“A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents
and making them see the light, but rather because it opponents eventually die,
and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it” ~ Max Planck
NOTE: Though this post was originally written in 2011, it has been updated to the current date and time.
HOW DIFFERENT BRANDS OF DESICCATED WORK FOR SOME, NOT FOR OTHERS
Granted, we note from patient reports that all brands work based on individual reports of any brand.
But some patients, for a variety of reasons, feel they do well on some NDT’s, but not on others. It’s very individual. This may be due to the fillers in any product.
Or, there are some like me who had to switch from one desiccated thyroid brand to another, not because of fillers, but changes in the product. I, for example, was on the pre-reformulated Armour from 2002 to 2009, and successfully treated.
Then came 2009 when patients were reporting Armour not working as well anymore. It had been reformulated–the cellulose raised and the sucrose decreased. I just let my old Armour run out, and I started on Erfa Thyroid from Canada. And it was an easy and successful switch for me.
But even some batches of Erfa seemed to go bad in 2014, so I then moved over to NP Thyroid, which has been great to this day.
So I am an example of the way that all three did work for me, and simply had to change due to reported problems in the way Armour, or Erfa, was made.
What if any switch doesn’t result in good results?
For many, the NDT they have switched to works just as well, as happened to me. But for some, a switch has not been smooth. One brand seemed to serve them well, while another brand caused them to tank.
What causes the switch problems?
For many, it could be the adrenals. On one product, they may have felt fine, yet due to an underlying adrenal issue they hadn’t caught, a different brand with that “something different” may have been the umpff that revealed their adrenal problem.
For others, the issues on the new brand could be from a sensitivity to one or more of the fillers. You can read about all fillers in each brand here.
And for still others, there is a mystery of why one didn’t work and another did.
What has been your experience? What did you switch from and to? Armour? Naturethroid? Erfa? Compounded? Thyroid-S? Let’s share.
If I need to switch, how do I do it?
It’s pretty much an even switch. i.e. if I was doing well on 3 grains on one brand, I go on 3 grains of the other.
But if I wasn’t doing well on a brand, it’s important to ask one self four things:
- Did I raise the current brand high enough? It’s common for hypothyroid symptoms to return on lower non-optimal doses. How to raise is explained here.
- Do I have an issue with a filler?? They can be looked at here.
- Do I have optimal levels of iron? Because if your iron levels aren’t “optimal”, it can cause problems when raising NDT. Optimal has nothing to do with normal. See this page.
- Do I have an adrenal problem being revealed due to NDT?
- Join the STTM STTM Facebook page for daily tips and inspiration on thyroid issues.
- Have you ever heard of the gal who calls herself nonstickpam? I’ve known Pam for many years, and she has spent most of that time giving helpful advice on low carb eating and how to maintain your weight while dealing with thyroid and/or adrenal issues. Recently, she wrote an article for STTM about this very issue: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/hypothyroid-and-weight-issues/
Important notes: All the information on this website is copyrighted. STTM is an information-only site based on what many patients worldwide have reported in their treatment and wisdom over the years. This is not to be taken as personal medical advice, nor to replace a relationship with your doctor. By reading this information-only website, you take full responsibility for what you choose to do with this website's information or outcomes. See the Disclaimer and Terms of Use.
Write a new comment below
229 Responses to “Have you switched from one desiccated thyroid to another? Let’s share.”
Vanessa
Hi, I’ve recently purchased Thyrogold as many NDT brands seem to be recalled or difficult to get hold of, plus the prices are now astronomical, and there have also been doubts around potency. I’m currently on NatureThroid at 1.75 grain per dose, twice a day. I am a bit underactive due to persistent adrenal problems. I’d like to understand how to get an equivalent dose from Thyrogold, I can’t seem to find out much. I have Hashimoto’s. Thanks
Lucy
Please tell me a brand For hypothyroidism that I can order right now
laura
I have been very frustrated with the NP Thyroid changes. The last batch had mostly okay but also had a few of the new cat-litter smelling pills:-0 I have decided to switch! I need help figuring out how much Thyrovanz to start with. I am now on 90mg NPThyroid/am and 90mg NPThyroid/pm. I have been feeling ok, not great. My hair has never stopped falling regardless what NDT or dose I have been on! It also seems like it’s getting worse:-( I would like not to go bald!!! Thyrovanz comes in 25, 50, 100, 150mg. My guess is to start with 100mg/am and 100mg/pm. Thank you.
