How to Switch from Synthroid to Armour Thyroid

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How To Switch From Synthroid To Armour Thyroid

Finding The Right Replacement Dose

When You Switch From Synthroid To Armour Thyroid.

 

http://www.drumlib.com/dp/000016.htm

 

Synthroid contains T4; however, Armour Thyroid contains T3 and T4. Thus, when a

person switches to Armour, the fact that T3 is approximately four times as

potent as T4 must be taken into account. Although this is a simple calculation,

it can get confusing when they start talking about " grains " and " milligrams " and

" micrograms. " I surfed around quite a bit and I was surprised at how hard it is

to find information on how to switch from Synthroid to Armour Thyroid. Well,

it's really quite easy, so lets cut to the chase. (Actually, if you don't want

to bother with the chase, I've got a conversion table at the bottom of the

page.)

 

If you have been taking Synthroid, you probably hear the dosage referred to as

micrograms (mcg). A common replacement dose is 150 mcg. This means that your

Synthroid tablet contains 150 mcg of T4. Sometimes this is written as 0.15 mg,

which equals 150 mcg. (1 mg equals 1000 mcg.) This is easier than it sounds --

just move the decimal point three places to the right. For example, 0.075 mg

equals 75 mcg.

 

However, when you ask about Armour, they are going to start talking about either

" grains " or " milligrams " (mg), but that's no problem: 1 grain equals 60 mg

(milligrams). Pretty simple, right? But how much thyroid hormone is in it?

 

1 grain (60 mg) of Armour thyroid contains 9 mcg of T3 and 38 mcg of T4. Notice

how we are already talking in terms of micrograms (mcg), just like with

Synthroid. We are almost ready to compare apples with apples. OK, remember how

T3 is approximately four times as potent as T4? Good! Multiply the 9 mcg of T3

times 4 and add that to the 38 mcg of T4:

 

36 mcg (9 mcg of T3 times 4)

+ 38 mcg of T4

-

74 mcg

 

1 grain (60 mg) of Armour equals approximately 74 mcg of T4 (Synthroid)

 

Why do you say approximately?

Because there are so many variables involved in switching from Synthroid (T4) to

Armour Thyroid (T4 and T3). In reality, we're still comparing apples and oranges

because there are important differences between T4 and T3:

 

Absorption: T3 is absorbed better than T4. The bioavailability of T4 is

influenced by food, fasting, age and malabsorption syndromes.

Peripheral Conversion: Enzymes convert T4 into biologically active T3. One of

the things that affects the activity of these enzymes is sympathetic nervous

system activity, which is known to be reduced in obese people.

Half-life: T3 has a much shorter half-life and its effects occur rapidly. This

is why many people feel better when they take half of their Armour dose in the

morning and the other half later in the day.

Thus, when switching from Synthroid to Armour, doctors will generally start you

out at a low dosage and increase it gradually. Remember, the numbers are just a

rough guide -- finding the right dose for YOU requires a doctor that will listen

to how you feel as well as analyze blood tests and body temperature. For more

information on the importance of body temperature, check out " Hypothyroidism:

The Unsuspected Illness " (This book is listed in the green column).

 

As you can see there are no easy answers, but hopefully this has taken some of

the mystery out of switching to Armour. Below is a list of Armour strengths and

the approximate equivalent dose of Synthroid:

 

Price Comparison:

Thyroid-Boosting

Supplements

 

 

 

 

 

The Thyroid Solution: A Mind-Body Program for Beating Depression and Regaining

Your Emotional and Physical Health I haven't read this book (yet!), but I

decided to put a link to it because I am impressed by the number of people who

have taken the time to tell me it's a dynamite book.

 

 

Armour Dosages Approximate Synthroid

 

(T4) Equivalent

1/4 grain

9.5 mcg T4

2.25 mcg T3 18.5 - 25 mcg

1/2 grain

19 mcg T4

4.5 mcg T3 37 - 50 mcg

1 grain

38 mcg T4

9 mcg T3 74 - 100 mcg

1 1/2 grain

57 mcg T4

13.5 mcg T3 111 - 150 mcg

2 grain

76 mcg T4

18 mcg T3 148 - 200 mcg

3 grain (bisected)

114 mcg T4

27 mcg T3 222 - 300 mcg

4 grain

152 mcg T4

36 mcg T3 296 - 400 mcg

5 grain (bisected)

190 mcg T4

45 mcg T3 370 - 500 mcg

 

Did you know that people with low incomes can get Armour Thyroid free! Many drug

companies have these programs – learn more at Needy Meds.

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN TRIO "

Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen

 

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PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

We have made every effort to ensure that the information included in these pages

is accurate. However, we make no guarantees nor can we assume any responsibility

for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or

process discussed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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