Synthroid v. Armour

[krispy1138]

I'm not sure I understand all of the differences between the two.

It's my understanding that (a) Armour is natural while Synthroid is synthetic and (b) Armour replaces T3 and Synthroid replaces T4. Is that essentially it?

Also, if a doctor offers you the choice between the two, which should you choose? Should it be based on your Free T3 and T4 levels, or something else?

TIA!

[strongchick]

The main difference is that Armour contains both T3 and T4. Synthroid is only T4.

choice is individual. I take Synthroid and it works fine for me. Other with less success have switched to Armour.

[Pandora]

I take synthroid and it works fine for me, too.

[CraveMuscle]

it's interesting in that so many people discredit synthroid b/c it's only T4 when only T3 can be ineffective as well. and some people just need T4, so sythroid is fine.

I've actually done better with armour than T3 alone.

[Kristy]

Armour contains T1, T2, T3, and T4. It also contains calcitonin which is absorbed if you use it sublingually.

Most people do better on Armour because it has direct T3 in a very absorbable form. Since many hypothroid people have a hard time converting T4 to T3, it can really help you out when a T4 only drug will not. T3 is also fast-acting and has a short half life. So you'll see some improvements shortly after intake, unlike T4 which takes 4-6 weeks to build up in the blood. Most people on T4 only have a optimal T4 level and sub optimal T3 level. Since T3 is the "active" form of thyroid hormone, its the most important hormone for improving hypo symptoms.

I personally think Synthroid is vastly inferior to Armour. Its had more recalls than any other thyroid dug, and the only reason its popular is because the drug companies push it on doctors.


If you must use a T4 only synthetic, use Levoxyl.

[CraveMuscle]

I've never even heard of T1 and T2 before . . . what is the benefit of including it in armour?

[Kristy]

I've never even heard of T1 and T2 before . . . what is the benefit of including it in armour?

There hasn't been a lot of research done on both T1 and T2 - I've had a hell of a time trying to track down any info on it. But its naturally produced in small amounts in the thyroid, so I like the fact that Armour gives all the hormones naturally produced.

Here's a bit of info on T1:
http://www.ohsu.edu/unparchive/2004/051604thyroid.html

I freaking hate linking to Berardi article pimping Biotest products, but this is the only info I could find off hand for info on T2. I'll have to go through my med links if anyone wants info from a reliable source:

http://www.johnberardi.com/articles/supplementation/t2.htm

[CraveMuscle]

thanks.

[Blondell]

Everytime I see this thread, I think it says Synthol :unsure:

[krispy1138]

Everytime I see this thread, I think it says Synthol :unsure:

:huh:

I had no idea what that was - had to Google it.

I'm more familiar with street drugs, I guess! :shrug:

[Blondell]

:huh:

I had no idea what that was - :shrug:
Yeah...uh.......I didn't either. :ninja:




:unsure:

[Inatic]

I take synthoid and cytomel and do quite well on it. I've never taken Amour so i have nothing to compare.

[snakecharmer]

I've been on Armour for over a year now and it's been great for me. However, I've never taken anything else so I don't have anything to compare it to. But, I'm happy and feeling much better than I was before I was diagnosed. :)

[mark]

I take synthoid and cytomel and do quite well on it. I've never taken Amour so i have nothing to compare.


I sometimes wonder if that wouldn't be better since they can be more precise with the dosing.

[krispy1138]

I was asked to post these when they came in:

Free T4: 0.9 (0.8-1.8)
Free T3: 264 (230-420)

My doctor did start me on a low dose of Synthroid, based on my TSH of 1.97 (0.40-5.50) and my thyroid feeling large on exam. I'd appreciate thoughts on the results, since my doctor unfortunately only feels that TSH is the significant number.

[Inatic]

Glad to see doc started ya on some meds. your levels (FT's) are both LOW. How much Synthoid did dr start ya on?

You need to keep that dose for 6 weeks and then retest again. Post up new labs when ya get them. Ya wanna keep on eye on the free T3 levels to make sure your converting the T4/Synthoid to T3. If not, you might need some.

[CraveMuscle]

and even though your T3 is in the "range", you would probably feel better having some to bump the level up to the middle/high end of the range if synthroid doesn't help T3. your conversion might be wonky.

it's ok, but it might not be the "optimal" level for you to feel your best.