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e The thyroid gland is small and unassuming and doesn’t usually command a lot of attention. When it misbehaves, though, its owner suffers. That happens more often than you might imagine. The American Thyroid Association suggests that the usual estimate of 5 percent of adults with an underactive thyroid gland is an underestimate. This advocacy organization suggests that the rate might be much higher, between 10 and 20 percent. Doctors usually treat it with a prescription for levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, Tirosint, Unithroid). Sometimes patients wonder about a natural alternative, desiccated thyroid gland.
Will Desiccated Thyroid Gland Treat Hypothyroidism?
Q. What can you tell me about desiccated thyroid? I’ve been on levothyroxine for 40 years, but it’s never been able to regulate my thyroid. My hair, skin and nails are a mess. I have chronic insomnia and frequently feel fatigued.
I’ve also read that levothyroxine causes osteoporosis. Apparently, I have developed that even though osteoporosis does not run in my family. I’ve always exercised and eat 80 percent very healthy. My doctors seem indifferent to my plights. What are your thoughts?
A. Many physicians have been reluctant to prescribe desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) because they feel that there is too much variability in this natural product. However, a study examining health care for complications of thyroid treatment (cardiovascular and bone health) did not detect differences between patients on synthetic levothyroxine and those on DTE (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Feb. 20, 2024). They point out that DTE or T4 + T3 now make up more than 10 percent of the new prescriptions for hypothyroidism in the US.
Some Readers Prefer DTE:
We have heard from many readers who prefer DTE to levothyroxine. There may be a genetic basis for this preference, leading to a less efficient conversion of T4 (levothyroxine) to the active form, T3.
You can read more about this and other particulars of taking DTE such as Armour thyroid in our eGuide to Thyroid Hormones.
A Link Between Thyroid Treatment and Osteoporosis:
Unfortunately, people like you with overt hypothyroidism may be more susceptible to osteoporosis when their condition is treated (BMC Endocrine Disorders, Jan. 14, 2025). That said, people with hypothyroidism feel terrible if they forgo treatment, and we don’t recommend that. We could find no evidence that DTE is either more or less likely to contribute to bone loss.
Why Don’t Doctors Prescribe Desiccated Thyroid Gland More Often?
Q. My hypothyroidism was initially diagnosed before I was 20 years of age. Nothing was done about it because the tests did not show that it was ‘out of range.’ Skip from 1966 to 1991 when my TSH was at 224 and I was immediately put on Synthroid. The Synthroid brought the TSH down, but not enough to get me anywhere near normal; changes in the dosing were made to see if that would work. I had seen various psychiatrists since 1981 for chronic depression.
In 1999, I started with another psychiatrist and told him about the unsuccessful trials with Synthroid. He tested for T3 and other thyroid tests and concluded that Synthroid simply was not doing the job. He contacted my Internal Medicine specialist and requested that I be place on ‘dessicated thyroid’ immediately. The psychiatrist actually warned me that it could take years for my system to have a full response to the attempts to normalize things again.
Amazingly, my depression lifted within a month. Friends noticed because I had just had a death in the family (my dad) and I had lost my mom the year before. I was handling things extremely well and was displaying far more energy than they had seen in years. The huge amount of weight that had been gained is slowing going away. I don’t miss it. I am having a great time trying on clothes that have stayed in my closet waiting for me to fit into them.
Feeling Better on Armour:
I am now almost 67 years old and haven’t felt this good since I was in my 20s. My current doctor knows that he can adjust the dose, but he will never get me onto a synthetic levothyroxine. Why don’t doctors embrace desiccated thyroid gland more often? So many problems could be helped by simply letting go of the ‘rote’ lessons learned from the big pharma sponsors of the medical schools and medical specialty groups.
A. Many doctors believe that desiccated thyroid (Armour, Nature-throid, Westhroid) varies too much from one batch to the next to be reliable. But a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (May, 2013) revealed that when Armour Thyroid was compared to Synthroid, almost half the participants felt better, scored higher on cognitive tests and lost more weight on the natural thyroid supplement.
Another Reader’s Story:
Several years ago, Dolores reported:
I have been on thyroid medication since the 1960’s, when I started taking natural desiccated thyroid. They had to run tests regularly to make sure my levels were OK. Then a doctor decided to put me on Synthroid (levothyroxine) because it was easier. I have had all kinds of problems since.
To my consternation, I cannot get the doctors to change the prescription back to desiccated thyroid gland. I have fatigue, hair loss, arthritis problems, finger nail problems, memory problems, nerve problems, etc. A neurologist told me that most of it was due to the thyroid and the medication I was on. I wish I could just find a doctor who will change it back to desiccated thyroid. Maybe then the rest of my life would be a little better.
Learn More:
Not everyone benefits from desiccated thyroid, but some people notice a marked difference between such a formulation (that contains both T3 and T4) and synthetic levothyroxine (that only contains T4). People who would like to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid problems and details on natural approaches may wish to consult our Guide to Thyroid Hormones.
Lynne
It took 4 doctors before I found one who would switch me to Armour thyroid medicine. It changed my life. I was highly allergic to synthroid (put your head in a 500 degree oven for 8 years, 3 weeks!). My temperature is almost down to normal, I lost 45#, and I feel so much better. There are doctors who will prescribe Armour. Just keep looking. You don’t have to suffer!
Terry
My dr was reluctant to try Armor Thyroid (AT) even though I was still having symptoms on Synthroid (though she did put me on Synthroid before I reached some clinical threshold, as she could see my thyroid levels going down year after year with symptoms increasing).
Finally, she had another patient who was getting the AT through another homeopathic dr and was doing well on it so she felt comfortable prescribing. Unfortunately, the only symptom it did better at was one I didn’t realize I had: I was getting so cold in my old age that I couldn’t even think about getting dressed 3/4ths of the year without putting on a turtleneck. I thought it was just old age since I didn’t have freezing fingers.
The day after I started taking the AT, I felt a wave of warmth under my skin that shocked me until I figured out it must be from the AT. I no longer notice the warmth under my skin, but I also don’t have to wear turtlenecks any longer. It’s worth it to me to pay extra for the AT, though am currently running into some problems because my dosage needs are changing, and AT is not available in a wide variety of doses. We’re currently working on it by splitting pills a couple days a week.
Marilyn
When I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism I was prescribed Levothyroxine. It did not resolve any of my symptoms. I told my doctor, and he switched me to desiccated thyroid medication. I felt so much better. Doctors need to understand that many people don’t convert T4 to T3. Desiccated thyroid hormone has both T4 and T3. My doctor’s prescription was the right one for me, and the results were positive.
Terri
My mom was put on Armour thyroid when she was first dxed back in the 1970s. When synthyroid came out the Dr switched her to that. Her hormone levels went kerflooey and after several months of fooling with dosing, he put her back on armor thyroid and everything settled back to normal.
Dana
I began with DTE when I was in India in 1970 and continued until it was off the market years later. After suffering with Synthroid until Armour came back on the market a few years ago, I immediately went back to DTE and felt much better. More energy, clearer mind, etc. Thanks to Armour for helping me regain my life.
Michaesl
Can I DEMAND that my doctor prescribe DTE? I’ve been on levothyroxine for years. When I suggest DTE, doctor replies that my blood tests are normal.
Lily
I am on a compound med for Thyroid. Can this give you high blood pressure? I used to take Armour and don’t believe it made my blood pressure high. Curious me.
M
Doctors today need to be much more educated as to the positive effects of a thyroid medication that contains both t3 and t4. They are only listening to the most one-dimensional knowledge about how a drug affects most people. I have heard that most women do MUCH better on t3 and t4, but Big Pharma has a huge stake in the product they’ve produced for years.
