Thyroid tests are normal?? Are you sure?

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by dooy

Hi All,

Warning: Vent ahead...

I'm trying yet another doctor. I am seeing Dr. Kevin Harrison, DO in Richmond VA on 7/10. I just can't take this anymore. I started working May 1 and did NOT realize how much I had adapted my home life to my fatigue, joint pain (especially my knees and neck), brain fog, (did I mention lethargy and loss of memory!!) and all the other annoying symptoms of this yucky disorder, like dry, itchy skin, moodiness and depression, headaches (not so bad but noticable), weird vision, loss of eyebrows at the ends, and now I'm grinding my teeth even when awake!

I'm also continuing to gain weight (153lbs) and am craving carbs and sugar (not making excuses). I know I need to exercise but with work now, I'm too tired to get off the couch to do ANYTHING that isn't absolutely necessary. Sleep is still not great either. I'm getting around 6 hours WITH interruptions. The bio progesterone has helped somewhat with sleep...plus taking CALM ( a mag. supplement).

I've been so back and forth on the issue of treatment. SO few doctors treat subclinical thyroid issues but they are dang quick to RX antidepressants, HRT, sleep medications and a host of other stuff. What gives?!?! I've had a heart stress test and I'm fine so I don't get the concern? Pam, what would concern them so much? WHAT could be the risk in TRYING some thyroid meds?!?! Pam, these ARE treatable numbers, right?!? I know you've said so in the past but I'm dumbfounded that doctors don't KNOW this stuff. And I liked my NP. She just won't treat these "numbers" and wanted me to take thyroid supplements.

I reviewed my last blood work and I did not have a test for ferritin so he may start with that to rule out iron deficiency, but I am just hoping and praying for treatment with Armour. If I have to, I will go to Arlington, VA but Mary S's doctor is fully booked so I would see her associate. It's just hard with starting a new job...

These were my numbers from my last labs. Oh, and Pam, my current doctor did lower my RX for bio progesterone cream and that is working well.

Thyroid numbers from 3/08:
TSH 2.32 range: .35 - 5.5
Free T3 .85 range: .87 - 1.78
Free T4 .74 range: .58 - 1.64

Testosterone 54 range: 10-75
thyroid peroxidase (TPO) <10 range 0 -34
Antithyroidglobulin Ab <20 range 0 - 40
sex horm binding Glob 72 range 18 - 114

Guess I just needed to vent. If any of you are praying folks, would you keep me in prayer for 7/10? I do the same over this thread and check in regularly.

Blessings to you Pam!!

Prayers for sure! You really could use some Armour there. Wow...I really hoping this newest doc you are seeing will Rx. some for you.

Pam

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by CrzyCatLady

Since my last post this morning. JuliaL has given me the name of an endocrinologist. So I'm going to find out if my insurance needs a referral for a specialist and make an appointment.

Well, I shoulda figured you might be near JuliaL! That's wonderful, and Julia is a sweetie to reach out like that! Hope you can go to her doc, and that you feel better really soon.

Pam

[Lilgrnize]

Jenn, I'd be very interested in a good doctor in that area, as I have a family member not too far from that area who is desperate for some thyroid care! Would one of you mind pm'ing me the contact information? Thanks!

[lk2dnce]

My latest labs from Healthcheckusa

I take 4 grains Armour (2 grains morning and 2 grains in the afternoon)
I had my thyroid removed in 1976 because I was hyper. I have been on 4 grains for a year and feel great. My Cholesteral is down, I'm not tired any more and my hair is looking great finally and is thicker. I no longer have the muscle aches and pains I used to get when I was only taking 2 grains a day of Armour 3 years ago.

I am so afraid my Dr is going to lower my dose because of the tests show I am slightly out of range.


