Questions about the armour switch

[Cynnieb4]

Hi everyone. Doctor has switched me to armour thyroid as of yesterday. I have been on 50mg of synthroid. I am now on 30 grains of armour. Now I was cruious if any of you watied a couple of days before you popped the pill, or if you just up and switched? Is the conversion higher than what I am currently taking?? What side effects if any?? Thanks!

[Barb135]

I guess the 6.24 is a TSH level?  While 6.24 is definitely elevated, it's not horribly high. We've seen levels much higher - my own was at 55+ when diagnosed, and we've seen higher than that.  

That said, I do hope you are also getting tested for the Free T3 and Free T4, as well. TSH is a pituitary hormone that normally stimulates the thyroid to make thyroid hormones.  You need to also monitor the levels of the actual hormones, Free T3 and Free T4 to make sure they are adequate, since it's these hormones that alleviate symptoms, while TSH neither causes, nor alleviates symptoms.

I totally agree that one should not self-medicate.

[Ponder7777]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 8 months ago with a reading of 6.24 as per blood lab work which I understand is very high. I went to a specialist - on my own - and was prescribed Armour (30mg, 1X daily in the A.M.) but did not take it as I discovered I had other medical issues and did not want to start the Armour until they were resolved. Approximately 4 months ago, my other medical issues were resolved and I was ready to begin taking the Armour Meds. I mentioned this to my family doctor and he emphatically stated that Armour was a bad choice and that Synthroid is the best med for my thyroid condition and prescribed same.

I filled the Px and started the Synthroid and immediately (within a few days) was feeling very poorly and was restless and had a hard time sleeping. I stopped the Synthroid completely and on my own, started taking taking the Armour. I had no negative reactions to the Armour and continued taking it daily for the nest 3 months. My doctor scheduled more lab work last week to see how my thyroid was doing not knowing that I switched to Armour. I met with him last week to discuss the results. Low and behold, to both our amazement, my thyroid level went from 6.14 to a very excellent 2.64! I then told him I changed meds and insisted he prescribe Armour. He could not disagree as I am doing - and feeling - so well in such a short period of time with a very low dose of Armour.

Folks, please do not do what I did and try to work with your M.D. but if what he/she is doing is not making you any better, do research on the web and find another doctor pronto! .

[Barb135]

I think we all get a bit confused on the conversion, because it doesn't seem to work out, with what Forrest Pharm says is in the pills.

You must found this thread via a search?  New threads can be found via the following link:

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Thyroid-Disorders/show/73?controller=forums&action=show&id=73&camp=msc

[elly157]

Sorry, my thinking is lacking, apparently! Thank you for the correct. I have found many conversions and get confused on this. 150 mcg is right, although I read in Elaine Moores' book that 60mg armour is equal to appro. 80 mcg levothyroxin and that is what I was thinking but at that 90mg would be 120mcg of levo when actually it would be 150.I notice this is old thread, so probably good for me!!:) where are the new threads?

[Barb135]

According to the conversion chart, 1 grain (60 mg) is equal to 100 mcg snythroid, and 90 mg Armour is equal to 150 mcg levo.  

According to the manufacturer, there is 38 mcg of T4 and 9 mcg T3 in each grain.  So if you work it out that way, 90 mg has only 57 mcg of T4 and 13.5 mcg T3.

That said, this is a very old thread and the previous posters have not been active on the forum for a very long time, so it's unlikely that you will get a response from them.

[elly157]

1 grain of Armour is equal to 80mcg of levothyroxin. 1 grain of armour is 60mg, so 1/2 grain (30mg) is equal to 40mcg levo. Therefore 90mg armour is equal to 100 mcg levo.

[stella5349]

Actually even 90 is quite high if you were on 100mcg Synthroid

Usually 1 grain 60mg is a good fit after that amount of Synthroid you had,

[grammy57]

I just started taking the new pills the next day. The number on the Armour will be lower than your synthroid. I was on 100 mg synthroid and went to 90 Armour.