Betty
Post Falls, Idaho
I had the same problem 39 years after my last baby was born. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and was started on Armour brand thyroid. It worked fine. I felt almost like my old self until a few years later I could not get it any more, and I was put on Synthroid. Then I took a nose dive and became tired, sleepy, and depressed. This went on for years until I talked to my pharmacist, and he said they still make Armour Brand. I ask my Dr to prescribe this to me, and it worked. I’m feeling almost normal again. Betty
Jeannette
Scotland
My Mother has been on thyroid medication her whole life (which is why I read this). Found this study and thought it may interest folk with the problem: https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/news/levothyroxine-from-sheep-thyroid-injections-to-synthetic-formulations/11123454.article?firstPass=false
Merle
Georgia
Agree with Lonie from Texas: if Synthroid funds studies, the result will be favorable to Synthroid. Interestingly enough, recently I saw an article (can’t remember where) that recent research has discovered that SOME patients do not convert the hormone that is Synthroid (T4, unusable by the body) to T3, which is the usable form of the hormone. Big Shock!!
Years and years ago I found that despite blood tests showing normal levels while on Synthroid due to my Graves Disease and total thyroid removal, I had all the low thyroid symptoms, felt awful; gained weight with no diet or exercise changes; dry skin; fell asleep if I sat for more that a few minutes, etc.etc. It was logical to me that if diabetics could have adequate insulin in their bodies but not use it, that supposedly adequate levels of thyroid hormone (Synthyroid) could be showing on the blood test but maybe not converting it to the usable form. So I researched and found that (then) Armour Thyroid was a good, natural medicine; found a doctor that would prescribe it; went to that doc and asked if my thinking was reasonable. He said Of course it was and put me on Armour Thyroid.
Immediate improvement and I’ve been on it for over 20 years. Now Armour Thyroid has gone out of sight in cost so I am considering changing to bovine dissected thyroid. Gotta talk to my doctor first but might make the change.
Lonie
Texas
You know why I believe doctors don’t like to prescribe NDT? Because the guideline research done by the American Thyroid Association is funded in part by the makers of Levothyroxine. Sadly, doctors can be susceptible to propaganda and false information as easily as anyone else.
I’ve been struggling with hypothyroid symptoms all my life that get more severe as I get older, and the only doctor who took my suspicions seriously checked only my TSH levels, said they were fine, then gave me a round of Synthroid, which did absolutely nothing, so I stopped taking it. Now here I am, 46 years old, feeling worse, and getting sicker with every year. I’m looking into OTC NDT and have decided to self-educate & self-medicate. The results can’t be worse than the nightmare I’ve been living.
sue
north ms.
I have been on Armour Thyroid for over fifty years. Up until about ten years it had worked perfectly for me. About that time their thyroid medications were reformulated. Since then I have severe hair loss, fatigue and weight gain. I had a goiter that was a minor problem until it became a major one requiring surgery. I want to try Nature-throid next. Their product seems to be consistent. Getting my Doctor to see my way of thinking is another hurdle.
stacy
galveston, texas
I did a lot of research on Armour Thyroid before I asked my doctor to change me from the synthroid to Armour. He was resistant at first but I had done my research and knew what I wanted. He switched me over and my life changed from night to day. I felt better and was able to do more. I have always advocated to others the benefit of taking Armour and to ask their MD to change them. They almost all wanted to change but every single person told me the MD would tell them the same story….. It’s not regulated in dosage consistency, it doesn’t work as well…. blah, blah, blah.
Not only did my hair get healthy, but I truly felt healthy. To me that was the only thing that mattered. If any doctor ever tries to change it I will immediately become allergic to anything else. As long as it’s available I don’t ever want to change.
Shannon
Sioux City, IA
I was diagnosed hypothyroid with Hashimoto’s Disease two years ago. My PCP refuses to consider a natural thyroid medication. I was on levothyroxine for the majority of these two years and recently started a trial of Synthroid to see if the subtle change would make any difference in the way I have felt the past two months. To be honest, I barely feel like I’m living. I’m very open to literally any possibility. I just want to feel a little better before I go to grad school next fall.