Viktoria
Hi Laura, I do not know about Tyrovanz dosing, but wanted to share a possible remedy for your hair loss. I recommend checking your iron and B12 levels, and making sure they are not only in range, but optimal. STTM website provides details on the optimal values for each. I have been working on those two and my hair loss has significantly and quickly improved. Best wishes!
Catherine
Hi Janie,
Thank you for all of your hard work and passion. Any thoughts on a perfectly normal TSH (2.04 u Iu/mL) low free T3 (2.5 pg/mL converted to 3.22 pmol/L) low free T4 (1.04 ng/DL converted to 13.39 pmol/L) high reverse T3 17.6 ng/do. 51 year old menopausal female. Eat healthy/exercise. Read that could be Central Hypothyroidism. Not sure if I should listen to my naturopath or get another opinion. What do you think? What would you do?
Thanking you in advance,
Catherine
Jules
This website is great but I’m overwhelmed with all the information and still feel lost 🙁 I’m only 21 but my thyroid levels have been low for presumably years (I’ve felt awful since I was a teenager and only recently saw a blood test where my levels were low but my doctor never said anything because I was “young” and “only a little out of range”). I saw a holistic doctor last month who put me on Armour 1 grain and I felt quite good for about 10 days but then I started getting scary heart palpitations and weird hunger cues like I was starving and shaky all day. I continued to take it because my doctor wanted a blood test after two weeks on it and my levels were actually LOWER than they had been before I started taking anything? Why/how can that be? I had to stop it but I don’t know what to do or why I had that reaction or why I felt so good at first and then it went haywire. Those 10 days I had more stable energy than I had in years, what should I do?? Thank you so much for all the time you put into this website by the way it’s been very helpful. Also I do take iron, b12 and vitamin D and those levels are good so I don’t think that’s the issue. I don’t know where to start and even my holistic dr didn’t know why I had that reaction.
Janie Bowthorpe
Hi Jules. You were supposed to raise that every two weeks, slowing down in the 2-3 grain area and redo the free T3 and free T4. It’s NOT about the TSH. https://stopthethyroidmadness.co/optimal
Singh
How to buy desiccated thyroid hormone from Thailand. I am from India. Can I place the order directly from the manufacturer or there are some distributors who ship the medicine to the different part of the world. Pls help. Thanks
Kris
Hi! I appreciate the amount of time and effort you put into this site and the educational materials provided. I have had hypo symptoms for many many years. Thyroid ultrasound shows nodules. I’ve been on Armour, Naturethroid, NP Thyroid, Synthroid and Cytomel, all with minimal effect. I felt my best on Naturethroid before the shortage last year. I went on NP Thyroid and never felt well again. With every T3/T4 med I’ve taken, I always start off feeling amazing and then within a week I crash and never feel well again. My doctor will never increase dosage due to labs and I can’t afford to go to a Naturopath that will prescribe based on symptoms. I’m ready to take things into my own hands. I’ve been off all meds since April and want to try Thyrovanz. Should I start at the lowest dose since I’ve been off of meds for so long? I have MTHFR 677c, low ferritin, low cortisol in the am along with terrible hypo symptoms. Any info you can give with where to start with OTC dessicated would be greatly appreciated!
Janie Bowthorpe
I would also explore another good one called Thyrogold, too. Both are OTC. And since we never know how much of T4 and T3 is in them, you have to keep track of your free T3 and free T4, and work to be optimal. Optimal puts the free T3 at the top part of the range with a midrange Free T4. Staying low eventually backfires sooner or later and can push adrenal stress and lowered iron.
