Armour Thyroid

Armour Thyroid is a brand name for a natural desiccated thyroid medication derived from porcine (pig) thyroid glands. It contains a combination of the two primary thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

As a thyroid hormone replacement, Armour Thyroid is classified as a thyroid agent used to supplement or replace endogenous (natural) thyroid hormones in people with low thyroid function.

Armour Thyroid is primarily indicated for thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and it has several medical uses:

• Primary Hypothyroidism: The most common use is treating hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive and
  does not produce enough T4/T3. This includes hypothyroidism from any cause (except transient recovery phases), such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid gland atrophy, or after thyroid surgery or radiation.
• Secondary or Tertiary Hypothyroidism: Armour Thyroid is also used in secondary (pituitary) or tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism, where the thyroid itself is normal but under-stimulated due to pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction.
• Thyroid Cancer Management: As an adjunct in certain thyroid cancers (papillary or follicular thyroid carcinoma), high doses of thyroid hormone are used to suppress TSH and prevent stimulation of any remaining cancer cells.

Armour Thyroid works by replacing the deficient thyroid hormones T4 and T3 in hypothyroid patients, thereby restoring normal metabolic activity. Each tablet provides exogenous T4 (which is relatively inactive but serves as a prohormone) and T3 (the active form of thyroid hormone).

After ingestion, levothyroxine (T4) is absorbed and converted in the body (mainly by the liver and other tissues) into liothyronine (T3), while the T3 in the tablet is directly active.

These hormones then bind to thyroid hormone receptors in the nuclei of cells throughout the body, modulating gene transcription and protein synthesis to regulate metabolism.

Armour Thyroid is an oral medication taken once daily. It is usually advised to take it in the morning on an empty stomach (30-60 minutes before breakfast) to enhance absorption and maintain consistency day to day.

Taking it with food or with certain supplements (like calcium or iron) can interfere with absorption, so it’s important to space those out appropriately.

Before and during treatment with Armour Thyroid, certain safety considerations, precautions, and contraindications must be kept in mind:

• Weight Management: Armour Thyroid is strictly for treating hypothyroidism, not for weight loss. Using it for weight reduction in individuals with normal thyroid function is dangerous and can lead to severe heart problems. Always consult your doctor for safe weight management strategies.
• Heart Health Considerations: If you have a history of heart disease, proceed with extreme caution. Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose and monitor your heart closely. Elderly patients are particularly vulnerable to cardiac side effects and require careful monitoring.
• Elderly Patients: Older adults (senior patients) typically should be managed conservatively. Some experts note that desiccated thyroid is not recommended in the elderly since synthetic Levothyroxine allows for more precise T4 dosing and avoids unnecessary T3 exposure. If Armour is used, it should be at lower doses with slow titration.
• Allergic Considerations: Because Armour Thyroid is derived from pork thyroid glands, it has a distinctive odor (sometimes noticed in the bottle) and contains porcine proteins. While the hormone content is standardized, patients with a history of allergies to pork or animal products should exercise caution.

Common Side Effects

• Weight loss
• Tremor and Nervousness
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Heat Intolerance and Sweating
• Elevated Appetite
• Digestive Changes
• Muscle Weakness or Fatigue
• Menstrual Irregularities
• Temporary Hair Loss

Serious Side Effects

• Chest Pain or Palpitations
• Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat
• Shortness of Breath or Swelling (Edema)
• Excessive Sweating and Heat Intolerance (Severe)
• Allergic Reaction

🚑 If any of these serious side effects occur, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Typically, the approach to serious thyroid hormone overdose is to discontinue the medication (at least temporarily) and provide supportive care (including beta-blockers to control heart rate, etc., if needed).

Armour Thyroid can interact with a variety of medications, supplements, and even foods.

• Cholestyramine (Questran) and colestipol (Colestid), used for lowering cholesterol, will bind thyroid hormone in the intestine; doses of Armour Thyroid should be separated by at least 4–5 hours from these resins.
• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, calcium supplements, iron supplements or multivitamins with iron, simethicone (anti-gas), and sucralfate (Carafate) can all bind or chelate thyroid hormone. These should be taken 4 hours apart from Armour Thyroid to avoid interference.
• Soybean flour, soy-based infant formula, and soy supplements can bind thyroid hormone and should be treated similarly.
• Thyroid hormones can enhance the effect of oral anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin). Close coordination between the prescribing doctors is important in this scenario.
• Use caution if taking sympathomimetic amines (such as some decongestants or stimulants for ADHD) concurrently, as thyroid hormone will increase sensitivity to catecholamines.

Always consult with your medical provider if you have any doubts about which medications, supplements, and foods you should avoid when taking Armour Thyroid.

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