Armour Thyroid: Benefits, Safety & What You Need to Know

Armour thyroid is a prescription thyroid replacement medication made from desiccated (dried) porcine (pig) thyroid powder. It is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the body does not have sufficient thyroid hormone.

Identification

• Armour thyroid is measured by grains, with 1 grain being equal to approximately 60 milligrams or 100 micrograms of synthetic thyroid hormone. The tablets come in doses ranging from 1/4 grain to 3 grain.

Benefits

• In addition to being more natural than synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, Armour thyroid contains a combination of the T4 and T3 thyroid hormones rather than just the T4 thyroid hormone.

Effects

• Many patients claim they feel better on Armour thyroid. Like any thyroid replacement medication, if the dose is too high, hyperthyroid symptoms, such as a fast heart rate, are likely to be experienced.

Considerations

• Armour thyroid mixes different lots of dessicated thyroid powder to ensure consistent hormone levels in every tablet. The medication is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and it has been available since the early 20th century.

Expert Insight

• No one treatment is best for all thyroid patients. All options should be discussed with a doctor prior to treatment. A time of trial and error may be necessary to find the best treatment regimen.