If anyone has opinions or comments that would be of use to me I would appreciate it a lot.
Lori
Harrisburg, PA
I would fire that PCP for not listening to your request to switch to NDT. It is your body, not theirs. Don’t let them make your health decisions for you.
Marissa
USA
My doctor was also resistant to “allowing” me to try desiccated thyroid and gave the same reasons as other commenters. I did ok on synthroid, but hated being at the mercy of doctor for refills and many times I was left without medication waiting for “approval” to refil the prescription I desperately need. I also was experiencing high blood pressure and a jittery feeling and worried it was the medication.
I found a company in Thailand called Pim Pom products that sells and ships desiccated thyroid without a prescription. I was scared to try it, but it had good reviews on a thyroid message board I was on so I ordered some. I have now been on it almost two years and I love it! My blood pressure is better and no more jittery feeling. I feel a lot more normal now. Best of all, I can buy a year supply at a time and I AM in control of my medication!
Maria
London
I am really interested in Thyrovanz. I have been hypothyroid for 5 years , am constantly tired, swollen ankles restless legs, overweight ( despite regular gym and exercise ) . I take 75mcg levothyroxine and feel this is not fulfilling my need and fully treating my symptoms.
I want to try Thyrovanz and wonder is 100mg is the best dose to start with ?
Maria
Terry Graedon
We really think that it makes the most sense to work with a health care provider who is knowledgeable rather than taking NDT on your own. Getting the dose right will mean testing, and unless you order your own tests and are confident in the interpretation, you won’t know if the dose is appropriate.
Erika
North Carolina
Be advised the price of Armour went up 200-300% over the last year or 18 months (depending on mail-order Rx or local drug store prices). I asked my doctor to switch me to a comparable dose of Nature-Throid, which costs much less and yet is also NDT, and I feel fine. (I went the synthetic T4 and T3 route, but after trying the NDT, even as a vegetarian I had to admit it works better for me.) There is no good reason given for Armour’s price rocketing up, even my local pharmacist was baffled.
Patricia
Lancaster, CA
@ Erika “There is no good reason given for Armour’s price rocketing up, even my local pharmacist was baffled”
Apparently Forest Labs was acquired by Activas in 2015 thus the change to the formula and price, patients reported a return of symptoms and tripling of price. :(
ELLE
NC
I was diagnosed with hashimoto’s back in 1994. I am sick of weighing two tons of fun, hair loss, and depression. I recently got my pcp to put me on armour. I don’t have much of an appetite now. So much easier to stick to a liquid diet. I am hanging by a thread. I will report back later.
Janine
california
I have been hypothyroid for several years and when it first began it was difficult to get any help from doctor’s I eventually found a doctor who allowed me to do a trial of NDT, it changed my life and that is what i rely on daily for very stable energy. I have never found the dose to be so varying that it has caused any problems and i also read somewhere that even the synthroid can have significant variation in dose anyway…so the idea that pharmaceutically prepared thyroid is a more standardized dose is not even accurate.
I found 100mg is equivalent to about 1 grain of armour. Armour and the product I use are basically the same thing, therefore desiccated thyroid gland of a cow. So simple really.
Terry Graedon
Armour is desiccated pig thyroid. Some people would doubtless prefer cow thyroid.
Janine
The reason I decided use the cow thyroid glandular, thyrovanz, is because it comes from New Zealand which is GMO free, BSE free, grassfed cows and the other ingredients in the product are very minimal compared to many desiccated thyroid products.
Amy
Texas
Janine, are you still taking the Thyrovanz? I too am very interested in the grass fed product.
Janine
Hi Amy, yes I am still taking the thyrovanz, it has been really good, my energy level is very stable, I am very happy with it, no hypothyroid symptoms at all.
