Armour Thyroid vs Synthroid

I have been on Armour thyroid for about 14 months. I had been on Synthroid for quite a few years. I was going to a "diet doctor" who suggested trying the Armour. My endocrinologist was not too happy about it, but she let me stay on it because I said that is what I wanted. (I'm not sure why some docs don't like the Armour.) The regular pharmacy could no longer get the Armour, so they suggested a compounding pharmacy--that is where I get it now. I think that early on I could tell a big difference in how I felt, but now, I really don't know. I have lots of medical issues, and it is hard for me to figure out just what is going on with my body!

If I were you, I'd give my sister a big hug. I am scheduled to see my holistic endocrinologist in two weeks (takes that long for the results of my bloodwork) and plan to ask for (demand) Armour (or a compounded version of it, if it's still not available on the market). About a year ago I was prescribed Synthroid and almost immediately had a pretty severe reaction to it. Throat swelled, ankles and hands swelled, heart raced ... felt like crap. My doctor switched me to an all natural herbal product called "Innate Thyroid Response." It worked pretty well until just recently. So I'm going back for a tune-up. :o)

As for the reason behind your doctor refusing to even speak with you about switching, I would be very cautious about continuing to see him or her. Doctors and pharmacists are provided ve-e-ery generous "perks" by pharmaceutical reps for pushing what my doctor calls, "designer drugs." The more expensive the drug, the "more effective" it is often touted to be, when often that could not be further from the truth. I would question the motives of a doctor who "insists" that one drug is preferable to another ... especially a tried and true oldie like Armour. Let the doctors be the guinea pigs if they're so sure these "new and improved" versions are so superior. Give me the tried and true "oldies" any day! At least we can see that those medications have a decades-long history of success based on countless patient experiences, vs. trusting major pharmaceutical corporations whose interests are most often greed.

I found a really fantastic website where ordinary folks rate meds and the difference between Synthroid and Armour is pretty substantial. Here's the site:http://www.druglib.com/ratingsreviews/armour-thyroid/

I will post again after I've given Armour a good "try," but I have high hopes based on pretty much everything I've read about it. Good luck in your search for health!

I had thyroid cancer in March 2009 (Follicular variant of papillary carcinoma). My thyroid gland was removed and I had a radiation treatment. I started taking Synthroid and have been on it for over a year and am still experiencing significant hair loss. My endocrinologist kept telling me that the hair loss would subside within a few months. If anything, it's gotten worse. Every day handfuls of hair fall out. I just switched to Armour one week ago and would like to know if anyone has experienced hair loss while taking Armour. I am extremely discouraged and want the hair loss to stop!!!!

I have been on Armour for just over 6 months. I find it to be very helpful and much more effective on my TSH levels. I feel great and I would take your sisters advise and at least try it.