Switching from Armour Thyroid to T4/T3

[Karen-Eleanor]

I’m changing from Armour Thyoid to T4/3 prescribed by local Endo partly for financial reasons but also as I’m concerned about supply issues and monitoring. Should I swop gradually or is it better to finish the AT then start the T4/3 the next day. I currently take AT 1 grain am and 3/4 pm and have been given 50 mcg T4 and 20 T3 split into 2 doses.

[radd]

Karen-Eleanor,

You can do a straight switch over. I would finish the Armour one day and then start on Levo + T3 the next day. My only worry would be you might be under dosing.

1 and 3/4 grains of Armour equates to roughly 140mcg T4 and you have only been given around 110mcg T4. A more realistic equivalent dose would be 75mcg T4 + 20mcg T3.

Be interested to hear how you feel after because this switch is something I might have to consider at some point in the future.

[FancyPants54 in reply to radd]

Oh no radd . You are a shining light of Armour usage.

[radd in reply to FancyPants54]

FP,

Yes, I love Armour as it works very well for me but sadly it is expensive. I have a good few years yet and might even go back to work, or my premium bonds might win the big one 🤞😁

[Karen-Eleanor in reply to radd]

Thank you very much - that is my fear! Is there anywhere that tells you how to convert it so that I have evidence?

[radd in reply to Karen-Eleanor]

Karen- Eleanor,

I don't of anywhere that holds credible advice, as the manufacturers claim 1 grain is biochemically equivalent to 100mcg T4, but myself and many others would suggest it more about 80mcg T4. The manufacturers claim T3 to be approximately four times as potent as T4 but I use a 3:1 ratio as many others do also.

Most (unmedicated) T3 comes from conversion of T4, and Armour contains a lot more than our thyroid gland or the amount we would naturally be converting (when well), but when taking any T3 or T3-containing-meds the conversion enzymes become upregulated, meaning you get more hormones than you medicate.

.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Be aware many people find different brands of levothyroxine are not the same

Which brand of levothyroxine and which brand of T3 are you starting with

[Karen-Eleanor]

I’m restricted as it’s essential that I have lactose free as I’m hyper sensitive to dairy products. It is Teva for T4 and Viatris for T3.

[radd in reply to Karen-Eleanor]

Karen-Eleanor,

You need to click the 'blue reply' button for the recipient to be notified. I will tag her for you .. SlowDragon

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Karen-Eleanor]

Levothyroxine

Teva levothyroxine contains mannitol. This upsets some people

Vencamil is lactose free and mannitol free

Currently only available in 100mcg.

But 25mcg and 50mcg due to be available by June this year

Liothyronine 20mcg tablets

Teva T3 is lactose and mannitol free

Thybon Henning (on private prescription) lactose free

Posts that mention viatris

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