Karen
Oregon
How do you go about trying the cow thyroid from New Zealand, I have been on Costco’s Amour but it seems to have changed lately it’s almost like being on the synthetic thyroid, my body is allergic to synthetics they make me crazy. I can’t do blood pressure pills, antibiotic pills or other such matter. In fact a pharmacist got mad at me and asked if i did ibuprofen i said only when under extreme pain. I fractured my back last year and drank tequila as a pain killer. It worked better than pain killers and not quite as toxic.
Pamela
California
Hi Janine,
I was just diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroid…and put on Naturethroid (which I requested after doing some research). I’ve been on it for 2 or 3 months and like it. But I am interested in the Thyrovanz for the reasons you mentioned. I never heard of it. I’m just wondering…I went to their website and it looks like I can order it myself with a prescription. This seemed really odd to me! Did you talk to a doctor or nature path about it or did you find it yourself? I’m debating on trying it…was just surprised that I could go and order online myself!
Pamela
Pamela
Sorry…I meant…”without” a prescription! I was surprised I didn’t need one!
Paula
Ca.
How do you find a doctor that will prescribe and monitor it?
Jean
Australia (Qld)
Hi I have had cancer of the thyroid so I am in thyroxine but have a very itchy rash my Dr very reluctate to put me on natural product she said its not strong is this true please
Judy
Maryland
Well after read all the comments on NDT, I am very angry because I have been on Synthroid close to 35 yrs now and I have depression, muscle aches, swelling feet and angles, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, can’t lose weight, sleeping problem, restless legs, and now I have a problem with breathing (COPD) and hoarse voice for the last 3 to 4 years.
And all of this is because I do not take NDT, I have since close too 10 to 12 Doctors and not one of them mentioned to me about NDT I am so upset that how much money I have spend on Meds and different Dr’s and the side effects I have gotten from all the meds I am on, it just doesn’t make any since that all the Dr’s are getting away with this, well I can tell you as of this point my primary is going to here an ear full from me when I go back to him this month. I am done not feeling good!!!! Oh I forgot, I am tired all the time.
anna
UK
I would be interested to read the article you mentioned: ‘a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (May, 2013) revealed that when Armour Thyroid was compared to Synthroid, almost half the participants felt better, scored higher on cognitive tests and lost more weight on the natural thyroid supplement’ – can you provide a link? I haven’t been able to find it on the web and it would be useful to show to my GP. Many thanks.
The People's Pharmacy
Here is a link to the abstract:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23539727
Marsha
Kentucky
I’m hypothroid & I have elevated antibody levels (275) and I’m guessing that this means that I have hashimotos. My lethargy, fatigue, hair loss, body aches, ankle swelling, and yes-weight gain are all but ignored by my endocrinologist. You can’t tell me to just get another one because it took 4 months just to get in to see this one (either the other ones weren’t taking my insurance or they aren’t taking new patients) so I’m stuck with this one. Because I’m not morbidly obese (5’2 & 145 lbs) and attractive I believe I’m being brushed off ! My issues aren’t “bad” because the physical manifestations haven’t gotten bad enough. I feel horrible-so horrible that sometimes I want to wrap my car around a tree. What can I do besides asking her to get me on armour? I’ve done that and said that if it didn’t work I’d do whatever she wanted….why is so being so hard to work with.
Kerrie
Oh, and my hair grew back in :)
ebm
They have been making it again for quite a while. Also available from Canada with a prescription.
Larry/Kittiver
Great discussion
JJ
If your MD won’t prescribe Armour thyroid then go to a naturepathic doctor.
People’s Pharmacy response: It makes sense for doctors and patients to discuss the best treatment. Armour isn’t necessarily for everyone.
Here’s a link to a thoughtful article on the topic:
http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hypothyroidism/animal-thyroid-supplements-hypothyroidism
sally
Is there any truth to the rumor that desiccated thyroid might come from England & might possibly be tainted with Mad Cow disease?
