Re: Switched to Armour and freaking out!!!

[Guest guest]

Because I cannot tolerate the fillers in most standard drugs, I get my thyroid compounded with only olive oil as a filler from Women's International Pharmacy in Madison, WI.

You may be allergic to pork or to some of the pharmaceutical junk they now put into pork these days.

You may need to go back to the synthetic combination. In any case, ask for only small increases at any one time. My one reservation about Launius is that he tends to prescribe too aggressively.

>> I was diagnosed as hypo w/Hashi's in December. Began taking Synthroid 100mcg, then eventually Synthroid 75 + Cytomel 5. I was feeling better but still having difficulty losing weight, low libido, foggy brained. My endo was anti-Armour, but I have read so many great things about Armour. I began seeing Dr. Launius, since he is highly recommended. I was very impressed with how he listened and explained everything to me. After my first appt and seeing my labs, he wanted to put me on 180mg of Armour. I didn't question the high dose and was excited to begin taking it. I was feeling great for about 2 weeks, then began showing hyper symptoms. I went in for labs. My TSH was out of range and my free T's were at the high end of normal. My dose was lowered to 120mg, but I expressed concern that I still thought it would be too high and he agreed to begin taking 60mg. I have been on 60mg for a week now. While I'm less irritable, not sweaty or crazy, I have been experiencing significant hair loss for two week now. I had hair loss for the first 2 months or so on Synthroid as well. What concerns me now is my scalp is tingling and burning so badly. It usually starts in the afternoon and lasts until bedtime. Tonight it will not stop and my eyebrows and thighs are tingling as well. I am freaking out and fearful that all of my hair will fall out! Going to call the doc in the morning. Has anyone else experienced this when starting Armour? How long did it last? I'm beginning to think I should toss the Armour and get back on my Synthroid/Cytomel combo. Don't know what to do. HELP!!!!>

[Guest guest]

Any kind of T3 makes my hair fall out. I have gone on and off it so many times I know for sure now that's what causing it. I have stopped it completely and just working out what dose of levothroid gets me feeling the best. My body can decide how much T3 it wants to convert. Maybe you just haven't worked out your proper dose of Synthroid?

-- Tierney L. LoganThe University of Texas at AustinIntegrative Biology1 University Station C0930Austin, Texas 78712-0253Phone: Fax:

[Guest guest]

Maybe it is the high levels of T3 in Armour that is making me feel like this.

I remember my first couple of months on Synthroid, I was losing hair, was

bloated, and gaining weight. Once my body adjusted to the meds I was much

better. My hair was growing back after 3-4 months. Pu-her tea was helpful with

my bloating. But even with strict diet and exercise, I could not shake the

weight. My endo added 5 Cytomel, which helped a little.

When I began seeing my new doc I was so excited, since he was on the recommended

doc list. He has no hesitation switching to Armour. I was told that the switch

would be fine and I should not see any side effects. 180 of Armour (from 75

Synthroid + 5 Cytomel) was clearly way too high. My hyper symptoms were

horrible. I began taking note of my symptoms...

Lab work on 5/29 on 75 Synthroid + 5 Cytomel

TSH 0.58

FT4 1.1

FT3 3.1

(All in normal range, but I was really struggling with weight, I was told my

reflexes were slow, that I had dry skin. Also, not sleeping great every single

night)

*** Began 180mg on 5/31 ***

6/24 (180mg)

Sweating more than normal

Warm

Increased hair loss

Increased appetite yet maintaining weight (165-166lbs) - not watching diet

Increase in bowel movements (2-3 times per day)

Skin not as dry

Increased in migraine frequency

*** nothing taken 6/30 & 7/1 ***

*** began 45mg on 7/2 ***

Lab work on 7/2 (following two days of no does then 45mg Armour morning of)

TSH 0.1 (out of range)

FT4 1.2

FT3 4.1

(Again this is after 2 days of no meds. Doc said these levels were approx 30%

lower than what they were at peak on 180mg Armour.

