While thyroid disease is prevalent and can cause discomfort, it does not have to interfere with your daily life.
A Note on Availability
In August 2009, Armour Thyroid patients began experiencing trouble receiving their prescriptions. According to its website, Armour Thyroid is aware of this issue and is working on a solution, though it is not able to immediately cure the backlog. Some patients are being switched to NatureThyroid, others to Synthroid. Please take care when switching to a new medicine; consult your doctor or pharmacist.
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