Armour thyroid dosage
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Armour Thyroid Dosage: Insights and Considerations
Introduction to Armour Thyroid
Armour Thyroid is a natural desiccated thyroid extract derived from porcine thyroid glands. It contains both thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), making it distinct from synthetic levothyroxine, which contains only T4. Despite its historical use, Armour Thyroid's application in modern medicine is less common due to concerns about its consistency and potential side effects 58.
Dosage Recommendations and Adjustments
Standard Dosage Guidelines
The standard dosage of Armour Thyroid is often measured in grains, with each grain (60 mg) containing approximately 38 mcg of T4 and 9 mcg of T3 . Dosage adjustments are typically based on the patient's weight, thyroid function tests, and clinical response. For instance, a common starting dose might be 30 mg (half a grain) per day, with gradual increases every 2-3 weeks until the desired thyroid hormone levels are achieved.
Clinical Observations and Adjustments
Clinical studies have shown that the bioavailability of T3 and T4 from Armour Thyroid is comparable to synthetic preparations, although the time to peak serum levels can vary . This variability necessitates careful monitoring and potential dosage adjustments to avoid over- or under-replacement of thyroid hormones 16.
Risks and Considerations
Cardiovascular Risks
One significant concern with Armour Thyroid is its potential to cause cardiovascular issues, particularly when used without proper medical supervision. A case study highlighted a 32-year-old male who experienced a myocardial infarction while self-administering 120 mg of Armour Thyroid daily, underscoring the importance of physician oversight . The interaction between Armour Thyroid and other medications, such as testosterone, can exacerbate these risks by creating a hypercoagulable state .
Adverse Effects and Patient Preferences
Patients switching from levothyroxine to Armour Thyroid often report improvements in symptoms like fatigue and weight gain. However, they may also experience more adverse effects, such as palpitations and anxiety . A retrospective study found that 19.2% of patients on Armour Thyroid discontinued it within six months due to side effects, compared to only 4% of those on levothyroxine . This suggests that while some patients may feel better on Armour Thyroid, the risk of adverse effects is higher.
Special Populations
Pregnancy
The use of Armour Thyroid during pregnancy is generally not recommended due to the lack of standardized dosing and potential risks to both the mother and fetus. Levothyroxine remains the preferred treatment for hypothyroidism in pregnant women .
Thyroid Carcinoma
In the context of thyroid carcinoma, there have been errors in dosage recommendations for suppressing endogenous thyroid hormone production. It is crucial to follow FDA guidelines and use the correct dosage calculations to avoid significant clinical errors 34.
Conclusion
Armour Thyroid can be an effective treatment for hypothyroidism, particularly for patients who do not respond well to levothyroxine. However, its use requires careful monitoring due to the potential for cardiovascular risks and other adverse effects. Physicians should consider individual patient needs and closely monitor thyroid function tests to ensure optimal dosing and minimize risks. Further research is needed to fully understand the comparative benefits and risks of Armour Thyroid versus synthetic thyroid hormone preparations.
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