TSH+T4F+T3Free


Test Description Result Range

TSH 0.009 Range 0.350-5.500
Triiodothyronine,Free,Serum 4.9 Range 2.3-4.2
T4,Free(Direct) 1.81 Range 0.61-1.76


My tests from almost 2 years ago when taking 3 grains Armour and didn't feel as well as I do now :


FREE T3,FREE T4,TSH
Date Collected: 10/13/2006

Test Description Result Range
TSH (3RD GENERATION) <0.004 Range 0.35 - 5.50
TRIIODOTHYRONINE FREE 5.7 Range 2.3 - 4.2
FREE THYROXINE (FT4) 1.5 Range 0.8 - 1.8

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by lk2dnce

My latest labs from Healthcheckusa

I take 4 grains Armour (2 grains morning and 2 grains in the afternoon)
I had my thyroid removed in 1976 because I was hyper. I have been on 4 grains for a year and feel great. My Cholesteral is down, I'm not tired any more and my hair is looking great finally and is thicker. I no longer have the muscle aches and pains I used to get when I was only taking 2 grains a day of Armour 3 years ago.

I am so afraid my Dr is going to lower my dose because of the tests show I am slightly out of range.


TSH+T4F+T3Free


Test Description Result Range

TSH 0.009 Range 0.350-5.500
Triiodothyronine,Free,Serum 4.9 Range 2.3-4.2
T4,Free(Direct) 1.81 Range 0.61-1.76


My tests from almost 2 years ago when taking 3 grains Armour and didn't feel as well as I do now :


FREE T3,FREE T4,TSH
Date Collected: 10/13/2006

Test Description Result Range
TSH (3RD GENERATION) <0.004 Range 0.35 - 5.50
TRIIODOTHYRONINE FREE 5.7 Range 2.3 - 4.2
FREE THYROXINE (FT4) 1.5 Range 0.8 - 1.8

If you are not having any hyPER symptoms (and I'm quite sure you would know it if you were after being hyPER), than I say, don't mess with perfection, lol.

Can I ask a few questions? Your age, if you take any type of birth control or HRT/BHRT, if you take any anti depressants, if you sleep well.

Pam

[dooy]

Does treatment with Armour add to insomnia?

[nonstickpam107]

dooy, the only time Armour would affect insomnia is if you 1. were on too much of a dosage, or 2. you didn't take it split, half in am, half early afternoon (although there are some who sleep BETTER if they split the daily dosage and take the smallest amount right before bed.

Pam

[Kerry_Will_Win]

Pam this is for you...dont worry its good.
I have been away from the boards for 2 years due to chaos after Hurricane Katrina and no PC till this year and now that I am back I want to thank you for all the info you have provided on this site.
Myself and many of my family and friends have now got proper treatment for our thyroid issues, BHRT ect.

I am fortunate to have doctors now that routinely RX Armour and they always test for TSH, Free T-3, Free T-4 and base dose on these numbers but I wouldnt have understood what is needed without your instruction.

Its been a long road but I'm on my way and again just wanted to say Thank You.

Kerry

[lk2dnce]

Originally Posted by nonstickpam107

If you are not having any hyPER symptoms (and I'm quite sure you would know it if you were after being hyPER), than I say, don't mess with perfection, lol.

Can I ask a few questions? Your age, if you take any type of birth control or HRT/BHRT, if you take any anti depressants, if you sleep well.

Pam

Pam

I am 57 and have not had a period in 2 years so I don't need birh contorl. I take Black Cohosh for hot flashes. I do not need anti depessants but if I forget to take my Armour I can get a panic attack while driving over high bridges. The panic attacks were really bad when I was on a lower dose of Armour such as 1 or 2 grains due to another DR who lowered my dose. I had to stop driving on certain highways when my dose was lower. Who would believe our thyroid could make us have panic attacks.

My cholestral shoots up to 360 when my does is lowered also. Now it is in the low 200's which is good for me. My whole family on my mom's side has high cholestral, I have a uncle who is in the 600's !!



As for sleep - I split my dose and if I take the second dose late at night instead of early afternoon I have trouble sleeping. I just have to remember to take it early afternoon.

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by Kerry_Will_Win

Pam this is for you...dont worry its good.
I have been away from the boards for 2 years due to chaos after Hurricane Katrina and no PC till this year and now that I am back I want to thank you for all the info you have provided on this site.
Myself and many of my family and friends have now got proper treatment for our thyroid issues, BHRT ect.