Also, iron is never just about ferritin. Ferritin just helps us reveal inflammation. You need to read this page: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/iron
And cortisol is never about blood or the morning alone. See https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/saliva-cortisol
Becca
For nearly 20 years I took synthroid and after about 10 years began feeling worse and worse and was nearly bedbound by 15. At about 18 years I convinced a dr to switch me to naturethroid because my tsh was 60 something and rising and no amount of synthroid or adding in t3 was bringing it down.
I briefly switched over to thyrogold but went hyper, so i switched back to naturethroid intending to stabilize and then figure out the conversion to take the appropriate dose of thyrogold, but discovered I was pregnant and opted to stay on the naturethroid. For almost 4 years, i was stable and had my life mostly back. Then naturethroid had manufacturing issues and my tsh started moving up, i switched to Np thyroid and then armour, nothing.
During this time my potassium was also low and couldn’t be maintained and my bp shot up and bp meds have not controlled it. I decided a few months ago to switch to thyrogold again in an effort to stop the escalating tsh. I’ve been taking 2 of the 600 mg capsules daily. Vigilantly watching for signs of going hyper.
My tsh is now 168. I just checked the calculations for switching to or from thyrogold and those calculations show I should be taking plenty to possibly even too much but my tsh and bp continues to rise.
Finally I have seen an endocrinologist who immediately hit on testing aldosterone and some other stuff I’ve been asking for for 8 years (but poopoo’d The two saliva cortisol tests that I’ve had) so I’m hoping to find something there that stops this train wreck.
Surprisingly, I don’t feel like my tsh is off that much. I was shocked actually. I’m not sure what is going on.
Sooo…I don’t expect medical advice but thought I’d share in case someone else has experienced the same.
Janie Bowthorpe
Sounds like you may need to study this page carefully: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ndt-doesnt-work-for-me
Tilly
FYI: Switched from Thyro-gold 300mg to Throvanz 300mg with zero issues. This was 30 days ago. Make sure to get the New Zealand version and be amazed by the smell and appearance of the capsule being exactly the same but over $10 cheaper. I’m also taking it with colues forskohili extract as Thyro-gold has that along with a preservative that from my reasearch seemed useless. I’ve had it with thyro-gold’s price going up and up and their shipping is horridly expensive at $15 flat. I’ve been taking thyro-gold for years and it works so this was a happy discovery to find the same dosage from the same kind of cows at a much lower price.
Missy
I am having such a difficult time finding the correct dosage of Thyrogold for me. I have been on as high as 600 mg broken up 300 2 x per day but I continue to have hypo symptoms weight gain, fluid retention, fatigue, dry skin etc.. my heart rate is high 90-100 but 80 is my normal. I then back it down a bit thinking I am over medicated but all of those things continue. My labs (end of December on 450 mg) looked ok but T3 was mid range so my dr added a bit of Liothyronine but still nothing helps. I had saliva adrenal test in September that showed high cortisol in late afternoon and evening, low normal in morning and afternoon so I added Seriphos at night to to help. I know my ferritin is low normal(34) but iron is normal. I have added iron glycinate to try and build my storage iron up. I am at a loss. I know NDT isn’t a magic bullet for weight loss and I feel better then when I was on Synthroid 125 mg but I feel like a ping pong ball not being able to find the right dosage of Thyrogold to make me not only lose weight but relieve all my symptoms. I am thinking of just stopping and starting over from the lowest dosage and move up from there. Any suggestions?
Janie Bowthorpe
Your situation points to either inadequate iron and/or a cortisol problem, i.e. #2 on this page: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ndt-doesnt-work-for-me
Lab results have nothing to do with falling anywhere in those normal ranges. Get your iron results out and compare to this page: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/lab-values Inadequate iron will drive up RT3, too, and that can also explain your continued feel-bads.
Second, you may also have a cortisol problem explaining your issues. Do the Discovery Steps on this page to get clues that you might have a problem there: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info
Bottom line, your problems reveal you have issues with iron or cortisol, or both.
Missy
Hi Janie-
Thank you so much for getting back to me. I went over my iron labs as you suggested and I from what I can gather I think I may have the MTHFR mutation. Could you tell from my results if I’m interpreting this correctly?