*** began 60mg on 7/4 ***

7/7 (60mg)

Hair loss

Not sweating excessively

Tired

Not sleeping well

Emotional

Acne

7/8 (60mg)

Hair loss

Moments of irritability

Acne

Mild Palpitations

Maybe 1 bowl movement per day

7/9 (60mg)

Palpitations

Heaviness in throat (feel my pulse)

Acne

Hair loss

Increase in weight

No migraines since lowering dose

Tingling scalp

Tired

7/10 (60mg)

Tingly & burning scalp (until 2am!)

Tingly eyebrows

Tingly thighs

Slightly tired at times

Acne

Calmer

7/11 (no dose)

Tingly & Itchy scalp

Tired in evening

7/12 (60mg)

Overall feeling well

Burning scalp - especially at night

Hair loss

7/13 (60mg)

Tired

Burning scalp, legs

Achy

7/14 (60mg)

Horrible insomnia

Mild palpitations

*** Began 90mg Armour on 7/15 ***

7/15 (90mg)

Mild palpitations

7/18 (90mg) (PMS)

Irritable

Strong appetite

7/19 (90mg)

Little irritable in the morning, overall Feeling good

7/20 (90mg)

Itchy - head, back, arms, face

Sweating

Hair loss

7/24 (90mg)

Itchy scalp

Hair loss

7/25 (90mg)

Warm in morning

Itchy, burning scalp & eyebrows

Lump in throat

Hair loss

7/26 (90mg)

Burning skin

Tingly, itchy scalp

Very warm in am

Hair loss

My biggest complaint on Armour is the itchy/burning scalp & skin and my hair

loss. And why does it come and go? Will it ever stop? Is the T3 in Armour too

much for me? Doc told me it's is either because I'm in an adjustment phase or

it's neuropathies associated with hypo (but I never experienced this before). I

never had this on Synthroid - Only temporary side effects were bloating, hair

loss and slight weight gain. These subsided after a few months. My doc also

wants me to increase to 120mg at the end of the week. My gut is telling me not

to – I have a strong feeling 120mg will be too high. I'm already feeling warmer

on 90mg. I am due to go back for labs in 2 weeks. Do I stay on Armour or go back

to Synthroid/Cytomel? And if I switch back will I go through the same stressful

adjustment period again?

>

> Any kind of T3 makes my hair fall out. I have gone on and off it so many

> times I know for sure now that's what causing it. I have stopped it

> completely and just working out what dose of levothroid gets me feeling the

> best. My body can decide how much T3 it wants to convert. Maybe you just

> haven't worked out your proper dose of Synthroid?

>

> --

> Tierney L. Logan

> The University of Texas at Austin

> Integrative Biology

> 1 University Station C0930

> Austin, Texas 78712-0253

> Phone:

> Fax:

>

[Guest guest]

, I agree with you - go with your gut - your labs looked right at 45 mg Armour.

 

Maybe it is the high levels of T3 in Armour that is making me feel like this.

I remember my first couple of months on Synthroid, I was losing hair, was bloated, and gaining weight. Once my body adjusted to the meds I was much better. My hair was growing back after 3-4 months. Pu-her tea was helpful with my bloating. But even with strict diet and exercise, I could not shake the weight. My endo added 5 Cytomel, which helped a little.

When I began seeing my new doc I was so excited, since he was on the recommended doc list. He has no hesitation switching to Armour. I was told that the switch would be fine and I should not see any side effects. 180 of Armour (from 75 Synthroid + 5 Cytomel) was clearly way too high. My hyper symptoms were horrible. I began taking note of my symptoms...

Lab work on 5/29 on 75 Synthroid + 5 Cytomel

TSH 0.58

FT4 1.1

FT3 3.1

(All in normal range, but I was really struggling with weight, I was told my reflexes were slow, that I had dry skin. Also, not sleeping great every single night)

*** Began 180mg on 5/31 ***

6/24 (180mg)

Sweating more than normal

Warm

Increased hair loss

Increased appetite yet maintaining weight (165-166lbs) - not watching diet

Increase in bowel movements (2-3 times per day)

Skin not as dry

Increased in migraine frequency

*** nothing taken 6/30 & 7/1 ***

*** began 45mg on 7/2 ***

Lab work on 7/2 (following two days of no does then 45mg Armour morning of)

TSH 0.1 (out of range)

FT4 1.2

FT3 4.1

(Again this is after 2 days of no meds. Doc said these levels were approx 30% lower than what they were at peak on 180mg Armour.

