Wellness

[emmysmom]

I thought I would post this info as I know there are many that take this drug. My friend takes Armour, the natural thyroid and had terrible side effects when placed on synthroid,(when she changed doctors.) She is back on the Armour. My friend, a pharmacist takes Armour and told me he wouldn't take a synthetic version. Hope this info helps anyone who may be having problems, side effects with the synthetic version. I'm all about natural remedies as I can't take most meds. I have allergic reactions to so many meds, including antibiotics.

[HULAGIRL]

I've taken Synthroid for about 45+ years and never had any issues. My doctor said that with Armour, dosage amounts can vary with each tablet since it comes from an animal source. With synthetic, it is exact in every tablet which is important. I've always felt great and get checked every year with no problems......this is just my experience.

[Drlinda]

I also have been taking synthroid/levothroid for over 40 years. I have noticed definite thinning of my baby fine hair. Not sure if this is just the aging process, or effects of the drugs, or a combination of both. Other than that, no problems.

[Englishrose]

I agree with the previous posters. I have been taking Synthroid for 40 yrs. and have never had anything close to a side effect.

[addiegal]

Last year my usual T4 medication was recalled and I switched to Synthroid. I felt okay but my hair really came out! I am now back on my former Levoxyl and do like it better...we all react differently to these medicines. I also take Cytomel or T3 and this combo is what is found in Armour or other desiccated products. The Armour has a high ratio of T3 to T4 but I would use it but probably need extra T4 added which is synthetic...I have no problem with synthetics either. It is a matter of what works best for you! The thyroid is so complicated. But also if your friend had been on Armour a long time she probably missed the T3 which is not in the synthetic T4 as It is necessary for the body to convert the T4 to T3 which is the active hormone. Also, all the T4 synthetics list hair loss as a side effect, I just suppose we don't all get it with each one! And this is not meant as medical advice it is just my expereince and opinion as a thyroid patient.

[Peaches McPhee]

You just cannot make blanket statement of good vs. bad when it comes to health care and medications. Everybody's body is different, and different things will work.

I have been on levothroxide (sp?) forever, with no problems at all.

Someone else? Maybe not.

[chrystaltree]

......I hate it when posters try to scare people for no reason at all. I worry that these scare monomers will make someone stop taking medication that so they desperately need. If you have questions about your meds, ask your doc or your pharmacist and don't listen to anecdotal stories from unknown sources.

[evelyner]

It has been a year since I am on, I did not even know I needed it, although my levels had been low for a few years, I never felt like I had problems. I take it I feel the same. What are the side effects you are talking about?

[addiegal]

You should never stop taking your medication! There is nothing wrong with synthetics or dissicated either. Some feel better on one or the other!

[MarenSeattle]

Although I've never had any problems with Levoxyl for over 20 years, I know others who have responded better to Armour, so it's good of you to mention this so people are aware there might be a better option.

I think there's a lot of info on About.com's thyroid section -- Mary Shonomon(?) is the thyroid "boss" there.