It is a natural mix of pig-derived thyroid hormones. It is measured as grains, and the doses range from ¼ grain to five grains. It is an alternative to synthetic, man-made thyroid hormone replacement. The symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, dry, coarse hair, hair loss, dry skin, wanting to sleep often, intolerance to cold, decreased heart rate, swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter), unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, constipation, and depression. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Your doctor will also do lab tests, checking things like your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). If your doctor believes you have need to undergo thyroid treatment, your doctor will discuss your options with you.
Your doctor will look at your TSH levels and adjust the dosage of Armour thyroid so that the TSH values fall within a range between 0. 5 and 4. 0 mIU/L. [3] X Research source
Some people don’t feel well unless their TSH levels go below 1. 0. Others feel much better with higher TSH levels. TSH levels can be very individualized, so your doctor will work with you to find the proper dosage. Keep up with any fatigue or wanting to sleep more, changes in your hair, dry skin, sensitivity to cold, swelling of the throat, unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, constipation, and feelings of depression. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
You should, however, be aware that the dosage required can change. This can happen because of disease, stress, menopause, injury, or trauma. Make certain you talk to your doctor about the level of Armour you take if you experience any of these events.
Talk to your physician about the best way to do this to avoid any unpleasant side effects or other problems.
Overdosing on any thyroid HRT can cause hyperthyroidism, and in severe cases, coma and death.
Large doses or using it when your levels are fine may cause serious or life-threatening side effects.
Synthetic thyroid hormone replacements are man-made. They have only T4 in them instead of both T3 and T4. Most physicians prefer to prescribe synthetic thyroid hormones because they believe synthetic thyroid hormones are safer.
Other symptoms can include increased sweating, sensitivity to heat, mental or mood changes such as nervousness or mood swings, fatigue, diarrhea, shaking, headaches, and shortness of breath. Some patients may experience other side effects. If you experience any side effects, go to the doctor immediately.
If you take an anticoagulant (blood thinner), your blood clotting needs to be monitored and the dose of Armour may need to be adjusted. Armour thyroid may interact with insulin or anti-diabetes medications. Cholestyramine and colestipol, which are used to treat high cholesterol and other conditions, should be taken at least four to six hours apart from Armour or any thyroid HRT. If you take estrogen or oral contraceptives, the dose of Armour or any thyroid HRT may need to be increased.
Thyroid problems can be divided into two types: an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism, and an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is treated with Armour thyroid while hyperthyroidism is not.
Having an iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency may be a more important cause of hypothyroidism since the primary source of iodine for many people who don’t eat fish is iodized salt. Since many people have reduced their salt intake, their iodine intake has also been reduced. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include fatigue, constipation, depression, dry, coarse hair, hair loss, dry skin, wanting to sleep often, intolerance to cold, decreased heart rate, swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter), and unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight. Hypothyroidism is commonly treated with hormone-replacement therapy (HRT). HRT can be accomplished with natural hormone from animal sources, like Armour thyroid, or with synthetic, man-made hormones.
A fourth grain of Armour thyroid is considered to be a 15 mg dose and equivalent to a 25 mcg dose of the synthetic T4 hormone commonly used. This is often the starting dose. Other dosage equivalents include: one grain equal to 60 mg and 0. 100 mg of synthetic T4; three grains equal to 180 mg and 0. 300 mg synthetic T4.