*** began 60mg on 7/4 ***

7/7 (60mg)

Hair loss

Not sweating excessively

Tired

Not sleeping well

Emotional

Acne

7/8 (60mg)

Hair loss

Moments of irritability

Acne

Mild Palpitations

Maybe 1 bowl movement per day

7/9 (60mg)

Palpitations

Heaviness in throat (feel my pulse)

Acne

Hair loss

Increase in weight

No migraines since lowering dose

Tingling scalp

Tired

7/10 (60mg)

Tingly & burning scalp (until 2am!)

Tingly eyebrows

Tingly thighs

Slightly tired at times

Acne

Calmer

7/11 (no dose)

Tingly & Itchy scalp

Tired in evening

7/12 (60mg)

Overall feeling well

Burning scalp - especially at night

Hair loss

7/13 (60mg)

Tired

Burning scalp, legs

Achy

7/14 (60mg)

Horrible insomnia

Mild palpitations

*** Began 90mg Armour on 7/15 ***

7/15 (90mg)

Mild palpitations

7/18 (90mg) (PMS)

Irritable

Strong appetite

7/19 (90mg)

Little irritable in the morning, overall Feeling good

7/20 (90mg)

Itchy - head, back, arms, face

Sweating

Hair loss

7/24 (90mg)

Itchy scalp

Hair loss

7/25 (90mg)

Warm in morning

Itchy, burning scalp & eyebrows

Lump in throat

Hair loss

7/26 (90mg)

Burning skin

Tingly, itchy scalp

Very warm in am

Hair loss

My biggest complaint on Armour is the itchy/burning scalp & skin and my hair loss. And why does it come and go? Will it ever stop? Is the T3 in Armour too much for me? Doc told me it's is either because I'm in an adjustment phase or it's neuropathies associated with hypo (but I never experienced this before). I never had this on Synthroid - Only temporary side effects were bloating, hair loss and slight weight gain. These subsided after a few months. My doc also wants me to increase to 120mg at the end of the week. My gut is telling me not to – I have a strong feeling 120mg will be too high. I'm already feeling warmer on 90mg. I am due to go back for labs in 2 weeks. Do I stay on Armour or go back to Synthroid/Cytomel? And if I switch back will I go through the same stressful adjustment period again?

>

> Any kind of T3 makes my hair fall out. I have gone on and off it so many

> times I know for sure now that's what causing it. I have stopped it

> completely and just working out what dose of levothroid gets me feeling the

> best. My body can decide how much T3 it wants to convert. Maybe you just

> haven't worked out your proper dose of Synthroid?

>

> --

> Tierney L. Logan

> The University of Texas at Austin

> Integrative Biology

> 1 University Station C0930

> Austin, Texas 78712-0253

> Phone:

> Fax:

>

[Guest guest]

Tierney, I have noticed that any dose of T3 I am on dose the same thing to my hair,Although I have thick hair, I am tiring of this. I am not on a high dose of T3 now, just 25mcg,But it still does it. May I ask what brand of thyroid you take, as I am unfamiliar…is it called levothroid? Thank you, From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Tierney LoganSent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 11:36 AMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: Switched to Armour and freaking out!!! Any kind of T3 makes my hair fall out. I have gone on and off it so many times I know for sure now that's what causing it. I have stopped it completely and just working out what dose of levothroid gets me feeling the best. My body can decide how much T3 it wants to convert. Maybe you just haven't worked out your proper dose of Synthroid? -- Tierney L. LoganThe University of Texas at AustinIntegrative Biology1 University Station C0930Austin, Texas 78712-0253Phone: Fax:

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

levothroid is just another synthetic T4 like Synthroid, I think Forest makes it,

it's just cheaper than Synthroid.

You are the second person I've talked to who has the same experience with hair

fall on T3. So there are at least 3 of us weirdos out there.

>

> Tierney,

>

>

>

> I have noticed that any dose of T3 I am on dose the same thing to my hair,

>

> Although I have thick hair, I am tiring of this. I am not on a high dose of

> T3 now, just 25mcg,

>

> But it still does it.

>

> May I ask what brand of thyroid you take, as I am unfamiliar.is it called

> levothroid?

