December 19, 2024
Three reasons why you responded poorly to NP Thyroid or Armour
Hey there, everyone! Today, I want to dive into a topic that many of you have asked about – why am I facing challenges when trying thyroid medications like Armour or NP Thyroid? It's not uncommon to hear about negative experiences or lack of efficacy, and I'm here to shed some light on why that might be happening. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let's talk about thyroid meds.
Here are some common pitfalls and solutions:
- Transitioning from Levothyroxine or Synthroid:
- One of the most common issues I see is the improper transition from levothyroxine or Synthroid to Armour or NP Thyroid. The problem lies in the half-life of Levo medications, which is approximately 10 days. If you stop taking Levo on a Monday and start Armour the same day, you might effectively double your dose in one day, causing discomfort, jitteriness, palpitations, anxiety, and an overall uneasy feeling.
Solution: Transitioning should be done gradually, allowing for the gradual decrease of T4 levels before introducing the new medication.
- Underdosing:
- Many clinicians are not adequately trained in the use of desiccated thyroid medications like Armour or NP Thyroid. This lack of training often results in underdosing, leading to patients not feeling well due to receiving insufficient medication.
Solution: Seek out healthcare professionals who are experienced in using desiccated thyroid medications and can appropriately adjust the dosage based on individual needs.
- Once-a-Day Dosing:
- Armour and NP Thyroid contain short-acting T3, which peaks and troughs in about six to eight hours. Once-a-day dosing can result in an afternoon crash, making it challenging for the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to reduce and impact hormone coverage for metabolism, hair, skin, and cognition.
Solution: Split your dosage, taking it in the morning and late afternoon to avoid crashes and maintain steady hormone levels throughout the day.
In the world of thyroid medications, it's not just about being on the right dose. The timing of the dose and the choice of medication also play crucial roles in achieving optimal results. It's a bit like a puzzle – you need all the right pieces in place.
That was a lot of information! I hope this sheds some light on the common pitfalls people encounter with thyroid medications. If you found this helpful, save it for later, and don't hesitate to tag a friend who might benefit from this info. Remember, finding the right balance is key to feeling your best, and consulting with experts, like those at Modern Thyroid Clinic, can make all the difference. Here's to clearer thyroid journeys and feeling fantastic!