Armour Thyroid A Little Chemistry
Clinical Dosage: 30-120 mg/day
The largest endocrine in the human body is called the thyroid. This butterfly-shaped gland is found near the base of the neck. The thyroid produces several important hormones that play a role in growth and the rate of cellular activity.
Two key hormones produced by the thyroid are L-triiodothyronine and levothyroxine. Biochemists use the terms T3 and T4, respectively, to refer to these hormones. This notation indicates the number of iodine molecules found in each hormone.
While both of these hormones are important, T4 is converted to the more biologically active T3 in the body. Together, these hormones help control metabolism and growth. T3 and T4 hormones also impact how sensitive the body is to other hormones.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is not producing enough hormones. Because the thyroid gland plays such an important role throughout the body, the symptoms of hypothyroidism are diverse. A few common symptoms of hypothyroidism include poor muscle tone, fatigue, weight gain and pallor. More rarely, hypothyroidism may manifest symptoms such as headaches, impaired mental functioning and anemia.
About Armour Thyroid
Unlike many thyroid products, Armour Thyroid contains naturally derived T3 and T4. Most products only deliver synthetic T4 to the body. The T3 and T4 found in Armour Thyroid are derived from porcine thyroid glands.
Therapy with Armour Thyroid is usually initiated with smaller doses that are increased to maintenance levels over the course of several months. Typically, adult patients are started with a 30 mg dose of Armour Thyroid per day. Every 2 to 3 weeks the dosage is bumped up by 15 mg per day. Most patients reach effective levels of T3 and T4 in their bodies with a dosage of 60 to 120 mg of Armour Thyroid per day.
Why Take Armour Thyroid?
Hypothyroidism is a condition caused by an under-functioning thyroid gland. If the thyroid gland has been injured or removed surgically, the thyroid will not be able to produce the proper levels of hormones necessary to regulate metabolism.
In some cases Armour Thyroid may be used as a test for thyroid gland autonomy, a condition in which the thyroid and the pituitary gland are not effectively working together.
Armour Thyroid may also be used in the continuing treatment of patients suffering from myxedema coma. In this case, Armour Thyroid is administered once the patient has been stabilized through other means.
Armour Thyroid side effects
Persons taking Armour thyroid may experience a range of side-effects associated an underactive or overactive thyroid gland, including muscle fatigue and weight gain.
The proper dosage of Armour Thyroid is strongly dependant of each patient’s reaction to the drug. Persons taking Armour Thyroid are advised to follow their physician’s instructions regarding the use of this drug.
Persons taking Armour thyroid should notify their physician immediately if they experience any of the following side-effects:
Nervousness Sensitivity to heat Heart palpations Chest pain Increased heart rate Copious sweating