How Does Armour Thyroid Work?
The thyroid gland makes two different thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and
thyroid USP (T4). Usually, the thyroid gland produces much more T4 than T3; however, T3 is much more active than T4. The body can convert the T4 hormone into T3 as necessary. If your thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormones, there are a few different ways to increase your levels.
Most people with an underactive thyroid are treated with synthetic T4, also known as
levothyroxine (
Levoxyl,
Levothroid,
Synthroid, and others). However, some people prefer to be treated with natural thyroid products, such as Armour Thyroid. Armour Thyroid consists of ground-up pig thyroid glands, so it contains both T3 and T4.
When and How to Take Armour Thyroid
General considerations for when and how to take Armour Thyroid include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form and is taken once a day.
- Although the prescribing information for Armour Thyroid does not mention this, it is best to take the drug on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.
- Since Armour Thyroid tablets contain ground-up pig thyroid, they have a very characteristic odor that many people consider to be unpleasant.
- Your healthcare provider will adjust your Armour Thyroid dose based on certain blood tests. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have missed any of your doses, as this may affect any adjustments.
- Try to take Armour Thyroid at the same time each day to keep an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Armour Thyroid will not work if you stop taking it.
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