Armour Thyroid vs. Synthroid

scanning of a thyroid

medically accurate illustration of the thyroid glandAccording to the American Thyroid Association, close to 20 million Americans suffer from thyroid disorders. 60% of patients are even unaware of their condition. The good news is most thyroid conditions respond well to treatment. People with hypothyroidism use Armour Thyroid and Synthroid to treat these conditions.

Armour Thyroid

Armour Thyroid is made from the thyroid glands of pigs. It contains levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3). Its inactive ingredients are dextrose, calcium stearate, opadry white, sodium starch glycolate, and microcrystalline. The drug is an effective cure for an underactive thyroid and works by replacing or supplying more thyroid hormone. It is completely natural.

Levels of thyroid hormone can decrease naturally or when the gland is surgically removed or harmed by medication/radiation. Thyroid hormone is vital for optimal health. It helps you to maintain physical and mental activity. It also helps children to develop physically and mentally.

Armour Thyroid not only treats hypothyroidism, it also treats other medical conditions like goiter, nodular thyroid disease, and thyroid cancer.

Dosage

Your dosage depends on the nature of your condition, lab test results, and how your body reacts to Armour Thyroid. Age and weight determine dosage for child patients. Take the medicine orally, once a day, 30 minutes or 1 hour before breakfast.

This thyroid hormone is usually given orally but may be administered intravenously if a patient is not able to take it orally – like those suffering from myxedema coma. Armour Thyroid should not be given intramuscularly as it is not properly absorbed by the body.

For the best results, use the drug regularly. Take it at the same time every day so you don’t forget. Remember that thyroid replacement medication is taken for life. Do not stop taking it without seeking medical advice.

Side Effects of Armour Thyroid

According to Thyroid Supplement Reviews, a website that ranks thyroid supplements in an effort to find the best thyroid supplement, when you first start using Armour Thyroid, you may experience hair loss. However, this will likely stop after your body adjusts to Armour Thyroid. If hair loss persists or gets worse, consult a doctor or a pharmacist. Many patients using this medication do not report serious side effects. Some of the rare side effects of Armour Thyroid include:

  • Headaches
  • Shaking/tremors
  • Mood changes
  • Enhanced sweating
  • Diarrhea
  • Sensitivity to heat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue

Serious side effects include:

  • Seizures
  • Severe dizziness
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Swollen hands/feet/ankles
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Serious allergic reactions like swelling/itching of the face, tongue, or throat

This list is not exhaustive. If you notice other side effects that are not listed here, seek professional advice.

Precautions

If you are allergic to pork, you may be allergic to Armour Thyroid. The inactive ingredients in the product can also trigger other allergies or side effects. If you have suffered from (or suffer from) any of the following medical conditions, tell your Endocrinologist.

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Reduced adrenal gland function
  • High blood pressure
  • Hyperthyroidism

Don’t take this medication to treat infertility unless your condition is caused by hypothyroidism. Armour Thyroid is safe to use during pregnancy but you may need to alter your dose. The elderly may be sensitive to it and experience serious side effects.

Drug Interactions

Some drugs or herbal products can interfere with the way Armour Thyroid works. They may trigger severe side effects or prevent the medicine from functioning altogether. Some drugs that may interact with Armour Thyroid include:

  • Blood thinners
  • Iodine medication
  • Insulin and diabetes treatment
  • Aspirin
  • Steroids
  • Contraceptives

Armour Thyroid and Weight Loss

This drug functions by increasing the body’s thyroid hormone levels. It alleviates the symptoms of hypothyroidism, one of which is a slow metabolism that causes weight gain. As your rate of metabolism improves, you start losing weight. Most people who take Armour Thyroid experience weight loss.

Synthroid

According to Thyroid Advisor, a website that contains helpful articles and thyroid supplement reviews, Synthroid is a synthetically engineered version of thyroxine (T4) that is virtually identical to the hormone bodies produce. It contains Levothyroxine and its inactive ingredients are acacia, lactose monohydrate, talc, povidone, magnesium stearate, and confectioner’s sugar. Since it has no thyroxine, the body derives the hormone from Levothyroxine.

Synthroid is also used to treat hypothyroidism and works by increasing the levels of thyroid hormone. Just like Armour Thyroid, it can treat other thyroid disorders like goiter and thyroid cancer.

Dosage

This drug should be taken orally with a glass of water once a day on an empty stomach. Swallow a capsule whole and don’t chew, crush, or split it. When giving it to an infant, crush it and mix it with 1-2 teaspoons of water. Appropriate dosage requires tests to be conducted every 6 to 8 weeks to monitor thyroxine levels.
Side Effects of Synthroid

No serious side effects are associated with this medicine. However, some patients have reported negative effects such as:

  • Sleeping problemslevothyroxine
  • Anxiety and irritability
  • Headaches
  • Sweating and hot flashes
  • Pounding heartbeats
  • Irregular or heavy menstrual periods
  • Hair loss

Seek professional advice if you experience any of these allergic reactions:

  • Hives
  • Swelling of the throat, face or tongue
  • Difficulty breathing

Precautions

Do not take Synthroid if you are allergic to it. If you suffer from other allergies, consult a pharmacist first. It is also important to discuss your medical history with your doctor before you start taking the medicine.

Interactions

Some medications inhibit thyroid hormone absorption or enhance your risk for negative side effects. They include:

  • Simethicone
  • Antacids
  • Calcium supplements
  • Sevelamer
  • Iron
  • Cholestramine

Synthroid and Weight Loss

Weight loss is one of the side effects of this drug. Many people suffering from hypothyroidism gain weight because the condition slows down metabolism. Synthroid corrects metabolic processes, helping users to lose weight. For many patients, weight loss is a pleasant surprise.

Armour Thyroid vs. Synthroid

Some patients prefer Armour Thyroid while others prefer Synthroid. While one is completely natural and the other is synthetic, they are both great cures for hypothyroidism. Consult an endocrinologist to determine the best treatment for your condition. Be sure to tell him about your pre-existing medical conditions and current medications.

Jessica

I created this blog to share my experiences and knowledge. I hope it provides insight and relief to those suffering from similar Thyroid conditions.

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