Iron 119 (25-156)
Iron Binding Capacity 378 (250-450)
Ferritin 31.73 (5-204)
Saturation % 31.48
I know the only way to know for sure is to do the 23 and me test but before I ordered it I want to make sure I’m on the right track.
Thank you for everything you do. STTM is literally a life saver.
Janie Bowthorpe
Yes, and it’s the high TIBC that definitely proves it.
Donna Giovanni
Thank you so much for your comment re: Thyrovanz. I was thinking of ordering Thyrogold but the cost is too great! Then I saw your comment & did my research on Thyrovanz & am anxious to give it a try!
Steve
Donna how did Thyrovanz work out for you, if I may ask?
Carole Hartman
I have just switched yesterday from Thyroid S to NP Thyroid due to supply issues and wanting a product with less fillers. I did a straight switch of two grains but I am feeling tired around my eyes and fuzzy in my head. I thought I’d feel better as there are less fillers and binders. Does anyone know how strong NP Thyroid is compared to Thyroid S. I had good blood results on my last recent test with Thyroid S so I’m really hoping this doesn’t get messed up
Janie Bowthorpe
That could just mean a raise is needed? By the way, see the green graphic on this page to see what optimal is: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101
Russ
Hi Janie, and thank you for the reply!
I just ordered the Thyro Gold and will hopefully be able to find my sweet spot.
The information on this site is amazing!
Much appreciated!
Russ
I was switched from Synthroid to Nature Throid about 6 months ago and was feeling much better on 2.5 grains. Last week my Dr. lowered my dose of Nature Throid down to 2 grains because he was worried that my TSH was too low at .14. I purchase my own Lab Work prior to my Dr. appt. and am still a bit under dosed. I’m already feeling the symptoms of being under dosed and considering supplementing on my own with a small amount of Thyro Gold.
Has anyone else ever tried this with good results?
Is this a potential problem if taking both pig and cow thyroid?
Thank You!
Janie Bowthorpe
In the face of stupid doctors who go by the TSH, yes, patient do combine those two. You just keep track of labs and the green graphic on this page: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101
Mel
I have been trying to take Armour for the past two months, and keep having issues with it no matter how small the dose. I have had my cortisol tested and it is not causing the issue even though my doc wants me on a 100mg dose of prenenolone! I’m now trying a switch to a more well-rounded OTC made by Allergy Research Group called TG 100. It seems to be very high quality, and the price is not outrageous. Has anyone tried this supplement before?
Janie Bowthorpe
Mel, when you say you’ve had your cortisol tested, was it via blood? If so, you can’t go by that. Read this page: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/saliva-testing
There are always two reasons why one has issues with NDT: iron or cortisol or both. https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/iron-and-cortisol
Catherine Métayer
Hello everyone, I would like to get an update on Erfa from people who were on optimal dosage. Is it working well? We have very few options in Canada, and I am about to make the switch.
Thank you in advance.
Regi
Hi, yes I did well on 250 mg of it until my pharmacy run out this late fall. I’m getting a compounding pharmacy to make my desiccated thyroid but I feel many hypo symptoms and will increase my dose.
Linette
Anyone doing good on Thyroid-S ?
I have to find another brand than ERFA 🙁
Tracy K.
Hello,
I’m fairly new as I was just diagnosed with hashimotos with multi nodular goiter. My symptoms have been fatigue, bi polar disorder, hairloss/ thinning, weight gain/loss, mostly gain. My dr said my levels “were Normal” as most everyone i hear says this. But she put me on 25mcgs of levo because I’m trying to get pregnant and she said my levels were not “optimal” to get or sustain a pregnancy, which would explain 4 miscarriages over the years .I now have very dry skin and scalp hair loss is continuing , I’ve been on the levo since feb 2016. I’ve searched this site and many others trying to find a dr in my area that prescribes NDT with no luck and more frustrations, I’ve even tried calling my pharmacy to see which drs prescribe NDT and the pharmacist said he’s not allowed to give out that info ! ONE of my aunts just told me her fan dr around here prescribes Armour but I’ve heard not so good things about Armour in recent years. Is there any other way to find a competent dr near me that prescribes the NDT ? I would like to try NP thyroid as thats what my insurance states they cover. I’m soo tired of paying “endo specialist” that don’t seem to care about my symptoms…ANYONE that can point me to a GOOD DR> THAT PRESCRIBES NDT IN THE HAMPTON ROADS AREA OF VIRGINIA??? please help…thank you.
