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Hi there,
I was wondering what your thoughts were on Armour verses Synthroid? Which would you recommend?
Also, if you do recommend Synthroid over the natural hormone, is there a difference between the generic and the brand name?
Thanks!
SusanIf you do a search for Armour on this bulletin board, you’ll find a lot of comprehensive conversation on this topic ~ bottom line is that Armour helps some, but not all, and can actually be harmful for a certain percentage of patients, so it’s something to research carefully and discuss frankly with your doctor, usually after you’ve attempted to find a comfortable level with Synthroid or other T4 replacement hormone alone. (Armour is different because it includes both T4 and T3.)
As far as brand name vs. generic, the only thing we know is that, if you begin taking one or another (brand name or generic), you should do everything you can to continue on the same one (whichever it is), because we find that the same "number" dose of one doesn’t always create the same ultimate thyroid hormone level in patients. That means if you switch from brand to generic (or vice versa), you may find yourself beginning a new cycle of honing in on the right dose for you. Fluctuations and continual imbalance of thyroid hormone can cause symptoms even in small variations, so once you’ve begun replacement and found the right dose for you, it helps to stick with that type of replacement, whichever it is, if that’s possible. Each replacement hormone should have the same chemical makeup of T4, so the key is just knowing what dose of which pill to take in order to feel right.
Not that that can’t change ~ due to age, activity level, weight, hormonal status (menopause, for instance), thyroid hormone needs can change, so even after a successful dose is found, we suggest testing at least once a year to make sure it’s still working well for you. Just had to point that out…
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