Hypothyroidism is one of the most common conditions affecting Americans. It is estimated that over 100 million prescriptions are filled annually for thyroid hormones either as levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid) or natural desiccated thyroid supplements in the form of Armour Thyroid, Erfa Thyroid, Nature-Throid or Westhroid.
For something so common you might imagine that there would be very little controversy. Au contraire. There is an astonishing amount of confusion and disagreement among health professionals and patients when it comes to treating hypothyroidism.
Fatigue, Joint Pain and Thyroid Problems:
Q. I was on levothyroxine (Synthroid) for more than 20 years, from my early 40s to mid 60s. As I got into my late 50s, I assumed the constant pain in my joints was from old athletic injuries or arthritis.
A naturopathic doctor suggested switching to Armour Thyroid instead of levothyroxine. Within six weeks, the joint pain was gone and my energy level went up.
I had a constant struggle convincing my primary care doctor to prescribe the natural treatment, though. Why don’t doctors know more about this?
A. Most physicians have been taught that levothyroxine (T4) is the best way to treat hypothyroidism. But T4 is inactive and must be converted in the body to T3, which does the work of thyroid hormone.
Some people don’t convert T4 to T3 efficiently. Experts estimate that this genetic variability affects at least 12 percent of the population (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, March, 2015).
When people do not have adequate levels of T3 in their tissues they can experience a surprisingly large number of side effects from fatigue and joint pain to constipation and muscle aches. Many physicians are not aware that joint pain and thyroid can be connected.
Some Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
Fatigue, tiredness, exhaustion, sleepiness
Dry skin and hair, hair thinning or hair loss
Loss of the outer third of the eyebrows
Constipation
Difficulty losing weight, weight gain
High cholesterol
Tender or stiff joints, arthritis
Muscle aches and pains, cramps, muscle weakness
Bags under the eyes, puffy face
Psychological depression, moodiness,
Cognitive dysfunction, brain fog
Sensitivity to cold, hoarseness
Slow heart rate, low blood pressure
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypothyroidism:
It is surprising that doctors are still arguing about the best ways to diagnose and treat thyroid problems. You can listen to a a one-hour interview on “Thyroid Mysteries, Controversies and the Latest Research” at this link.
Another Armour Thyroid Story from Tonya:
“I had been taking Synthroid for almost 20 years, and they kept telling me I would be fine on the generic form, levothyroxine. Yet I couldn’t take levothyroxine because I would crash so hard and fast it was like taking nothing. I could take Synthroid, though, and I was on .88mcg. But after 5 years of being on Synthroid I started not feeling well again so they raised my med to 125 mcg. Even though my test results were in the perfect range, I was still not well.
“I was working at a job I loved and had planned on retiring from. But at the age of 32 I completely crashed, and my thyroid seemed to not be working at all. Yet the blood tests were fine. I started calling my doc and telling him I needed help. My thyroid was bad, so he would raise the Synthroid again and again even though my thyroid was showing perfect on blood test results the whole time. All the while I had lost my voice, and the doctors would say my thyroid gland wasn’t swollen any. Yet things continued to get worse, so much worse that they had continued to raise my Synthroid to the maximum dose of 325 mcg. Still, my blood test results stayed the same all through these medication increases from 125 mcg to 325 mcg.
“Eventually I walked away from my beloved career, and I lost everything. I had started asking to be put on Armour thyroid medicine for a few years but I always got the same answer of NO! They always said Synthroid is the best way to go. Well, I had just gone through several years of a horrible life with the doctor telling me I was fine. Well, if I was fine, why was my life in shambles, and why couldn’t I just try Amour?
“Then my husband strongly urged me to go to his doctor. ‘He’s really nice,’ he said. ‘And he cares about his patients.’ So I did go to him. I asked what him what he thought about prescribing Armour for thyroid. He said that he was fine with it, and he did prescribe it for me. Of course, I was so happy to just try it to just see if it would help. After only 2 weeks I was feeling good, and by 3 weeks I couldn’t believe it was me-the me I hadn’t been for at least 15 to 20 years. Holy cow, I was ME again! I have now been on Armour thyroid medicine for 5 months and never want to ever go off it. I am Me, I know this girl, and I missed her.
“If that doctor 11 years ago had given me Armour thyroid when I was starting to feel sick and lost my voice, I would not have walked off my job! I would still have my career. I lost at least 12 to 15 years of my life because the doctors do not want to believe Armour is better then Synthroid for some people. Why don’t they listen to the patient? Thank you, Armour, for saving my life and giving me back my quality of life. If anyone knows of any group to help get the word out please feel free to let me know. Thank you!”
We assure you that we have no horse in this race. We do not own ANY pharmaceutical company stock and we have NO relationship with the company that makes Armour Thyroid. Some people do great on levothyroxine or Synthroid or natural desiccated thyroid products other than Armour.
If you would like to learn more about the latest thyroid research you may wish to access our 25-page downloadable Guide to Thyroid Hormones.
Armour Thyroid and other desiccated thyroid products contain T3 as well as T4. That may be why many patients report that symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, dry skin, weight gain and joint or muscle pain are controlled better with this natural product.