Janie Bowthorpe
That pharmacist who said he is not allowed to give that out is full of bull. Call other pharmacies, even if they are farther from you. And NP is a great NDT.
Janie Bowthorpe
And by the way, finding a doctor to prescribe is half the story. You yourself need to learn about it all and be prepared to guide even a better doc. 🙂 Start studying here: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101 And devour Chapters 1 and 2 in the revised STTM book.
Teri
Hi,
I’m considering ordering some Thyrogold but have a couple questions. Mainly, I have been diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency for over a year. I currently take hydrocortisone in the following: 5mg a.m.; 5 at lunch and 2.5 w dinner. I do well with this and have been able to switch my midday dose to 2.5 on the days I don’t workout.
I also have always had horrible Hypo symptoms but bc my labs were “normal” couldn’t get any help. Symptoms include a weight gain of 50lbs with no change in diet, extreme hair loss, dry skin, body pains, brain fog, etc. I did have extremely low ferritin but have since treated that w IV iron so those numbers are great. Also corrected a deficiency of B12.
I finally got an endo that would do trial of Synthroid and I’ve been on it for months. He did 75 mg. at first it seemed to help w the brain fog and lack of energy but after a month symptoms came back. I got off the Synthroid for a while but recently tried again. It didn’t seem to do much other than give me a headache and make my throat sore so I stopped after a month. Never lost a pound of the weight gain even though I’ve been back to exercising and eating right for months. Hair loss is as bad as ever and my skin looks like I’m about 110 yrs old.
I would like to try the Thyroidgold but didn’t know if there was any special instructions or advice you could give me since I already have Adrenal Insufficiency?
If it helps, it looks like my adrenal prob is pituitary related.
Janie Bowthorpe
Teri, people on Thyrogold (if they are informed and following solid reported patient experiences) are following what is on this page: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101
Lysa
Hello. I just started on Thyro-Gold 2 1/2 weeks ago. I also started Selenium 3 weeks ago. And I just started Iodine 3 days ago. My question is this: Before starting all three, I was having diarrhea. I was also having frequent bowel movements. Since starting all three supplements/meds, I have begun to have issues with constipation. Would any of the three cause this? Or is this due to Hypothyroid? Constipation has never been an issue for me. I started with 75 mcg of thyroid in the morning. Then, the 2nd week, I added 75 mcg in the evening. This morning, I just increased to 150 mcg in the morning and will take 75 mcg this evening.
Janie Bowthorpe
Hypothyroid. Will usually go away as you get to your optimal dose, we’ve noted. Here’s how patients find their optimal dose: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101
Noelle
Hi, I have been taking Thryo-Gold since July of last year after my tests revealed low thyroid levels. I have had great results with this brand, but I recently found out that I am 12 weeks pregnant and the coleus in Thryo-Gold has me wondering if I need to switch brands. Has anyone had any experience with taking Thryo-Gold while pregnant or switching brands while pregnant? I am scared to switch brands while pregnant and messing with my thyroid levels. Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Janie Bowthorpe
I can understand the concern since it’s hard to know what to take of others since the mg with ThyroGold are different than others.
Sandy
I switched to thyroid-s, took it today for the first time and had some anxiety and major irritability. Is this normal when starting out on thyroid meds? Is thyroid-s considered stronger than armour? Thanks!
Janie Bowthorpe
Maybe it’s revealing that you have an iron or adrenal problem that needs discovery and treatment? See https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ndt-doesnt-work-for-me
Linda
Has anybody switched from Armour to Thyroid s? How where they feeling?