>

>

>

> Thank you,

>

>

>

>

>

> From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

> [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Tierney Logan

> Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 11:36 AM

> To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

> Subject: Re: Switched to Armour and freaking out!!!

>

>

>

>

>

> Any kind of T3 makes my hair fall out. I have gone on and off it so many

> times I know for sure now that's what causing it. I have stopped it

> completely and just working out what dose of levothroid gets me feeling the

> best. My body can decide how much T3 it wants to convert. Maybe you just

> haven't worked out your proper dose of Synthroid?

>

> --

>

> Tierney L. Logan

>

> The University of Texas at Austin

>

> Integrative Biology

>

> 1 University Station C0930

>

> Austin, Texas 78712-0253

>

> Phone:

>

> Fax:

>

[Guest guest]

Tierney, 

I have noticed that any dose of T3 I am on dose the same thing to my hair,

Although I have thick hair, I am tiring of this.  I am not on a high dose of T3 now, just 25mcg,

Is your T3 compound? If not, are you taking it at different times of the day? I take 12.5 mcg of T3 at a time, and find that it lasts about 3 hours. Susie 

[Guest guest]

Tierney, The hair coming out was awful, but I also had some other terrible symptomsAt such a high dose of T3… I am seeking suggestions from people here that Have had not so good experiences with timed released T3…I didn’t have a problem with T3… so I thought, until I got up to 87.5 mcg…I was so wired, felt so bad, heart palpitations and just felt like my insides were frying…Felt like my brain was frying…buzzing…and then I went off of it cold turkey, without taperingDown…and got myself into a real physical and mental mess for awhile…I had never everExperienced anything like that…T3 is powerful, I guess more powerful than T4… I mentioned I am on no more than 25mcg of T3 now…and I even attempted to go up to 37.5mcg,And that was too much…so, at least I know now what I can’t take of T3 timed release… I wonder if I might benefit from trying T4 only?Or do you have to make sure you have T4 T3 combined in the pill? Confused. Thank you, From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Tierney WayneSent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 10:09 AMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: Switched to Armour and freaking out!!! Hi ,levothroid is just another synthetic T4 like Synthroid, I think Forest makes it, it's just cheaper than Synthroid.You are the second person I've talked to who has the same experience with hair fall on T3. So there are at least 3 of us weirdos out there. >> Tierney,> > > > I have noticed that any dose of T3 I am on dose the same thing to my hair,> > Although I have thick hair, I am tiring of this. I am not on a high dose of> T3 now, just 25mcg,> > But it still does it. > > May I ask what brand of thyroid you take, as I am unfamiliar.is it called> levothroid?> > > > Thank you,> > > > > > From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Tierney Logan> Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 11:36 AM> To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > Subject: Re: Switched to Armour and freaking out!!!> > > > > > Any kind of T3 makes my hair fall out. I have gone on and off it so many> times I know for sure now that's what causing it. I have stopped it> completely and just working out what dose of levothroid gets me feeling the> best. My body can decide how much T3 it wants to convert. Maybe you just> haven't worked out your proper dose of Synthroid? > > -- > > Tierney L. Logan> > The University of Texas at Austin> > Integrative Biology> > 1 University Station C0930> > Austin, Texas 78712-0253> > Phone: > > Fax: >

[Guest guest]

T3 is roughly 4 times stronger than T4. Are you taking the t3 all at once? Most

on non-tr t3 need to take it in divided doses. I take mine in 3 doses. Also,

incrementing in 5 mcg doses might be easier. Some folks also cannot tolerate

the fillers in timed realease meds. I may be repeating what's been already said

but intolernce to thyroid hormone is a sign of adrenal problems. Some don't do

well on a t3 only protocol so u might ask about adding in some t4.

> >

> > Tierney,

> >

> >

> >

> > I have noticed that any dose of T3 I am on dose the same thing to my hair,

> >

> > Although I have thick hair, I am tiring of this. I am not on a high dose

> of

> > T3 now, just 25mcg,

> >

> > But it still does it.

> >

> > May I ask what brand of thyroid you take, as I am unfamiliar.is it called

> > levothroid?

