Still up in the air about Armour

August 13, 2012

Switched from 75 Synthroid + 5 Cytomel to Armour a little over two months ago.

Labs before switch 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)

When I first began Armour I was Rx'd 180mg, and was completely overmedicated.

After two days of no dose my levels were TSH 0.1, 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.

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

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 and 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 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.

HELP!!!!

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