I am fortunate to have doctors now that routinely RX Armour and they always test for TSH, Free T-3, Free T-4 and base dose on these numbers but I wouldnt have understood what is needed without your instruction.

Its been a long road but I'm on my way and again just wanted to say Thank You.

Kerry

Wow, you really made my day (more like my month!! lol). You are so welcome, and when you get a chance, please PM me with your doctors name, location/phone no./website. I'm sure others will also want to know this very good doctor. I'm so happy I was able to help you.

Pam

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by lk2dnce

Pam

I am 57 and have not had a period in 2 years so I don't need birh contorl. I take Black Cohosh for hot flashes. I do not need anti depessants but if I forget to take my Armour I can get a panic attack while driving over high bridges. The panic attacks were really bad when I was on a lower dose of Armour such as 1 or 2 grains due to another DR who lowered my dose. I had to stop driving on certain highways when my dose was lower. Who would believe our thyroid could make us have panic attacks.

My cholestral shoots up to 360 when my does is lowered also. Now it is in the low 200's which is good for me. My whole family on my mom's side has high cholestral, I have a uncle who is in the 600's !!



As for sleep - I split my dose and if I take the second dose late at night instead of early afternoon I have trouble sleeping. I just have to remember to take it early afternoon.

You aren't the only patient who does better on a higher dosage, that's for sure. And I'm the same way about my dose split...I would be up all night if I took my split after 7pm or so. Your Black Cohosh is perhaps the reason WHY you need such a high dosage. Black Cohosh isn't 'the best thing' to take for a thyroid patient, it binds the thyroid hormone SIGNIFICANTLY and is known to be very hard on the liver.

You might want to seek out Black Currant Oil at the health food store. It doesn't bind the thyroid hormone. BUT..when you switch, if you start going hyPER, lower your Armour. Yep, Black Cohosh could bind up to half of all that Armour.

Pam

[CrzyCatLady]

Originally Posted by Lilgrnize

Jenn, I'd be very interested in a good doctor in that area, as I have a family member not too far from that area who is desperate for some thyroid care! Would one of you mind pm'ing me the contact information? Thanks!

Info has been PM'd!

[lk2dnce]

[You might want to seek out Black Currant Oil at the health food store. It doesn't bind the thyroid hormone. BUT..when you switch, if you start going hyPER, lower your Armour. Yep, Black Cohosh could bind up to half of all that Armour.

Pam[/QUOTE]

How much Black Currant Oil would I need to take? I'll check it out and see if I can find some.

[nonstickpam107]

Depends on the brand, I do believe. Does your doctor Rx. bioidentical HRT? Maybe an estradiol patch would do the job (if you still have a uterus, you'd also want some progesterone transdermal cream too).

Pam

[mrshelenmarie]

Originally Posted by nonstickpam107

Helen...it's gonna be rough. But here's the name of one doctor (he seems to like to give iodine for thyroid though (I don't approve of this...) and if he's gonna take your money, you have to right to say "I'm just here for BHRT if I need it, and Armour Thyroid, let's set up a workable plan for those things".

Doctor Maiquez Anti-aging Age Management Physician Miami

The following is a compounding pharmacy (and they will know which docs are Rx'ing Armour Thyroid, as well as be able to get you tested for the rest of the hormones).

8301 Florida Dr
Pembroke Pines, FL 33025
(954) 241-0175‎

Pam

Pam................thanks so much for referring me to Dr. Maiquez in Miami. He seems easily accessible, I have an appointment for this week and his office quoted me some very low fees compared to the Boca and Delray doctors we spoke about. I had the Hormone Panel done at the lab and I'll have the results by then so I'll bring it along with my Thyroid test. His website was very informative and he seems to be what this thread suggests we patients look for in a doctor. I will report back on my progress and give you the specifics as well. Helen

[theothertwin41]

Hi, everyone
I'm looking for nonstickpam107 ? I am 41 years old and i have menapouse i think it is post. any way Iam think of going on Bioidentical Hormones. you see i have some weght gain and i have thining hair. i have been to a dr and here are my levels Free t3-3.0 and free t4-0.92 free testosterone-0.8 estradiol-46 progesterone 0.8 dhea 217 i realy dont know what to do. should i go on DHEA my mother has thorid prblems and was wondering if i should use any thing. i have no periods . please let me know fast. thank you, Joan