> >

> >

> >

> > Thank you,

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

> <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com>

> > [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups

> <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Tierney Logan

> > Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 11:36 AM

> > To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

> <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com>

> > Subject: Re: Switched to Armour and freaking out!!!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Any kind of T3 makes my hair fall out. I have gone on and off it so many

> > times I know for sure now that's what causing it. I have stopped it

> > completely and just working out what dose of levothroid gets me feeling

> the

> > best. My body can decide how much T3 it wants to convert. Maybe you just

> > haven't worked out your proper dose of Synthroid?

> >

> > --

> >

> > Tierney L. Logan

> >

> > The University of Texas at Austin

> >

> > Integrative Biology

> >

> > 1 University Station C0930

> >

> > Austin, Texas 78712-0253

> >

> > Phone:

> >

> > Fax:

> >

>

[Guest guest]

How would you know if you couldn’t tolerate a filler? What would that feel like? That is what Spurlock said, about adding in some T4…But he didn’t say why…But I wondered why add it, and what happens then?Is it just a slower process of T4 then converting to T3?Is it Levothyroxine? I am confused as to what brand name T4 is… No, I am not taking it all at once…If I wake at 4pm to go to bathroom, I take 5mcg,And then take 17.5 mcg by 9 am… and another 5 mcg if I feel I need it by mid afternoon… I found that taking 25mcg at 9 am doesn’t work for me…my heart starts pounding by evening… So your suggestion of splitting the doses seems to work for me…but I understand they are 12 hour release… But I am diligent about being able to take my meds spread out…some people are not. Thanks for your help. From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 5:38 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: Switched to Armour and freaking out!!! T3 is roughly 4 times stronger than T4. Are you taking the t3 all at once? Most on non-tr t3 need to take it in divided doses. I take mine in 3 doses. Also, incrementing in 5 mcg doses might be easier. Some folks also cannot tolerate the fillers in timed realease meds. I may be repeating what's been already said but intolernce to thyroid hormone is a sign of adrenal problems. Some don't do well on a t3 only protocol so u might ask about adding in some t4. > >> > Tierney,> > > > > > > > I have noticed that any dose of T3 I am on dose the same thing to my hair,> > > > Although I have thick hair, I am tiring of this. I am not on a high dose> of> > T3 now, just 25mcg,> > > > But it still does it. > > > > May I ask what brand of thyroid you take, as I am unfamiliar.is it called> > levothroid?> > > > > > > > Thank you,> > > > > > > > > > > > From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com> > > [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups > <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Tierney Logan> > Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 11:36 AM> > To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com> > > Subject: Re: Switched to Armour and freaking out!!!> > > > > > > > > > > > Any kind of T3 makes my hair fall out. I have gone on and off it so many> > times I know for sure now that's what causing it. I have stopped it> > completely and just working out what dose of levothroid gets me feeling> the> > best. My body can decide how much T3 it wants to convert. Maybe you just> > haven't worked out your proper dose of Synthroid? > > > > -- > > > > Tierney L. Logan> > > > The University of Texas at Austin> > > > Integrative Biology> > > > 1 University Station C0930> > > > Austin, Texas 78712-0253> > > > Phone: > > > > Fax: > >>

[Guest guest]

Allergic symptoms such as itching, sneezing, or upset stomach are common. I get irritation of the urinary tract from certain fillers most especially microcrystalline and anything of GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) origin.

> > >> > > Tierney,> > > > > > > > > > > > I have noticed that any dose of T3 I am on dose the same thing to my> hair,> > > > > > Although I have thick hair, I am tiring of this. I am not on a high dose> > of> > > T3 now, just 25mcg,> > > > > > But it still does it. > > > > > > May I ask what brand of thyroid you take, as I am unfamiliar.is it> called> > > levothroid?> > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you,> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com> > > <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com> > > > [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups > <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com> > > <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Tierney> Logan> > > Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 11:36 AM> > > To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com> > > <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com> > > > Subject: Re: Switched to Armour and freaking> out!!!> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Any kind of T3 makes my hair fall out. I have gone on and off it so many> > > times I know for sure now that's what causing it. I have stopped it> > > completely and just working out what dose of levothroid gets me feeling> > the> > > best. My body can decide how much T3 it wants to convert. Maybe you just> > > haven't worked out your proper dose of Synthroid? > > > > > > -- > > > > > > Tierney L. Logan> > > > > > The University of Texas at Austin> > > > > > Integrative Biology> > > > > > 1 University Station C0930> > > > > > Austin, Texas 78712-0253> > > > > > Phone: > > > > > > Fax: > > >> >>

[Guest guest]

We each need a certain amount of T3 and a certain amount of T4. There are very few folks who do well on T3 only. Most of us need some T4 as well. I would not recommend straight T4 unless you have done well on it in the past.

