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An underactive thyroid gland is a very common condition. In fact, levothyroxine, the hormone generally used to treat hypothyroidism, is the most commonly prescribed drug in the US. After a period of dose adjustment, many people do quite well on this medication. But others do not feel good despite rigorous treatment. Natural desiccated thyroid such as Armour Thyroid from pigs contains more than one kind of thyroid hormone. Would you feel better on Armour Thyroid than on levothyroxine?
Treating Hypothyroidism Symptoms:
Q. I’ve been on Armour thyroid for 35 years. Back then, I had all the typical signs of hypothyroidism: terrible fatigue, dry skin and trouble staying awake. I always felt like I was freezing.
At first, my physician prescribed Synthroid [levothyroxine, aka T4]. When it had almost no effect, he switched me to Armour thyroid. It was like I became alive again. Both T3 and T4 thyroid hormones have been in the range ever since, and I am active and awake. Have other people reported the same benefit?
A. Many readers with hypothyroidism agree that desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) makes them feel better. There is even science to support this observation.
Would You Feel Better on Armour?
Q. About two decades ago, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I took levothyroxine (Synthroid) for a few years and then was switched to Armour Thyroid. My wife was also taking Armour and we both thought we felt better on it.
Then we couldn’t get Armour for many months and had to go back to Synthroid. When Armour once again became available, we happily went back to it.
I told my endocrinologist about this back-and-forth switch, with both my wife and I preferring Armour to Synthroid. He said that most of his patients prefer desiccated thyroid. What’s the difference?
What Is the Difference Between Synthroid and Armour?
A. Levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid) is a synthetic hormone that only contains T4 thyroid hormone. The body has to change T4 to the active form, T3. To do that, an enzyme knocks one iodine atom off the molecule. Some people have a harder time with this conversion, presumably because their genes encode a less active enzyme.
Armour thyroid is a natural product derived from dried animal glands. (Other brands include Nature-throid and Westhroid). Desiccated thyroid gland contains both T3 and T4, which may explain why some people prefer this formulation. The ratio of T3 to T4 in Armour is not quite the same as the ratio produced by a healthy human thyroid gland, however. Consequently, doctors are sometimes reluctant to prescribe it.
Does Armour Cause Problems for Older People?
Q. I’ve read your articles on Armour Thyroid and asked my doctor to change my Synthroid prescription to Armour. He responded that he doesn’t like to prescribe Armour Thyroid to patients over 65. Why do you suppose that is?
A. We don’t know for sure, but we suspect some doctors worry about cardiovascular complications (Vnitrni Lekarstvi, Winter 2018). Excess thyroid hormone could cause heart palpitations or arrhythmias. As a result, doctors start older patients on very low doses of levothyroxine and increase the dose extremely gradually (Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics, Feb. 20, 2023). Although it is not clear that desiccated thyroid extract results in higher doses of T4 or T3, physicians may fear that they can’t control the dose properly.
What Do Thyroid Patients Say?
This concern might be primarily theoretical, however. A study of hypothyroid patients taking synthetic levothyroxine (Synthroid or others), combination levothyroxine and triiodothyronine (T4 and T3) or desiccated thyroid extract (Armour) found no additional cardiovascular risk from combination or natural therapy (Southern Medical Journal, June 2018).
Learn More:
You are not the only one to report benefit on desiccated thyroid extract. To learn more about the differences between various thyroid formulations and why they matter, you may wish to read our eGuide to Thyroid Hormones. It is an in-depth online resource.
You may also wish to listen to our hour-long interview about hypothyroidism and its treatment with Dr. Antonio Bianco. It is Show 1330: Rethinking Hypothyroidism.
Julie
I have found that NP (Natural Thyroid) works better for me than Armour, Synthroid and their generic equivalents.
Marilyn
In addition to Synthroid, I take a small dose (5mcg) of Lyothronine (T3) which solved the difficulty in regulating my Synthroid dose. Sounds like this combination works the same way as Armour thyroid.
Kathy
My body stopped converting T4 to T3 decades ago, and when Cytomel skyrocketed in price, I switched to Armour. I felt better, but found that the effects didn’t really get me through the day with adequate energy levels. I switched to NP Thyroid and have now been on it for over 15 years. Because it has the smallest amount of cellulose in the tablets, I’m able to take it sublingually, which eliminates having to avoid eating for so many hours.