[PalmTreeGal]

I am holding a bottle of Armour in my hot little hand! So excited that my doc prescribed it for me without a fuss and Target pharmacy had it in stock (I keep reading about difficulties people are having with getting it in the appropriate dose or whatever). The patient information that comes with it is really interesting - it says "there are no common side effects to this drug" (Synthroid doesn't say that!) and it doesn't say anything whatsoever about taking it on an empty stomach. Nor do the stickers on the bottle.

Pam, my doc gave me 60 mg pills and I am supposed to take half at first and work up to a whole over 2-3 weeks. What do you think about this plan?

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by mrshelenmarie

Pam................thanks so much for referring me to Dr. Maiquez in Miami. He seems easily accessible, I have an appointment for this week and his office quoted me some very low fees compared to the Boca and Delray doctors we spoke about. I had the Hormone Panel done at the lab and I'll have the results by then so I'll bring it along with my Thyroid test. His website was very informative and he seems to be what this thread suggests we patients look for in a doctor. I will report back on my progress and give you the specifics as well. Helen

Helen, please do let me know if this doctor is doing FT4, FT3 and TPO antibodies testing for thyroid and if he does, indeed, Rx. Armour Thyroid and BHRT. Hope this goes really well for you!

Pam

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by theothertwin41

Hi, everyone
I'm looking for nonstickpam107 ? I am 41 years old and i have menapouse i think it is post. any way Iam think of going on Bioidentical Hormones. you see i have some weght gain and i have thining hair. i have been to a dr and here are my levels Free t3-3.0 and free t4-0.92 free testosterone-0.8 estradiol-46 progesterone 0.8 dhea 217 i realy dont know what to do. should i go on DHEA my mother has thorid prblems and was wondering if i should use any thing. i have no periods . please let me know fast. thank you, Joan

Joan, that tells me..um..nothing. I need the specific lab ranges that were used for your tests, and I need to see your result on TPO antibodies. DHEA doesn't do much for post meno women (sorry). Missing periods could be from several different endocrinological problems, one of which is Hashimoto's disease.

Pam

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by PalmTreeGal

I am holding a bottle of Armour in my hot little hand! So excited that my doc prescribed it for me without a fuss and Target pharmacy had it in stock (I keep reading about difficulties people are having with getting it in the appropriate dose or whatever). The patient information that comes with it is really interesting - it says "there are no common side effects to this drug" (Synthroid doesn't say that!) and it doesn't say anything whatsoever about taking it on an empty stomach. Nor do the stickers on the bottle.

Pam, my doc gave me 60 mg pills and I am supposed to take half at first and work up to a whole over 2-3 weeks. What do you think about this plan?

I think you should go to ArmourThyroid and read the entire site so you'll be familiar with how Armour works. There's so much to learn it can't be printed on the bottle.

Most docs start with that amount, so sounds good to me. Get a pill splitter if you don't already have one (easier to use than the kitchen knife, lol). Start with that 1/2 60mg. in the morning...you can eat if you want to (and that helped me when starting Armour...if I took on empty stomach, I would be shaky from T3). Do that for three weeks, then you can keep splitting the pills, just take 1/2 in the am, and the other 1/2 early afternoon. After about six to eight weeks, you'll want another FT4 and FT3.

Um, there's no 'common side effects' if it's the right dosage. BUT, there are many side effects if it's too much Armour. Like: loose stools many times a day, hands shaking when held out in front of you, muscles feeling weak and shaky, especially thigh muscles. Oh, and most report feeling 'warm all over' when first taking Armour (that's cuz most of we hypothyroid folks feel cold all the time).

Pam

[CrzyCatLady]

I spoke with my GP's nurse today. Told her I was concerned with my levels and wanted to go on Armour. I asked for a referral to an endo. She told me that my GP would be willing to give me the meds if I was wanting them. I thought about it but decided that with my PCOS, prediabetes, and now possibly Hashi's too, that an endo would probably be in my best interest.