Because of my sensitivities, I get all of my thyroid meds compounded at Women's International Pharmacy with only olive oil as a filler. Abrams Royal uses bicarbonate of soda as their default filler for non-timed-release meds. That is good, too. I cannot tolerate timed release meds at all. They contain a lot of cellulose.

Compounders can put different meds together in the same capsule. Until you get on a stable dose, I would suggest that you ask for your T3 and T4 in separate capsules, so that you can adjust them independently.

> >> > Tierney,> > > > > > > > The hair coming out was awful, but I also had some other terrible symptoms> > > > At such a high dose of T3.> > > > > > > > I am seeking suggestions from people here that > > > > Have had not so good experiences with timed released T3.> > > > I didn't have a problem with T3. so I thought, until I got up to 87.5 mcg.> > > > I was so wired, felt so bad, heart palpitations and just felt like my> > insides were frying.> > > > Felt like my brain was frying.buzzing.and then I went off of it cold> turkey,> > without tapering> > > > Down.and got myself into a real physical and mental mess for awhile.I had> > never ever> > > > Experienced anything like that.T3 is powerful, I guess more powerful than> > T4.> > > > > > > > I mentioned I am on no more than 25mcg of T3 now.and I even attempted to> go> > up to 37.5mcg,> > > > And that was too much.so, at least I know now what I can't take of T3> timed> > release.> > > > > > > > > > > > I wonder if I might benefit from trying T4 only?> > > > Or do you have to make sure you have T4 T3 combined in the pill?> > > > > > > > Confused.> > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you,> > > >

[Guest guest]

Very appreciative of this info…thank you. From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of texasthyroidSent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 8:12 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: Switched to Armour and freaking out!!! We each need a certain amount of T3 and a certain amount of T4. There are very few folks who do well on T3 only. Most of us need some T4 as well. I would not recommend straight T4 unless you have done well on it in the past. Because of my sensitivities, I get all of my thyroid meds compounded at Women's International Pharmacy with only olive oil as a filler. Abrams Royal uses bicarbonate of soda as their default filler for non-timed-release meds. That is good, too. I cannot tolerate timed release meds at all. They contain a lot of cellulose.Compounders can put different meds together in the same capsule. Until you get on a stable dose, I would suggest that you ask for your T3 and T4 in separate capsules, so that you can adjust them independently. > >> > Tierney,> > > > > > > > The hair coming out was awful, but I also had some other terrible symptoms> > > > At such a high dose of T3.> > > > > > > > I am seeking suggestions from people here that > > > > Have had not so good experiences with timed released T3.> > > > I didn't have a problem with T3. so I thought, until I got up to 87.5 mcg.> > > > I was so wired, felt so bad, heart palpitations and just felt like my> > insides were frying.> > > > Felt like my brain was frying.buzzing.and then I went off of it cold> turkey,> > without tapering> > > > Down.and got myself into a real physical and mental mess for awhile.I had> > never ever> > > > Experienced anything like that.T3 is powerful, I guess more powerful than> > T4.> > > > > > > > I mentioned I am on no more than 25mcg of T3 now.and I even attempted to> go> > up to 37.5mcg,> > > > And that was too much.so, at least I know now what I can't take of T3> timed> > release.> > > > > > > > > > > > I wonder if I might benefit from trying T4 only?> > > > Or do you have to make sure you have T4 T3 combined in the pill?> > > > > > > > Confused.> > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you,> > > >

[Guest guest]

T3 is roughly 4 times stronger than T4. Are you taking the t3 all at once? Most

on non-tr t3 need to take it in divided doses. I take mine in 3 doses. Also,

incrementing in 5 mcg doses might be easier. Some folks also cannot tolerate

the fillers in timed realease meds. I may be repeating what's been already said

but intolernce to thyroid hormone is a sign of adrenal problems. Some don't do

well on a t3 only protocol so u might ask about adding in some t4.

