Synthroid vs Armour

[rangeroad]

Hi,

Thanks for everyone's advice. I actually stopped caffeine because of other residual effects it has on the body, (not necc. the thyroid) and I wasn't that big of a coffee drinker to begin.

My appetite is really weak, so I haven't had the weight gain. I'm on a low dose as well 50mcgs, so.....I'm still confused. I can't see to figure out what the main difference in body reaction is to Armour.

[merrillin]

ranger,
Armour has t3 in it as well as the t4, where the synthroid has only t4. The Armour is also natural where the synthroid is synthetic. Luckily all the dr;s I have run into believe in both. I actually tried Armour first, but it made me gain weight. I had to switch to synthroid for surgery and I lost the weight the Armour put on me so I am sticking with it for now. I don't know about the long run since I just had surgery a week ago.

It won't hurt to give each one a try and see what works best for you. You can also take both, that works well for some folks.

Best of luck,
Karen

[mimiblue]

Hey Ranger....

I had a bad reaction to synthroid as well. I lost ALOT of hair. My hair was almost to the middle of my back......I was losing it from the thyroid problem to begin with, but after synthroid it was worse. I had to cut it to my shoulders. Also, my heart rate is usually around 55 beats per minute. After synthroid is was anywhere between 72-80. I found it difficult to come down after exercise. Usually it comes down right away.

I too will ask about armour or its equivalent. Apparently armour is not sold in Canada. Let me know how you make out.

Mimi

[Meep]

Originally Posted by rangeroad

Hi folks,

Hope everyone is doing as well as they can.

I've been on Synthroid for 3 weeks now, and do not have a follow-up for another 3 weeks. I have to say, I don't think my body is reacting to it well. Fatigue is greater, "brain-fog" more intense, serious hair-loss, appetite is weak, and my sleep schedule is really messed up. I've been taking it dilgently every morning, no food for 4 hrs, and have taken caffeine out of my diet. Exhausted until about mid-day, then wired after 9pm!

It is great that you quit the caffeine, but terrible that you are so fatigued. Been there. It takes tiem to heal, but you'll get there. Meanwhile, try taking your Synthroid before bed. Many people have the reaction you do, and by taking it at nigh you sleep through the tiredness... Some doctors prefer that you take it at night for that very reason.

I know people seem to react better to one than the other. Is it worth it for me to try Armour, or is this the "development" period my body is going through? My doctor said it can take up to 6 weeks for a noticable effect.

Any advice is appreciated!

Since you are already on the Synthroid, stick with it for now and see where it takes you. You may be just fine on it.

[ced771]

I have been on synthroid for nearly a year. I am always tired, gained about 20 pounds and have a very hard time losing it and now I have stopped ovulating. I have been on various doses but can not get my TSH right. I made an appt with a new Dr to ask about Armour. My current dr doesn't use it but I can't take synthroid anymore. I am hoping Armour will get me back to normal and I read that the additional T3 in it gives a nice energy boost.