People’s Pharmacy response: Standardized desiccated thyroid (Armour, Westhroid, Naturethroid) comes from pigs. Getting the dose right can be a challenge with any thyroid hormone treatment.
Frank
I just refilled my prescription for Armour at Costco last week. It’s not covered by some insurance plans (like mine), but it wasn’t expensive. It requires a prescription, however. If your doctor is saying they no longer make it, that is untrue.
MLC
I thought Armour was no longer being made. Is it back on the market? Where can i get it if I can talk my doctor into changing.
KH
I have been on Synthroid for 40 years. I definitely have problems that have grown over the years.. I have had two doctors. The first one retired and the second one is obviously not interested in learning about alternative methods for treating hypothyroidism.
I go for my TSH blood test and it comes back within the normal range. So the Doctor prescribes my usual .125 mg synthroid and sends me on my way. When I show him my swollen feet and legs and the stasis dermatitis now forming on my lower legs..he says..”oh you have venous insufficiency. Wear compression stockings and elevate your legs as much as possible.”
When I had two separate incidents of depression and anxiety, the first doctor had me on Paxil. I took myself off that after one year when my legs swelled up even more than usual. Then with the new doctor in 2009, I was put back on anti-depression medication Cipralex for another year..Once again my legs swelled up and I took myself off that one as well. I suffer with constipation, osteoporosis, lack of energy and lower back pain and have not been able to lose weight for years. My muscles ache all the time and my feet hurt constantly when I walk very far.
If only my doctor would let me try the natural desiccated thyroid or at least let me try a combination of Synthroid and cytomel (T3). I am 66 years old in a few weeks and I feel like I am 80. I read all the articles and am very aware of the foods I should and should not eat. I go to the health store and buy the thyroid support remedies that include iodine, selenium and copper, zinc etc.. This is suppose to help T4 to be converted to T3 so that the hormone can penetrate the cells.
I don’t think I have Hashimoto’s disease..but I really don’t know because the doctor has never had my thyroid antibodies tested. All he asks for is the TSH and as long as the result comes back within the normal range which in Canada is .3 to 3.00 then he is happy and assumes all is well with my thyroid. I asked him if I could try the Cytomel along with Synthroid but he felt I was doing just fine and didn’t want to make changes. It is not an easy matter to ask to switch to another doctor here in Canada either.
Theresa R
Atlanta, GA
KH, my first reaction was to get another doctor, but you have different circumstances. In the US, it is a matter of picking up the phone and making an appointment. But back to the point of doctor preferences – Here in the US it seems as though doctors from the North or North East are more likely to support the natural route, Armor. Otherwise, doctors in the South and West prefer synthetic hormone, Synthroid. It is a controversy within the field of endocrinology.
Perhaps a good first step for you is to have an open discussion with your current doctor to let him know you are very serious about this issue. See if he will do labs for Free T3 and Free T4, just ask, with resolve! The “Free” labs will tell you how much of that hormone is available (Free) in the blood (versus it being bound to the blood vessel walls). Another good tip from my doctor was to not accept results “within normal range” (WNR) Because let’s say your result for TSH is .4 – well that is WNR, but it is on the very low side, which tells you that you can increase your dosage for a better norm.
Just FYI – I am a thyroid cancer survivor, 12 years now! When all of my symptoms started I did a ton of research. My mom (also had thyroid cancer) did much better on Armor, but when I tried it I didn’t feel any better. Every one of us is truly unique. The best you can hope for is developing good communication and relationship with your doctor. Sounds like it will be hard, but so very important! Best wishes!!
Sister L
Atlanta, GA
You can order your own labs through several companies you can find online. I ordered my own last year in May, and found that my TAA was 2x high range (as well as 2 readings at the very top of the range), but my Endocrinologist (no longer) still said I didn’t have a thyroid problem. I asked my GP to sign the order for an MRI from a different (and less expensive) diagnostic facility than my Endo’s, and found, surprise, cysts on both lobes of my thyroid. Several years prior to that, I had an MRI that indicated that I had a slight goiter. And, I’ve had a sore throat for 6 years. Despite my Endo having these tests and symptoms, “no thyroid problem”. PROBLEM! I just yesterday had another set of tests drawn (blood and urine) for follow up. It cost me $230 out of pocket, but sometimes you have to take things into your own hands. A small price to pay, I’d say.