> >

> > Tierney,

> >

> >

> >

> > I have noticed that any dose of T3 I am on dose the same thing to my hair,

> >

> > Although I have thick hair, I am tiring of this. I am not on a high dose

> of

> > T3 now, just 25mcg,

> >

> > But it still does it.

> >

> > May I ask what brand of thyroid you take, as I am unfamiliar.is it called

> > levothroid?

> >

> >

> >

> > Thank you,

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

> <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com>

> > [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups

> <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Tierney Logan

> > Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 11:36 AM

> > To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

> <mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups%40yahoogroups.com>

> > Subject: Re: Switched to Armour and freaking out!!!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Any kind of T3 makes my hair fall out. I have gone on and off it so many

> > times I know for sure now that's what causing it. I have stopped it

> > completely and just working out what dose of levothroid gets me feeling

> the

> > best. My body can decide how much T3 it wants to convert. Maybe you just

> > haven't worked out your proper dose of Synthroid?

> >

> > --

> >

> > Tierney L. Logan

> >

> > The University of Texas at Austin

> >

> > Integrative Biology

> >

> > 1 University Station C0930

> >

> > Austin, Texas 78712-0253

> >

> > Phone:

> >

> > Fax:

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Levothroid is a brand of levothyroxine. Other brands are $ynthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid and Tirosint.

There are also generics (levothyroxine) made by Mylan, Sandoz and Lannett.

>> Tierney,> > > > Is Levothyroxine levothroid? > > Another Doctor wrote an RX for Levothryoxine 50 mcg> > And suggested I try this instead of T3, since I seem to be having not so> good > > Experience with T3.> > > > Thank you,> > > > > > From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Tierney Logan> Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 11:36 AM> To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > Subject: Re: Switched to Armour and freaking out!!!> > > > > > Any kind of T3 makes my hair fall out. I have gone on and off it so many> times I know for sure now that's what causing it. I have stopped it> completely and just working out what dose of levothroid gets me feeling the> best. My body can decide how much T3 it wants to convert. Maybe you just> haven't worked out your proper dose of Synthroid? > > -- > > Tierney L. Logan> > The University of Texas at Austin> > Integrative Biology> > 1 University Station C0930> > Austin, Texas 78712-0253> > Phone: > > Fax: >

[Guest guest]

Just for you to note, I am not on Cytomel,I am on compounded T3 from Abrams Royal, and it is timed released.Don’t know if it makes any difference, but wanted you to know specifics.Thank you Tierney, From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Tierney WayneSent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 10:09 AMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: Switched to Armour and freaking out!!! Hi ,levothroid is just another synthetic T4 like Synthroid, I think Forest makes it, it's just cheaper than Synthroid.You are the second person I've talked to who has the same experience with hair fall on T3. So there are at least 3 of us weirdos out there. >> Tierney,> > > > I have noticed that any dose of T3 I am on dose the same thing to my hair,> > Although I have thick hair, I am tiring of this. I am not on a high dose of> T3 now, just 25mcg,> > But it still does it. > > May I ask what brand of thyroid you take, as I am unfamiliar.is it called> levothroid?> > > > Thank you,> > > > > > From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Tierney Logan> Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 11:36 AM> To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > Subject: Re: Switched to Armour and freaking out!!!> > > > > > Any kind of T3 makes my hair fall out. I have gone on and off it so many> times I know for sure now that's what causing it. I have stopped it> completely and just working out what dose of levothroid gets me feeling the> best. My body can decide how much T3 it wants to convert. Maybe you just> haven't worked out your proper dose of Synthroid? > > -- > > Tierney L. Logan> > The University of Texas at Austin> > Integrative Biology> > 1 University Station C0930> > Austin, Texas 78712-0253> > Phone: > > Fax: >

[Guest guest]

So I'm still freaking out...

Began 100mcg Synthroid which brought my FT4 to 2.0. I was experiencing

substantial hair loss during my first 3 months on Synthroid. I was lowered to

75mcg Synthroid, and felt pretty good aside from difficulty with weight loss,

low libido and occasional poor sleep. My endo added 5 Cytomel to my 75

Synthroid. I felt pretty good, but still struggled with my previous symptoms.