I also split my dose, 60mg in the morning, 30mg in the early evening. I sleep just fine, and have good energy levels all day long. My numbers are perfect. On the rare occasion when the pharmacy has substituted Armour, I could tell a difference (not a good one) within a couple of days. NP is available at all major pharmacies, although they may have to order it for you the first time. Totally worth it!
Trish
Absolutely! On Synthroid I had brain fog, anxiety, weight gain. With Armour I had no side effects. I feel like myself again.
Have been taking it for years. Natural always surpasses synthetic.
The problem is that insurance companies and Medicare Advantage plans do not include it in the Tier 1-3, so out of pocket cost is considerable. But it is, definitely, worth the price.
Crystal R
From birth, I was hyperthyroid with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, unbeknownst to anyone. I spontaneously converted to Euthroid at age 23 after coming off BCP. Became hypothyroid several years later. Prescribed Synthroid but didn’t feel that great. In my 60s I learned more about Armour thyroid and that I did have the antibodies. I have been on it for about 8 years and had a really big change in how I feel. Endocrinologist said I may be one of those people who doesn’t convert T4 to T3 very well. My brother, who also has Hashimoto’s, as well as my daughter, are both doing fine on Synthroid. Very much an individual thing.
Jo
I am 72 and have been taking 12.5 mg of levothyroxine and 15 mg of Armour for several years. I feel better than I felt on just the levothyroxine and have had no problems with this regimen. My doctor tested my levels a couple of months after the switch. I’m told my thyroid levels are perfect. Win – win. My hair-thinning has slowed down on this regimen, too.
S.
I’ve been taking Armour Thyroid since 1981 and have had excellent health. I’m now about to turn 82 in a few weeks. I found a Compounding Pharmacy when there was a shortage.
S.R.H
Jan
In France, doctors are not allowed to prescribe NDT / Armour.
As a result, generic manufacturers’ – Merck for example – have been charged with endangering 50,000 mostly women who had been under-dosed, a lack of the prescribed levothyroxine.
The drug industry continues to hold us all to ransom. New Japanese research suggests a genetic component to why so many have thyroid problems.
I suggest researchers here look at the use of iodine as a source of benefit to some.
Cynthia
I have been on Armour Thyroid since the age of 18 when my thyroid gland failed completely. We later found out that hypothyroidism is genetic on my mother’s side of the family. Anyway, a couple times during my life doctors tried to change me to Synthroid. The result was not good: I had loss of energy, weight gain, depression (I told my doctor I felt like I wanted to walk in front of a truck, and I am normally super positive and happy most of the time.)
So as soon as I could find a specialist to prescribe Armour, I went to that person. One doctor retired, so I found another over the internet who would prescribe Armour. I have been with her for more than 20 years. I just had my disabled sister’s levothyroxine changed over to Armour, and within just a few weeks, her doctor reported that she was feeling more positive and calm.
Edwinna
Is the desiccated thyroid a prescription?
Terry Graedon
Yes, it is.
Tom
T4 medications do absolutely nothing for me. I can only use a medication providing T3, whatever the form. I live in China, so it’s not Armour Thyroid, but it’s a similar natural thyroid product. This just keeps a very low level in my bloodstream, but I can’t raise the dose because the higher my dose of hormone, the higher my thyroid antibodies rise. Ah, life!
BETTY
I have many medical issues, and I had read that many people prefer Armour to levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. After 2 months on Armour I gained 8 lbs and felt horrible, only to find out it had been recalled due to the fact that the lab has not put enough of the medication in the pill to equal what they SAID was in it. I was very upset since this was supposed to b a positive change for my health and instead made a bigger mess of everything. I am 71 years old and back on levothyroxine for the rest of my life. I don’t feel I can trust Armour now.
Barb
For years I took Synthroid and never felt great. We kept trying new doses only to confront more, different reactions. Finally, convinced an Endo to prescribe Cytomel for T3. Cytomel blasts T3 over about 2 hours after taking it — that resulted in increased sweating for me — I’m talking about sweat just running down my face about an hour after taking it. I was also advised never to take it after about 3pm because it could affect sleep.
Right now I take Synthroid and an extended-release T3 from a compounding pharmacy. Of course, it is not covered by Medicare. I am still not convinced we have the answer. As an aside — prices for both Armour and Synthroid continue to be high and increase. Both are manufactured by Abbvie.