I’m also dealing with Lyme/possible co’s, but that’s another story and another set of labs yet to be ordered. Then comes the hard part… finding a good LLMD/Endo, and dealing with having no insurance (I had insurance only Dec-Feb this year…), along with inability to work and increasing illness and all the things that come along with those. I have filed for disability. Hope it comes through quickly…
Wishing you wellness soon.
MLW
I read this article about desiccated thyroid (ArmourThyroid) which I was taken off of by my doctor and put on Synthroid, because I was told they no longer make Armour–true? if not, were can I get it?
Brooke
The more I read about people being told this, the more it sounds like the doctors are in cahoots with the pharmacies. Ridiculous! It definitely is still being made, and not only that but there are now several non prescription options as well. I just bought mine from Nutri Meds but I’ve bought previously from Thyro Gold as well.
GR
Is dessicated thyroid available over the counter or generally available at Health or Herbal stores? Would this be an appropriate treatment for a dog diagnosed with hypothryoidism but extremely allergic to Soloxine the canine equivalent of Synthroid?
People’s Pharmacy response: Rather than dosing your dog with a “supplement” of unknown strength, we recommend discussing this problem with the veterinarian.
L.A.
As a psychotherapist, I ask each new patient during the assessment interview what their thyroid and vitamin D levels are. If they have not had a physical in the past year I ask them to make an appointment and to specifically ask the doctor to check these two functions.
If they have had a recent physical I ask them to have the lab results forwarded to me. I have found patients with depression who are suffering from thyroid disease and/or low vitamin D levels (I explain that Vitamin D levels need to be at 50 or over for mental health). Often, when these thyroid and/or Vitamin D deficiencies are treated, the depression also is healed.
Sky
I hope that if you are having people supplement with Vitamin D, that they are also supplementing with magnesium. Processing D requires magnesium, as do a lot of other processes in the body, and many people are already deficient.
Anne
Akron, Ohio
Is there a referal site of some sort that lists MDs who are known to prescribe Armour? I’m needing to find a Doctor who looks more at symptoms than at set lab ranges… I feel I’m being misdiagnosed because though my labs do fall within the “range”- some are definitely at the very low end.
Pete
Houston
Anne, two places to look for such a list:
1) thyroidchange.org
2) stopthethyroidmadness.com
Another suggestion I have seen is to ask a pharmacist for names of doctors who frequently prescribe NDT.
Personally, I think it is more important to find a doc who is willing to test the full thyroid panel (including reverse T3) rather than jumping to a conclusion that NDT is the answer. If a high rT3 is the problem, then this might need to be addressed first. You can read about these tests and their meaning on the stopthethyroidmadness site.
Best wishes!
RACHEL
Akron
ANNE AKRON! OH
I live in your area of the country. Have you had any success in locating a specialist? I’m in dire need for my husband. Tried Levothyroxine and had severe joint pain, swollen feet, hair loss and agitation. Same results on Armour. He had a mass in his neck removed followed by radiation. I’m certain this has caused his thyroid to no longer function. Two years after radiation his TSH was 5.3 three months ago and now is 9.1. Doctor continues to tell me that it’s not the drug. He had no swelling until trying these drugs. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
RDW
I have been on Armour thyroid for over 40 years for low thyroid and have never had to vary the dosage from the 1 grain I was originally prescribed. I have tried synthetic thyroid and always had heart palpations no matter how low a dosage was prescribed. I now refuse to try synthetic thyroid and luckily my doctors are ok with that because my thyroid tests always come back good with the Armour thyroid.