From the Guidelines
Monitoring Armour Thyroid dosage requires regular thyroid function tests, typically every 6-8 weeks when starting treatment or after dose adjustments, then every 6-12 months once stable, with a focus on TSH levels, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. When monitoring Armour Thyroid dosage, it is essential to consider the patient's overall health and adjust the dosage accordingly.
- The primary test used to monitor thyroid function is the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test, which has a sensitivity above 98% and a specificity greater than 92% for the clinical and functional diagnosis of thyroid disease 1.
- Free T3 and Free T4 levels may also be measured to ensure they're within normal limits, and the dosage of Armour Thyroid should be adjusted to bring the serum TSH into the reference range, with some patients feeling best with TSH in the lower half of this range 1.
- Beyond lab tests, patients should pay attention to their symptoms, such as persistent fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, or heart palpitations, which may indicate that the dose needs adjustment.
- It is also crucial to take Armour Thyroid consistently, usually once daily in the morning on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before eating, and to separate certain medications and supplements, such as calcium, iron, and antacids, by 4 hours to avoid interference with absorption.
- Regular monitoring is essential because thyroid requirements can change over time due to aging, weight changes, pregnancy, or other health conditions, and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly to maintain optimal thyroid function and prevent overtreatment or undertreatment 1.
From the Research
Monitoring Armour Thyroid Dose
To monitor Armour Thyroid dose, the following points should be considered:
- Thyroid function tests, including serum thyrotropin (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and free thyroxine (fT4) levels, should be regularly checked to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust the dose as needed 2, 3.
- Patients should be monitored for symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, depression, and impaired cognition, as well as for signs of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, palpitations, and anxiety 4, 5.
- The dose of Armour Thyroid may need to be adjusted based on individual patient response, and some patients may require a combination of levothyroxine and liothyronine or a switch to a different formulation, such as a liquid formulation of levothyroxine 2, 3.
- Patient-reported outcomes, such as improvements in symptoms and overall well-being, should also be taken into account when monitoring the effectiveness of Armour Thyroid treatment 5.
Key Considerations
- The use of desiccated thyroid extract, such as Armour Thyroid, is not universally recommended and may be associated with risks, such as inconsistent T4 and T3 contents and potential safety concerns 2, 6.
- Clinical guidelines caution against the use of desiccated thyroid extract and combination therapy with levothyroxine and liothyronine, except in exceptional cases 6.
- Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of Armour Thyroid and other alternative treatments for hypothyroidism 6.
Patient Factors
- Patient preferences and individual needs should be taken into account when selecting a treatment for hypothyroidism, and some patients may prefer desiccated thyroid extract due to perceived better effectiveness and improved overall well-being 5.
- Patients should be closely monitored for side effects and adverse reactions, and the dose of Armour Thyroid should be adjusted as needed to minimize risks and optimize benefits 4, 5.