Melissa
I am not sure if I should try Armour or not. I have been on artificial thyroid hormone for 43 years – since I was 19 (with hormones still changing from teen to adult). I am tired. I have no memory of what it was like before, so I do not know what “normal” necessarily feels like. I take biotin to thicken my hair, but thinning hair as we age is not uncommon. So, how does one decide whether to try Armour to see if things could be better? I do like the idea of losing some weight.
Dee
This article is incomplete and borders on misleading. I have been on natural desiccated thyroid, a brand other than Armour, for years. I am 85 and doing very well. There are a lot of politics involved in NDT production/marketplace which causes disruptive supply problems. That in turn impacts our ability to treat hypothyroid issues effectively. This issue is not about providing good medicine, it’s all about cornering the market and making big $$$$.
Diana
I have been on Armour Thyroid for at least 50 years or more with no problems and no change in dosage for all those years. One doctor tried me on the synthetic Synthroid, and within 2 weeks I started having heart rhythm issues. Back to the Armour Thyroid and no issues since. My thyroid tests on Armour come back pristine. Nothing but Armour for me.
Karin
I was on levothyroxine for many years, then switched to desiccated thyroid for many years. I felt better on the natural product. Then, because circumstances had changed, and I was now on Medicaid, I was automatically switched back to levothyroxine. I protested and was sent to Endocrinology, where three professionals ganged up on me and told me that anything I’d read about desiccated hormone was “voodoo” science, and any differences I’d noticed were all in my head.
Not being a big fan of being gaslighted, I insisted on going back on the natural hormone. For the past two years, I’ve struggled with pharmacies not having the correct dosages for my prescription, even though I’ve been proactive and asked in advance for them to order the correct dosages. I don’t know if this is a supplier issue or simply entrenched pharmacy habits in ordering.
My most recent dosage is supposed to be 75 mg, but I was given 60 mg Armour and told to take 1.25 tablets. They are unscored and very small. They crumble when I try to split them. So I’m taking one every day, and an extra every four days. It seems to be working ok, and I’m not noticing any odd side effects on the day I take two. It’s just very hard to keep track of!
SUSAN
Why do you never mention Cytomel as a solution to the inability to convert T4 to T3? My thyroid cells were eliminated in 1987. I was given just Synthroid. In 2006 my body stopped the conversion of T4 to T3. I was put on Synthroid and Cytomel. It was life-changing for me.
Then in 2018 I figured out that the Synthroid 50mg was creating too much Reverse T3. I cut the pill in half, and now all the hypo symptoms that I had been experiencing for all these years are gone. The only problem is that I cannot find an endocrinologist in my area who believes in giving a patient T3 as a solution to their symptoms. Overcoming all the old school thinking about thyroid function is very difficult.
Linda
I took Synthroid for many years and fought depression the whole time. Tried Armour and didn’t need anti-depressants anymore. Then my doctor moved, and new doctor wouldn’t prescribe Armour so I went back on Synthroid. The depression came back! So I called a new doctor who would prescribe Armour, and the depression lifted again.
Sherry
I had been on Armour for 3 years after my doctor changed me from levothyroxine. I was 66. My numbers were up and down but my heart palpitations were just terrible. Last June another doctor took me off it, and not only did the heart palps get better BUT I was having so much trouble with my eyes being so dry that they felt that I had sand in them. That went away as well but the meds the dr put me on weren’t working so 6 weeks later he put me back on Armour. Not only did the heart palps come back but so did the eye issues! I suffered for another 8 weeks until I was changed to Levoxyl, and my eyes are fine, heart palps better but I personally still feel terrible!
Marie
I am surprised in reading these articles on thyroid medication that I do not see any discussion on the link with osteoporosis. Both my mother and I were on the Armour and, yes, felt great. However, a new endocrinologist raised concern about the long-term use of Armour on our bones. Sure enough, a bone density scan showed dramatic loss. Immediate switch to Synthroid. I do take the brand name vs generic. But for 20 years my bone density has been stable. Unfortunately, for my mother, she was on Armour longer, and her osteoporosis has advanced to a critical stage.