I'm glad I'm on LCF and someone sent me to this post. I've been having problems swallowing for the last few months but I actually assumed that it was sinus drainage. Now I'm wondering if my thyroid is possibly enlarged. Once I have my appointment I'll be back to share my experience with her. In the meantime I'll be lurking.

[nonstickpam107]

I hate to 'burst your bubble' about endo's. But most do not give Armour, and they mostly do just TSH...I've found NON endo's to be some of the best doctors for Hashi's/hypothyroidism. I would have taken the offer from the doc and asked to have a starting dosage of one grain (60mg..would split that in half, half in am, half in early afternoon) for six weeks, go up 1/2 grain for six weeks, and so on.

Pam

[mrshelenmarie]

Originally Posted by nonstickpam107

Helen, please do let me know if this doctor is doing FT4, FT3 and TPO antibodies testing for thyroid and if he does, indeed, Rx. Armour Thyroid and BHRT. Hope this goes really well for you!

Pam

Thanks Pam.................I will. Below are the hormone test results and I can't make heads or tails out of them. The blood test was done on Day 10 of my cycle. Perhaps you can give me a briefing so I'm more "informed" when I see the Dr. on Thursday. Helen

Progesterone004317 1.1 ng/mL
Female:
Follicular 0.2 - 1.4
Luteal 3.3 - 25.6
Mid-luteal 4.4 - 28.0
Postmenopausal 0.0 - 0.7
Pregnancy:
1st Trimester 11.2 - 90.0
2nd Trimester 25.5 - 89.4
3rd Trimester 48.4 - 422.5

Estradiol004516 41 19-528 pg/mL
Adult Male: <54
Menstruating Female
(Day of cycle relative to LH Peak)
Follicular (-12) 19 - 83
(- 4) 64 - 183
Midcycle (- 1) 150 - 528
Luteal (+ 2) 58 - 157
(+ 6) 60 - 211
(+12) 55 - 150
Postmenopausal Female (Untreated) 0 - 31
.
Bayer Centaur/ACS Methodology

Estrogens, Total004549 290 pg/mL
Prepubertal <40
Female Cycle:
1-10 Days 61 - 394
11-20 Days 122 - 437
21-30 Days 156 - 350
Post-Menopausal <40
HMG Treatment for Ovulation
Induction: 400 - 800

Estrone, Serum004564 90 pg/mL
.
Male Female
0 - 5 years 18 - 53 19 - 46
6 - 7 years 17 - 48 17 - 44
8 - 9 years 20 - 54 31 - 70
10 - 11 years 21 - 49 28 - 68
12 - 14 years 17 - 44 57 - 140
Adult 12 - 72 See below
Female: Follicular Phase 37 - 138
Mid-cycle 60 - 229
Luteal Phase 50 - 114
Post Menopausal 14 - 103

[CrzyCatLady]

Originally Posted by nonstickpam107

I hate to 'burst your bubble' about endo's. But most do not give Armour, and they mostly do just TSH...I've found NON endo's to be some of the best doctors for Hashi's/hypothyroidism. I would have taken the offer from the doc and asked to have a starting dosage of one grain (60mg..would split that in half, half in am, half in early afternoon) for six weeks, go up 1/2 grain for six weeks, and so on.

Pam

I didn't realize that. But the office I want to see is the same one Julia goes to and they have her on Armour. I was just concerned that maybe my GP wouldn't be as well versed on dosing as an endo would. But I do think that my GP might be more willing to listen to me. They didn't do the referral yet for the endo. So maybe I will try her first and then think about seeing another doc if it doesn't go right. Man, this is just all so confusing.

[AllieCat0817]

I am to the point where I want to switch from Synthroid 125mcg/Cytomel 25mcg to Armour. I keep hearing too many good things about Armour. And I don't want to take synthetic drugs forever. And my thyroid meds are a forever thing for me.

