Limitations of our study include the retrospective nature of the study and the sample size. Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. Sign In or Create an Account. Sign In. Advanced Search. Search Menu. Article Navigation. Close mobile search navigation Article Navigation.
Volume 5. Article Contents Abstract. Oxford Academic. Google Scholar. Epub March 28, After each treatment period patients were weighed, had blood tests, underwent psychometric testing and were asked which therapy they preferred.
Desiccated thyroid extract use was also associated with more weight loss. There was no difference in the psychometric testing or in any symptoms. Both types of thyroid hormone were able to normalize the abnormal thyroid blood tests. Although desiccated thyroid extract is not widely used, this study showed that many patients preferred this option as compared with levothyroxine.
However, the best results will likely be achieved with synthetic T3. The ratio of T4 to T3 in Armour Thyroid is not ideal for humans and can lead to side effects associated with elevated T3 levels. Because synthetic T4 and T3 are biologically identical to the natural hormones, they produce exactly the same actions within the body 2.
The only difference is that Armour Thyroid also contains calcitonin, T1 and T2, which may be biologically active meaning they produce effects in the body. However, there does not appear to be any evidence that they produce any significant effect in these amounts. Summary: Synthetic thyroid hormones are biologically identical to animal hormones and will produce the same effects.
Many people with hypothyroidism have difficulties with weight loss. Losing weight can often help bring thyroid hormone levels back to normal. This can be achieved with both Synthroid and Armour Thyroid. As mentioned earlier, a study on 70 people saw greater weight loss in participants taking Armour Thyroid 4.
For more information on managing weight with hypothyroidism read this article and this one. Summary: Both Armour Thyroid and Synthroid promote weight loss, which can help bring hormone levels back to normal.
As with all medications, there are potential side effects, sometimes a result of the dosage being too high. Summary: Both Armour Thyroid and Synthroid have potential side effects including increased appetite, hair loss, headaches and more. Summary: Generic levothyroxine is cheaper than branded Synthroid, while Armour Thyroid is typically the most expensive option.
This is due to the possible side effects and lack of evidence for the use of either Armour Thyroid or combination therapy. Essentially, T3 given in medication Armour Thyroid makes regulating blood T3 levels difficult. As a result, acute or chronic side effects may occur. Synthroid produces more consistent hormone levels and fewer side effects. For the majority of people, Synthroid will correct thyroid hormone levels and symptoms will resolve.
A minority of people may not find symptom relief with Synthroid. In this case, experimental therapy with a combination of synthetic T4 and T3 may be warranted under the supervision of an endocrinologist. It appears that using synthetic T3 is more reliable than using Armour Thyroid. It should be noted that hypothyroidism associated with thyroid surgery, cancer or pregnancy may require a different treatment plan.
After studying a Bachelor of Health Science Paramedics , she later went on to follow her passion for nutrition science and completed a Master of Human Nutrition at Deakin University. So, which is the best treatment for you?
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