Catrina
I had a total thyroidectomy in 2008 and RAI In 2009. First was on Synthroid and then tried many different brands of NDT, including Armour,none of which I could tolerate for more than a few months. I also took the combo 5mcg of Cytomel with Synthroid since 2013. At first I felt phenomenal and lost 30 pounds but recently I started having severe panic attacks and sleep and muscle issues. Always feel revved up. I’ve had numerous endocrinologists tell me that T3 is a stimulant and very short acting which is super tough on the adrenals. That’s why you need to multi dose to feel the constant flow of energy. Eventually the adrenals can burn out, which my doctor thinks may have happened to me.
I felt like I was on “speed,” and then I would crash 4 hours after the dose. So, switched back to Synthroid only about a month ago, and I feel so much better. Gained some weight but I’d rather feel sane. It’s been so long since I’ve felt calm that I’d forgotten how that felt. It may work for many but not everyone can tolerate the straight T3. Don’t beat yourself up about it if it doesn’t work (Armour or T3). Take what YOUR individual body needs to function healthily. Everyone is different, and our bodies are constantly in flux.
Grace
Virginia
Thyroidectomy for cancer 3 yrs ago and I have never felt right on Synthyroid, synthyroid and Cytomel and now Armour Thyroid out of all 3 combos Armour Thyroid is the best. If you take armour thyroid in multiple doses its best to split them or palpitations will occur and also know that most Endocrinologist and PCP will adjust dose based off TSH which will be low because your taking T3…. blood test should be early AM and food and thyroid meds shouldn’t be taking 12 hours before labs.
Grace
Virginia
I lost my thyroid 3 years ago to thyroid cancer you know “the good kind of cancer” hate hearing that having thyroid cancer is at least the good kind..sigh. For the first year and half after thyroidectomy I was on Synthyroid only and felt as if I had alien living inside me. I somehow managed to lose me in the first 1.5yrs on T4 meds only.
My TSH and FT4 was extremely elevated on one test to both being extremely low on the next test and back and fourth I went high, low, low high added T3 (cytomel) 5mg still had wonky number except now just super low. Started Armour thyroid–my labs are still super low but I feel better…still not 100% myself but I fear that part of me is long gone.
Michelle
Ontario, Canada
I had Graves’disease and thyroid cancer. I had a total removal of my thyroid in 2016 and was started on Synthroid. I never felt quite right on it. I saw a naturopath who prescribed desiccated thyroid in 2019, which I had to get through a “compounding pharmacy”. It has made a world of difference. My Endo is opposed to it but has allowed me to make the decision.
dana
Pennsylvania
I recently changed from synthroid to armour with great results. After being on armour for a month it was as if a switch went on, and I realised that I actually felt better. My hair was no longer falling out, and the high anxiety I was experiencing on synthroid was dramatically reduced. I realize it may not work like this for everyone but my endocrinologist was supportive in my request to change, and I will never go back.
shirley
OH
Was on synthroid for 15 years. Lost lots of hair, had constant yeast infections, hives, pounding heart and horrible anxiety. Switched to Armour a year ago, feel great, and all side effects are gone
Lynn
midwest
Natural thyroid has T4, T3, T2, and T1. Synthetic levothyroxine or Synthroid has only T4. Splitting the dose may eliminate heart palpitations if you feel them. working with a knowledgeable physician can help. also making sure you have iodine is helpful. I am guessing synthetic is promoted because it is easier to manufacture as opposed to using animal thyroid. But since the chemicals in our drinking water is likely a factor in thyroid issues, replacing thyroid hormones properly is necessary.
By the way, my mother lived to age 87 on natural thyroid.
Roger
WA
Like several others here, I was forced to use a synthetic hormone by my initial prescribing MD. It didn’t work for me, making my body feel totally off. After looking at alternatives, the doctor reluctantly prescribed Armour Thyroid. Immediately, the results were positive, and things were great until Armour was taken off the market due to manufacturing problems. So, it was back to Synthroid, and my body did not like it at all. Once the Armour was again being produced, I switched back and have felt great ever since. Of course, insurance does not cover it, and the price keeps escalating. It’s more expensive than a generic synthetic, but for me, it is totally worth the price just to feel normal and energetic.
KB
Great Lakes region
I have Hashimotos thyroiditis. I tried Armour first but it caused heart palpitations. Good in a way since my insurance covers the synthetic. I’m now on Levothyroxine, but sometimes wonder if brand-name Synthroid would be better. Been playing around with the thyroid hormone for over a year. This is because tests are given after being on a stable dose for two months. It’s also because I’ve been trying LDN (low dose naltrexone), and it has lessened my need for the Levo somewhat. It’s also helped me feel better. I’ve been upping the LDN (start at 0.5 and move up to 4.5 eventually), and it’s a bit tricky. But the LDN is working well in various ways. It’s well worth all the fiddling around because, on both these medications, I feel so much better. Once we pin down a dose, I may try the Synthroid.