Right now I am writing a letter to my doctor requesting a switch to Armour. He initially was hesitant to give me the Cytomel, but after he saw that I did my own research and got my own labs (FreeT3, FreeT4) done through healthcheckusa... he takes me more seriously. This is the same ENT dr that did my thyroid surgery (as well as sinus roto-rooter surgery). I swear I already have a rapport with him and feel like he gives me what I ask for because at this point he knows that I'm not playing around. So I'm going the route of trying to work with him rather than finding a brand new dr. I've done extensive internet searching for Armour thyroid dr's around here and so far haven't had any luck with any in-network dr's. If my ENT refuses the Armour my next task will be to go to local pharmacies and ask for a list of dr's that regulary prescribe Armour. My Walgreens did this for me last yr when I asked about Cytomel.

So in my letter, the reasons I am putting down for wanting to switch is that I have to take this forever and I dont want to take synthetic drugs forever (and that I already quit my birth control pill and instead have a non-hormonal IUD). I am also sending some Armour studies etc in my letter (I found this info here.. Thyroid About.. Kristen's Story-- read parts 2 and 3. I'm also on the Armour Thyroid site learning info as well.

Pam/Ileen (or anyone else!), given my current dosage:
Synthroid 125mcg/Cytomel 25mcg

would you think that 1.5 grains would be a good start? Or should I push for 2?

I have no idea if this will work or not but worth a shot.

[nonstickpam107]

I can tell you this much:

when we are perimenopausal, the first hormone to drop is progesterone. Then the trouble begins. Progesterone is the thyroid's 'friend'. Without enough, the thyroid is triggered to begin to try and take on the job of progesterone. And that's WHY so many peri/menopausal women have hypothyroidism.

By your tests, I'd certainly want to have FT4, FT3, TPO antibodies ALSO...and feel pretty sure you'll want progesterone, and then estradiol added in as you 'balance'.

Pam

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by CrzyCatLady

I didn't realize that. But the office I want to see is the same one Julia goes to and they have her on Armour. I was just concerned that maybe my GP wouldn't be as well versed on dosing as an endo would. But I do think that my GP might be more willing to listen to me. They didn't do the referral yet for the endo. So maybe I will try her first and then think about seeing another doc if it doesn't go right. Man, this is just all so confusing.

That's ok...as long as you already KNOW this doc does Armour...I just wanted to caution others as they read, that you didn't just look up 'any' endo, lol. Many regular doctors do as well if not BETTER than endo's with thyroid if they've been practicing and Rx'ing Armour for years. Many of us SEE the endo, get started, and then go back to our PCP's too....and save a few hundred dollars AND teach your PCP to do good thyroid TOO.

My endo charges about 1200 dollars first visit with all hormone tests. A DO that I know does the SAME tests, and Rx's Armour and BHRT for about 90 dollars a visit plus labs paid by my insurance. Just depends...yes, go and see the endo if you can afford it, and for the fact that we know this endo treatment is what you want (JuliaL has confidence in him...that's good), and do tell your doctor when you see him/her what's happening and what type of treatment you are getting (and maybe get the doc to learn too..so other hypothyroid and BHRT patients can get good care...there's not enough doctors to go around who are good).

Pam

[AllieCat0817]

Originally Posted by AllieCat0817

I am to the point where I want to switch from Synthroid 125mcg/Cytomel 25mcg to Armour. I keep hearing too many good things about Armour. And I don't want to take synthetic drugs forever. And my thyroid meds are a forever thing for me.

Right now I am writing a letter to my doctor requesting a switch to Armour. He initially was hesitant to give me the Cytomel, but after he saw that I did my own research and got my own labs (FreeT3, FreeT4) done through healthcheckusa... he takes me more seriously. This is the same ENT dr that did my thyroid surgery (as well as sinus roto-rooter surgery). I swear I already have a rapport with him and feel like he gives me what I ask for because at this point he knows that I'm not playing around. So I'm going the route of trying to work with him rather than finding a brand new dr. I've done extensive internet searching for Armour thyroid dr's around here and so far haven't had any luck with any in-network dr's. If my ENT refuses the Armour my next task will be to go to local pharmacies and ask for a list of dr's that regulary prescribe Armour. My Walgreens did this for me last yr when I asked about Cytomel.