Janie Bowthorpe
They report doing well on Thyroid S. 🙂
david
Thanks for the reply. I’ve read the book so many times I almost have it memorized. But I will re-read Chapter 2.
david
With Thyro-Gold is it best to take it once a day, or split the dose take it twice a day?Currently I am taking one 300mg capsule at 6 am on an empty stomach. It has made a big difference in my energy but I’m still not back to normal. I am going to add an additional 150 mg but am not sure if I should take it with my morning dose or 12 hours later. Thanks
Janie Bowthorpe
Hi David. It’s all explained here: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101 and more in Chapter 2 of the revised STTM book.
Tiffany
I am on .125 mg of synthroid for the last 6 years. I have gained weight. Suffer huge amounts of water retention. So painful to the point I cannot do anything. I have mood swings. Period issues and I have a huge face. I feel and look awful all the time. I have an endo who WON”T switch me to anything else. I seen 3 other doctors begging them for armour or something else to try and no one will give me anything. I am deseprate to see a change so I decided to order thyrogold . I am awaiting it now. please if there is anyone who can walk me through this. help me get started. I am a little nervous about self medicating.
my email is tiffsedge at gmail dot com.
Megan
Good luck Tiffany, I hope it helps you! I have had great results with OTC NDT (I use nutri-meds which is similar and have had great results so far. I would encourage you to read through this site and look for the article about switching from synthetic to NDT and keep asking for help! And TRUST YOURSELF!!
Megan
PS. I don’t feel qualified to walk you through it but if you ask for help on the blogs and if you’re stuck see if you can get a phone consultation with one of the STTM coaches (https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/talk-to-others)! Good Luck!! xx
tanya
I was on 125mcg daily of Levothyroxine until last week, when I decided to take Thyro Gold instead. For 5 days I took one 150 pill of Thyro-gold ( and no Levothyroxine) and my hypothyroid symptoms kicked in really bad!! My pulse dropped to 53 and I was dizzy, light headed and fatigued. I messaged the the owner and she was helpful .
Her reply ” you should have started with 1 300mg and 1 150mg daily. your current dosage of 150mg is lower than the T4 dosage you were on. please increase your 150mg to 2 caps daily wait 3 days and if you still feel hypo increase 1 more cap of the 150mg. ”
Now I am taking two 150 pills, and still face hypothyroid symptoms.I think I will be increasing the dosage to one more 150 pill. My TSH has jumped from around 1.5 to 5.2 since I started Thyrogold. But that is coz I am under dozed.
I am hopeful that Thyro gold would work, but adjusting the dose would be bit of a work. I hope 3 pills wont make me hyper.I hope this gives you an idea. Let me know what dose works for you.
lmh
I am 32 years old. Diagnosed with hypo by my family doctor summer 2012. After some improvement of symptoms at 25 mcg I started feeling worse and worse. Ended up at an endorsement 2 years later. She progressively bumped me to 88mcg and says I’m good at this dose. I don’t feel 100% though and the 25 pounds I put on over the last year isn’t budging even though I’m exercising and eating correctly. I am unbelievably frustrated. It sounds like there has been a lot of success with natural thyroids. Any recommendations on where to start?
Janie Bowthorpe
Here you go: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101 Also read Chapter 2 in the revised STTM book for more info. http://www.laughinggrapepublishing.com
maell
hi i am from canada would like to order thyrogold is there a place in canada where i could order it safely because it say that ordering outside u.s not responsible for you’re delivery,and telephone are not good anymore is there a new phone to order thx
Tiffany
I am in Canada too. I have ordered it. I am not awaiting it to see if it arrives. I do hope so.