Chris
Florida
I have been on levothyroxin for about 20 years. No energy. Finally got to see an endocrinologist 2 years ago. Diagnosed with Hashimoto’s after my daughter was found to have it. Started on Armour last year after discussing with MD. I feel so much better. I also take Iodine since I get very little in my diet. Made even more difference. To finally get back to a more normal life, I also started taking sublingual B12 since I had bariatric surgery 8 years ago. That, too, has helped me with my energy level.
Sharon
OH
I took Synthroid for many years. Never really felt great, and my TSH levels never really got low enough. I switched to Armour Thyroid over a year ago, and I now feel better than I have for years and have much more energy, and my TSH levels are lower then ever before. I will never go back to a synthetic drug. I had tried the generic Synthroid at one time and thought I was going crazy from the side effects of it.
Cheryl
Washington
I’m definitely much better on Armour. Several doctors over the years have gotten me to try the other medications because they were so against Armour but they just did not work well, and the last time I was actually getting pain in my thyroid. That was it. I’m back on Armour and will not go off it again.
Elle
NC
Naturethroid has not been available to me for over a month.
Ann H.
Canada
I had radioactive iodine for Graves’ disease as a teenager. I have to say I would never recommend it to anyone else. I wish I could have had the surgery. I have been on both Synthroid and on the animal-based product which in Canada is called Dessicated Thyroid. I felt so much better on it than on the Synthroid, but Dessicated Thyroid is hard to get. So many doctors believe it’s not stable and won’t prescribe it ever.
Now I am on a generic levothyroxine, Eltroxin. It has different fillers than Synthroid, and I feel better on it, but not as good as on Dessicated. I eat two Brazil nuts every day to help me convert T4 to T3, and that makes a difference, and I also take Zinc Citrate 30 mgs daily. Any suggestions of anything else which would help me I would really appreciate it. Thank you.
Alice
Wisconsin
When I was diagnosed I did research and was concerned about synthetic thyroid reports of side effects. Eventually the doctor I decided to treat with told me he would not treat me if I decided to take synthetic thyroid because of morbidity with it. That decided me and I have done well with Armour for 14 years. Completely ended chronic depression in 2 weeks as well.
RD
Boone, NC
I have been on Armour thyroid for 50 years and never had to change the dose. One doctor wanted to put me on Synthroid but I refused. I asked him if my thyroid test was abnormal and he said no. I told him I would not switch as long as the Armour thyroid worked. He did not like what I said and I switched doctors not long after that.
Ellen
NYC
About a year ago I was finally diagnosed with hypothyroidism following months of exhaustion, muscle weakness, palpitations and loss of appetite. My PCP put me on varying doses of levothyroxine over the course of a few months but symptoms kept returning. She added Armour Thyroid and that seemed to help for a while. Finally I saw an endocrinologist, who eliminated the Armour and tinkered with the dosage of levothyroxine. But when symptoms returned yet again he made the following observation: “Some people’s system is more sensitive to these medications. I think you’re one of those patients who will do much better of the actual brand name Synthroid, not the generics.” And wonder of wonders, that has done the trick! So I offer this as valuable information: some people must take the actual brand because generics are not identical across different labs.
Deb
Florida
What if you’ve had your thyroid removed? What is the better recommendation? I’ve been on levothyroxine-88mcg for over 25 yrs now. Thx for your response!
Dana Roth
CA
I also had to use Synthroid while Armour Thyroid was off the market. The change back to Armour was a real blessing, as I never felt ‘right’ using Synthroid.
Linda J
Grapevine Texas
I was on Armor Thyroid for about 3 years and experienced hair loss and thinning hair. I am now back on Synthroid. I am still having energy
Problems and the correct dosage,
But the hair loss has slowed.
kay
California
I felt better on Armor but my doctor said it is hard on the heart at my age 81 and will not give it to me. Is it really bad for the heart?
Darla
IN
I also have found I feel much better with armour thyroid than synthetics–when it was unavailable for a time I had to substitute and did not do well with it–it made me cranky! Even though my insurance doesn’t cover it, it is worth the cost to feel better.