So in my letter, the reasons I am putting down for wanting to switch is that I have to take this forever and I dont want to take synthetic drugs forever (and that I already quit my birth control pill and instead have a non-hormonal IUD). I am also sending some Armour studies etc in my letter (I found this info here.. Thyroid About.. Kristen's Story-- read parts 2 and 3. I'm also on the Armour Thyroid site learning info as well.

Pam/Ileen (or anyone else!), given my current dosage:
Synthroid 125mcg/Cytomel 25mcg

would you think that 1.5 grains would be a good start? Or should I push for 2?

I have no idea if this will work or not but worth a shot.

Looks like I'll have to beg for Nature-throid or Westhroid instead of Armour...given the backorder

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by AllieCat0817

I am to the point where I want to switch from Synthroid 125mcg/Cytomel 25mcg to Armour. I keep hearing too many good things about Armour. And I don't want to take synthetic drugs forever. And my thyroid meds are a forever thing for me.

Right now I am writing a letter to my doctor requesting a switch to Armour. He initially was hesitant to give me the Cytomel, but after he saw that I did my own research and got my own labs (FreeT3, FreeT4) done through healthcheckusa... he takes me more seriously. This is the same ENT dr that did my thyroid surgery (as well as sinus roto-rooter surgery). I swear I already have a rapport with him and feel like he gives me what I ask for because at this point he knows that I'm not playing around. So I'm going the route of trying to work with him rather than finding a brand new dr. I've done extensive internet searching for Armour thyroid dr's around here and so far haven't had any luck with any in-network dr's. If my ENT refuses the Armour my next task will be to go to local pharmacies and ask for a list of dr's that regulary prescribe Armour. My Walgreens did this for me last yr when I asked about Cytomel.

So in my letter, the reasons I am putting down for wanting to switch is that I have to take this forever and I dont want to take synthetic drugs forever (and that I already quit my birth control pill and instead have a non-hormonal IUD). I am also sending some Armour studies etc in my letter (I found this info here.. Thyroid About.. Kristen's Story-- read parts 2 and 3. I'm also on the Armour Thyroid site learning info as well.

Pam/Ileen (or anyone else!), given my current dosage:
Synthroid 125mcg/Cytomel 25mcg

would you think that 1.5 grains would be a good start? Or should I push for 2?

I have no idea if this will work or not but worth a shot.

1.5 grains would be a big disappointment for your body! LOL Maybe you can think of it this way: EACH grain (60mg. ) of Armour has 37mcg. of T4 and 9mg. of T3. I don't know if you are splitting up that Cytomel but you're going to want to split the Armour. IF I WERE YOU, I'd want to start on two grains, take one grain in AM, and one early afternoon (unless you work late, then about 3pm for the second grain). You may feel: a feeling of warmth wash over you, heart quickening a little upon first dose, or you may just be used to the Cytomel.

I would stay on the 2 grain for about four weeks, have FT's and TSH done (I don't know where your doc is on TSH, but just a little bit of Armour generally pushes the TSH under range...so it's gonna be VERY LOW, and if you're doc is swayed by TSH..he'll be a little 'antsy'). FT4 should come back about midway or so, and FT3 should come back about same, or little higher. Then if it's not 'enough' you go up using 1/2 grain at a time...for a couple of weeks...once you get to 3 grains, either top off...or only go up 1/4 grain at a time for six weeks or so. I'd say 3 to 4 grains should be your 'lifetime' dosage.

Keep in mind Dear that if Armour isn't available, to ask for Westhroid, it is the equivelent to Armour. (Oh, and PM me and tell me how you're doing!!!).

Pam

[nonstickpam107]

Originally Posted by AllieCat0817

Looks like I'll have to beg for Nature-throid or Westhroid instead of Armour...given the backorder

Heads up for ya...Wally world is giving out Westhroid as the 'generic' of Armour. Nothing like having the more expensive stuff, huh?? LOL

Yeah...it is getting hard to find...we use two pharmacies that make sure they order 100ct. bottles for myself and DH..but DH got Westhroid last time..lucky duck!

Pam