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Armour Thyroid Uses
Armour Thyroid uses are primarily concerned with the treatment of goiters, underactive thyroid, and certain types of thyroid cancer. The drug, which is available by prescription, can be used to treat thyroid problems in children and infants. Healthcare providers may also occasionally recommend off-label Armour Thyroid uses, such as for treating depression (when used in combination with antidepressants).
from eMedTV.comArmour® Thyroid (thyroid USP) is a "natural" thyroid replacement medication. It is available only with a prescription. Armour Thyroid is used to treat the following conditions:
- Goiters (including thyroid nodules)
- Underactive thyroid (known medically as hypothyroidism)
- Certain types of thyroid cancer (when used with surgery or other treatments).
Armour Thyroid can also be used in the testing process for certain thyroid problems.
Armour Thyroid Uses for Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a common disorder of the thyroid gland. It can occur as the result of two very different problems. It can occur due to problems that cause the thyroid to be underactive, such as inflammation of the thyroid, or it can be caused by treatments for other thyroid problems, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Part of the thyroid is often intentionally destroyed using surgery or other treatments in an effort to treat cancer, nodules, or hyperthyroidism. However, it is common to destroy too much of the thyroid, leaving people with an underactive thyroid.Either way, the end result is the same -- the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which results in the following hypothyroidism symptoms:
- Constipation
- A decreased sex drive
- Muscle cramps
- Coarse, dry hair
- Skin that is dry, rough, and pale
- Fatigue and weakness
- Feeling cold all the time
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
- Depression
- Irritability
- Memory loss.
As you can see, many of these symptoms can be subtle, and many people blame their symptoms on aging or stress, without realizing they have a thyroid problem. Armour Thyroid works to boost the body's thyroid hormone levels, which can work wonders for the symptoms of hypothyroidism. However, do not expect results overnight; it often takes several weeks to notice any improvement. Armour Thyroid should never be used to increase energy or to cause weight loss in people without a thyroid problem.
It is important to understand that with Armour Thyroid, more is not necessarily better. Taking too much will cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism, some of which can be quite dangerous. This is why your healthcare provider will carefully monitor you, using blood tests, to make sure you are not taking too much or too little of the drug.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD