Armour for thyroid
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Armour Thyroid: Efficacy, Risks, and Comparisons
Introduction to Armour Thyroid
Armour Thyroid is a natural desiccated thyroid extract derived from porcine sources. It has been used historically to treat hypothyroidism but has largely been replaced by synthetic levothyroxine due to concerns about standardization and side effects3. Despite this, some patients and practitioners still prefer Armour Thyroid for its combination of T3 and T4 hormones, which some believe offers better symptom control.
Efficacy and Patient Preferences
Comparison with Levothyroxine
Many patients report persistent hypothyroid symptoms despite normal TSH levels when treated with levothyroxine alone. A retrospective study of 250 hypothyroid patients found that those who switched from levothyroxine to Armour Thyroid did so primarily due to fatigue, weight issues, and mental fog2. The study indicated that patients on Armour Thyroid reported fewer symptoms of fatigue and weight gain compared to those on levothyroxine, suggesting that Armour Thyroid might be more effective for some individuals2.
Sub-laboratory Hypothyroidism
There is evidence suggesting that some individuals with hypothyroidism may not be detected by conventional thyroid-function tests. These patients might benefit from empirical treatment with Armour Thyroid, which has shown to improve chronic symptoms that did not respond to other treatments5. This highlights the potential for Armour Thyroid to be effective in cases of sub-laboratory hypothyroidism.
Risks and Side Effects
Cardiovascular Risks
Armour Thyroid has been associated with significant cardiovascular risks, particularly when used without proper medical supervision. A case study reported a 32-year-old male experiencing a myocardial infarction likely due to the interaction between Armour Thyroid and exogenous testosterone therapy, which both contribute to a hypercoagulable state1. Another case involved a 47-year-old female developing multiple sinus thrombosis while on Armour Thyroid and liothyronine, compounded by other risk factors like smoking and oral contraceptive use4.
Adverse Effects
Patients on Armour Thyroid may experience more adverse effects compared to those on levothyroxine. In a study, 19.2% of patients on Armour Thyroid discontinued it within six months due to side effects such as palpitations and worsening anxiety, compared to only 4% of those on levothyroxine2. This suggests a higher incidence of adverse reactions with Armour Thyroid.
Bioavailability and Hormone Content
Hormone Stability and Content
Armour Thyroid contains both T3 and T4 hormones, with studies showing that one grain of desiccated thyroid contains approximately 12 micrograms of T3 and 64 micrograms of T47. The bioavailability of these hormones from Armour Thyroid is comparable to synthetic preparations, indicating that the natural product is effective in delivering thyroid hormones8. However, the lack of standardization in T3 content remains a concern1.
Conclusion
While Armour Thyroid can be an effective treatment for some patients, particularly those unresponsive to levothyroxine, it carries significant risks and potential side effects. Its use should be carefully monitored by healthcare professionals to mitigate cardiovascular and other adverse effects. Further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of Armour Thyroid compared to synthetic thyroid hormone treatments.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Armour® Thyroid Rage - A Dangerous Mixture
Armour Thyroid and testosterone may interact, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events and requiring emergency treatment.
Case ReportA Tale of Two Therapies- A Comparison of Armour Thyroid and Levothyroxine
Armour Thyroid is more effective for patients with fatigue and weight gain compared to levothyroxine, with fewer side effects and discontinuation.
Rigorous JournalManagement of hypothyroidism in pregnancy with armour thyroid
Armour thyroid is an historical treatment for hypothyroidism, but its use in pregnancy is considered obsolete and not licensed in the UK.
Case ReportSAT-519 Armour Thyroid and Liothyronine Combination Potentiated Thrombosis
Liothyronine and Armour Thyroid combination therapy may increase the risk of thrombosis, especially in patients with inherited thrombophilia or other risk factors.
Case ReportRigorous JournalSub-laboratory hypothyroidism and the empirical use of Armour thyroid.
Sub-laboratory hypothyroidism, often undetectable by conventional laboratory tests, can be effectively treated with thyroid hormones, leading to significant improvements in chronic symptoms.
Triiodothyronine and thyroxine content of desiccated thyroid tablets.
The T3 content of desiccated thyroid and thyroglobulin tablets provides approximately 39% and 51% of their thyromimetic activity, respectively, with more sophisticated methodology.
Bioavailability of thyroid hormones from oral replacement preparations.
Thyroid hormone bioavailability from oral preparations is similar, regardless of whether T3 is given as synthetic iodothyronine or as part of the thyroid protein, thyroglobulin.
Non-RCTOral Administration of Anterior Pituitary Tablets and Our Laboratory Preparations on Compensatory Hypertrophy of Thyroid Gland
Oral administration of anterior pituitary tablets and our laboratory preparations effectively prevent compensatory thyroid hypertrophy in guinea pigs after thyroid gland extirpation.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyIs there a role for natural desiccated thyroid in the treatment of levothyroxine unresponsive hypothyroidism? Results from a consecutive case series
Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) treatment may improve quality of life and thyroid symptoms in individuals with levothyroxine unresponsive hypothyroidism.
Case ReportRigorous Journal