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Hypothyroidism and Desiccated Thyroid: Interviews with Doctors

Purpose of this compilation

To show that treating hypothyroidism with desiccated thyroid (best known by the brand name Armour) is an effective treatment, and is often more successful than treatment with synthetic thyroid medications. Unless otherwise indicated, the doctors were interviewed by Mary Shomon.

1. David Brownstein, MD: "Overcoming Thyroid Disorders" (July 2002)

Hypothyroid individuals often gain weight, which they are unable to lose. Much of this weight is water weight. In my experience, natural thyroid medications, such as Armour thyroid often relieve the fluid retention caused by hypothyroidism. On the other hand, I have found that Synthetic versions of thyroid hormone (Levothroid and Synthroid and Unithroid) do not have this diuretic effect....

...It has been my experience that using Armour thyroid...is much more effective than using synthetic hormones because Armour thyroid contains other items that facilitate the conversion of inactive to active thyroid hormone.

Online at <www.thyroid-info.com/articles/brownstein-thyroid.htm> (accessed 2003/09/02).

2. John Dommisse, MD: "Unique Theories About Hypothyroidism Treatment" (May 2002)

If I start out with a T4/T3 combination like Armour Thyroid (because the free-T3 level in that patient is significantly lower, relatively-speaking, than the free-T4 level), this becomes the only treatment, again, in a minority of cases. In most cases, the free-T3 level will be elevated higher than the free-T4 level by Armour Thyroid. In that case, I add small to moderate daily doses of T4 — whatever is required to optimize both the free-T3 and free-T4 levels.

Online at <www.thyroid-info.com/articles/dommisse.htm> (accessed 2003/09/02).

3. Joseph Mercola, DO: "Hypothyroidism and the Role of Armour Thyroid, Seaweed, Exercise, and More" (June 2000)

It is my experience the vast majority of individuals seem to empirically do better on natural hormones, rather than synthetic ones. I can't provide a definitive explanation for this observation. It may be related to the fact that the natural hormones also have T1 and T2. Little is said about these forms of thyroid hormones, but they may have some influence on optimizing thyroid function.

Online at <www.thyroid-info.com/articles/mercola.htm> (accessed 2003/09/02).

4. Carol Roberts, MD: "A Look at Hypothyroidism and Armour Thyroid, Vitamin and Mineral Supplements, Type A Personalities, and More" (June 2000)

The ideal thyroid replacement would be natural human thyroid in exactly the right proportions. However, since this is not currently available I use the [desiccated] animal product because it seems to work well for most patients, much better certainly than synthetic T4 alone (Synthroid)....In general I find that a natural product works better, and is less costly, than the pharmaceutical alternative.

Online at <www.thyroid-info.com/articles/carolroberts.htm> (accessed 2003/09/02).