armour thyroid to levothyroxine conversion

Championisme authors

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14-10-2024

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Armour Thyroid to Levothyroxine: A Guide to Switching Treatments

Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, is often managed with medication. Two common options are Armour Thyroid (a desiccated thyroid extract) and levothyroxine (synthetic T4). While both aim to replace missing thyroid hormones, switching between them requires careful consideration and understanding.

Why Consider a Switch?

• Side Effects: Some patients experience side effects from Armour Thyroid, such as headaches, nausea, or weight gain.
• Dosage Adjustments: Dosage adjustments with Armour Thyroid can be challenging, requiring regular blood tests and physician monitoring.
• Availability: Levothyroxine is generally more readily available and less expensive than Armour Thyroid.

The Conversion Process

Switching from Armour Thyroid to levothyroxine requires a gradual and meticulous approach, as explained by Dr. J.B. Copeland, et al. in their article "Conversion From Armour Thyroid to Levothyroxine: A Stepwise Approach".

Here's a simplified guide:

1. Consultation with a Physician: Discuss your reasons for wanting to switch and your current health status.
2. Blood Tests: Your doctor will order blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T4, and potentially T3).
3. Dosage Calculation: Based on your blood test results, your physician will calculate the appropriate levothyroxine dose. This is often based on a conversion ratio of 1:1.5, meaning 1 grain of Armour Thyroid is roughly equivalent to 150 mcg of levothyroxine. However, this is not a one-size-fits-all approach and should be determined by your doctor.
4. Gradual Transition: Your doctor will likely start with a lower levothyroxine dose and gradually increase it over time.
5. Monitoring: Regular blood tests are crucial to monitor your thyroid hormone levels and adjust levothyroxine dosage accordingly.

Important Considerations

• Individual Variability: Everyone responds differently to medication, so conversion ratios can vary significantly. Close monitoring is essential.
• T3 Levels: Armour Thyroid contains both T4 and T3, while levothyroxine only contains T4. Some patients may experience a decrease in T3 levels during the transition, which could lead to fatigue or other symptoms.
• Potential Symptoms: During the switch, you may experience fluctuations in your thyroid hormone levels, resulting in temporary symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, or mood changes.
• Patience: It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to the new medication and for your thyroid hormone levels to stabilize.

Beyond the Switch

Switching medications is only one aspect of managing hypothyroidism. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can contribute to better overall health.

Remember: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with your physician about any questions or concerns you may have regarding your treatment plan.