I do not trust TSH tests and want to TRY Armour after complete thyroid removal 20 years ago. After thyroid removal, my surgeon put me on Synthroid for 16 years and i felt super. Then my insurance plan dripped coverage of Synthroid and I was put on levothyroxine. Changed docs, who lowered my levothyroxine for one year (I gained weight, lost hair "all-over") I returned to previous doc and got levo increased and solved most problems. Reading reviews, I want to try a natural way with the hope of losing the gained weight while on the lower dose of levo. Best I ever felt was the post-surgery 16 years on Synthroid.
Armour Thyroid - How do I find a doc who will prescribe Armour?
Question posted by zimexlady on 31 May 2013
Last updated on 5 October 2022
3 Answers
bmatsinger
4 Sep 2019
Armour Thyroid is a mix of T3 and T4 - it's is not "just" a natural thyroid. People who don't do well on Levo or Synthroid is not because they don't do well on synthetics, it's most likely because they need both T3 and T4.
endlessPred
1 June 2013
Hello. I had just talked to my endocrinologist yesterday regarding armour thyroid. He says it works well for about 1 to 3% of the population because people who respond well to Synthroid or Levo will find no improvement with the Armour. He only prescribes Armour to those who did not respond well to the synthetics.
However, he had one major point. Pigs and cows ground up thyroids in a person is no more natural than the synthetics. People forget that we are neither cows or pigs. The chance of problems increase on the animal byproduct. If it works he prescribes. If it is no different he prefers the sterile synthetics over the unsterile animals. Your choice. My theory and he agreed with me, is if it ain't broke don't fix it. Something to consider with your experience. In the past he said he would not prescribe under almost any circumstances. I now understand better why he said that.
So I do know someone who does prescribe. Good luck in your search. K
zimexlady
1 June 2013
WOW... think I will back off from Armour. Many, many thanks. I was under the impression that Armour was a "cure all".
endlessPred
2 June 2013
Only for those who don't work with the synthetics. Don't forget the placebo effect, for many that is helpful in itself. We do have strong supporters of the Armour on this site and some have mentioned it is the only thing that worked. I think that supports the info too that it works for some when nothing else works.
levels135takin475
25 April 2014
I have been taking Synthyroid for over 2 years and my levels are still not good - but my doctor will not - absolutely refuses to change me to Amour thyroid. My levels started at 135 - yes not a typo- 135. Now, while taking an ungodly 475 mcg my levels are 5.7... I am actually afriad of this much medication causing heart damage. I'm 52. Seems like the doctor would be willing to try anything to help me at this point.
a edmunds
2 July 2014
Hi, I have been taking armour for 12 years, i am at optmium health. Dr Skinner has sadly passes away. My GP wants to take me off armour, I would like the name of a good endorinologist, please can you send me to details... I am desperate to continue with a treatment that works and worried if I was to come off armour after all this time... pleass can you advise...
kataplum50
22 July 2019
I have been in synthroid for months. At the beginning it worked but not anymore and when I increase the dosage is even worst. I want to try armour but I do not think my endocrinologist will prescribe it because he is by the book. I am feeling more sick everyday. I just cry and cry. If someone knows about a doctor who prescribes armour thyroid in Miami, please let me know.
jrickels2001
6 Oct 2022
The put pig organs in humans every day I don’t see the difference.
HeadStarter
1 June 2013
Hi there and welcome to DC. You need an endocrinologist for sure and you must switch slowly to armour. The body utilizes more of it and more rapidly than the synthetics. Those tests are important, too, and you have to be monitored to check how you are reacting. They are a necesssary evil... unfortunately.
I wish you well and hope you will find some solace in reading such material as THYROID POWER... TEN STEPS TO BETTER HEALTH by Dr. Shames and his wife who is also an RN.
I took that book to my endocrinologist's office and we had the best and most informative interaction because I knew what questions to ask. This book really laid it all out for me in terms that any lay person could understand. It can be gotten through amazon for a couple of dollars.
All the best to you and don't hesitate to ask questions.
Mary
Related topics
armour thyroid, thyroid disease, hypothyroidism - after thyroid removal, levothyroxine, weight, thyroid
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