I began seeing my new doc in late May. My labs on 75 Synthroid + 5 Cytomel were

TSH 0.58, FT4 1.1, FT3 3.1

(All in normal range, but I was really struggling with weight, I was told my

reflexes were slow, that I had dry skin. Also, not sleeping great every single

night) It was recommended that I switch to Armour. I was very hopeful as I have

heard wonderful things about Armour.

I was prescribed 180mg (a HUGE jump from my Synthroid/Cytomel combo), and was

completely overmedicated. I had hyper symptoms and was told to discontinue use

and return two days later for labs. After two days of no dose my levels were TSH

0.1, FT4 1.2, FT3 4.1 (Doc said these levels were approx 30% lower than what

they were at peak on 180mg Armour.)

We lowered to 60mg, 2 weeks later increased to 90mg. I stayed on 90 for 4 weeks

and for the most part I was feeling well. However my hair loss has not subsided,

but seems to be increasing and I occasionally experience neuropathies in my

scalp (itching, tingling and burning). I was originally told that this sensation

was possibly either due to my levels being too low or me being in an adjustment

phase of treatment.

Visited my doc on Thurs. We discussed my hair loss concern. Again, he said once

my levels are optimal it will subside. As far as the itchy/burning scalp, it

could be a B12 deficiency. Lab results were TSH 0.04, FT4 0.9, FT3 4.5 and B12

396 (200-400 range is sometimes associated with neuropathies). After reviewing

my labs he recommended increasing to 105mg Armour and increasing my B12

supplement from 1000mcg to 3000mcg. I was concerned about my TSH and FT3 levels

being out of range but was told it's because my blood was drawn 3 hours

following my morning dose and the T3 in Armour will spike in the AM and wear off

as the day progresses.

My concerns are the following...

- Hair loss: Over the past week, my hair loss has increased significantly and it

is scaring me!

- I understand the idea of increasing to 105mg of Armour will hopefully bring up

my FT4 levels, but will the increase bring my TSH and FT3 levels too far out of

range? Could the high FT3 and low TSH be causing my hair loss?

- Is it possible that the T3 in Armour is too much for me to handle? Am better

off going back to 75mcg Synthroid + 5 (or slightly more) Cytomel? I was

following that treatment for 3 months and felt pretty good (aside from a

struggle with my weight, low libido and occasional poor sleep)

I'm really trying to hang in there with Armour but am growing increasingly

worried about this hair loss.

>

> >

> >

> > Tierney,****

> >

> > ** **

> >

> > I have noticed that any dose of T3 I am on dose the same thing to my hair,

> > ****

> >

> > Although I have thick hair, I am tiring of this. I am not on a high dose

> > of T3 now, just 25mcg,

> >

>

> Is your T3 compound? If not, are you taking it at different times of the

> day? I take 12.5 mcg of T3 at a time, and find that it lasts about 3 hours.

>

> Susie

>

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry you are going through all that. I completely stopped any T3 about 3 or

4 weeks ago and my hair loss had really subsided. I still have a little loss and

my hair doesn't seem to be growing back in yet, though. I never had a B12

deficiency, mine was always over-range, so I know that wasn't it for me. My

theory is that it is general stress causing my hair loss and T3 just adds more

metabolic stress on my body. I am doing more now to just manage stress- doing

meditation/hypnosis tapes (I really recommend this- Glenn Harrold in particular

is great, esp if you have insomnia), seeing a counselor, and exercising.

Remember that not *everything* is because of your thyroid. And what works for

some may not work for you. Hang in there.

> >

> > >

> > >

> > > Tierney,****

> > >

> > > ** **

> > >

> > > I have noticed that any dose of T3 I am on dose the same thing to my hair,

> > > ****

> > >

> > > Although I have thick hair, I am tiring of this. I am not on a high dose

> > > of T3 now, just 25mcg,

> > >

> >

> > Is your T3 compound? If not, are you taking it at different times of the

> > day? I take 12.5 mcg of T3 at a time, and find that it lasts about 3 hours.

> >

> > Susie

> >

>