Gen
Hi, I just found out I was hypo about Six weeks ago. Couple weeks later found out I’m pregnant. I’m pretty sure I had a miscarriage in 2011 bc of hypo. I think I’ve always had a little hypo since I was young in elementary school. I took armour for six days, made my heart race. Stopped. I tried levothyroxine 1 day, at night felt like heart was jumping out. Stopped. I need to be on something so I started taking armour again. Before I found out I was pregnant I took raw thyroid from health food store and felt better than armour. But the bottle says don’t take if pregnant. Stopped, then tried the armour. I’ve read to take armour twice a day. Med instructions say once daily in morning. What is it? Isn’t it the same as the raw thyroid I’m taking? So why does bottle say don’t take it? Also how do you get erfa? Are you still taking that? Thank you
Janie Bowthorpe
Gen, this will help: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101
Georgia Wellek
Hi,I’m 68 and have hypothyroid and Hashimoto,been on synthroid(Levothyroxine 75mcg)for at least 10yrs. Blood tests are normal,problem is can’t loose weight and hair is thinning. I wonder if it’s safe to go on Nutrasystem and if something like that could help? My husband thinks because I’m taking the Synthroid and have normal levels I should lose weight what do you think?
Janie Bowthorpe
Hi Georgia. Patient experiences prove it over and over that T4-only (aka Synthroid/Levo) doesn’t work, just as falling in the normal range means nothing. Whatever it takes to bring T3 into your treatment does work. Either demand to your doctor that it’s Natural Desiccated Thyroid you want (or add T3 to that T4), or google ThyroGold.
Wen
Hi all
I was just diagnosed hypo a month ago (dec/14) and was put on synthroid 50mcg. I know I have been hypo for years but of course my tests always came back within normal range and were only done for TSH which on the last blood test (one mth ago) showed 9.17. T4 & T3 were not tested.
I have no idea why this suddenly showed up except to say I have had a very stressful year that included surgery and many stressful months.
I took the synthroid for 3 wks with no change and then stumbled upon this site and the book. I have read a lot since then and have ordered and received thryo-gold (I live in canada). I took myself off synthroid and started 150 mg thyro-gold the next day. One thyr-gold capsule is equivalent to 50mcg synthroid. I dosed like this for 2 days. Since I was on synthroid for 3 wks I decided that I should increase my thryo-gold because Dr. Lowe states we should increase every 2 wks. I know take 1/2 capsule of thyro-gold in the evening and 1 full capsule in the morning. This is day 2 and I am still not feeling any different except to say that my anxiety seems to be a bit less. Like it is not on the surface as much as it was in the past (I have been on anxiety meds for 20+ years). Should I be experiencing more of an elimination of symptoms by now or could the lack of much change be because my dose is still too low?
I’m also a bit nervous. I have always ‘done what the doctor said’ more or less. My doctor won’t prescribe ERFA and there are no doctors anywhere near me that will. I contacted ERFA asking for a list of doctors in Ontario and most all of the ones on the list are no longer prescribing it anyway. ERFA’s list is WAY out of date. (received the list beginning of Jan/15).
As I said above, my family doc will not prescribe it to me however he did suggest I go and see my naturopath who could get his hands on a ‘thyroid supplement’ (such as thyro-gold). I took it upon myself to order thyro-gold to take with me to the naturopath just in case he doesn’t have any on hand.
I guess what I am looking for is a bit of reasssurance that I am doing the right thing. I’m feeling a tad insecure today to say the least.
Thanks!
Janie Bowthorpe
Hi Wen. Actually, there is no true equivalent between a Synthroid dose and an NDT dose. It’s like comparing apples and oranges, and those “conversion” charts do us no favor. 🙁 But as far as you, it sounds like you need a raise. If upon raising, you start noticing more problems, then you are here: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ndt-doesnt-work-for-me But that’s jumping the gun…you may be fine with those raises and getting your life back again!! 🙂 🙂 And we all hope you can teach your experience to your doc!! 🙂
L Fields
Thanks for responding back to me Janie. It has been 9 days since I started ThyroGold and I’m not feeling the burst of energy I should have by now. I’m still only taking one 150 mg pill. I’m waiting for the full two weeks (as the website instructs) before I up the dose. I brought a milligram scale and I’m also waiting for that to arrive so that I can open the capsule, split one 150 mg pill and increase the dose to 225 mg.
This is all new to me but I’m trying to see if this will provide some relief for my tiredness, slight brain fog and cold hands and I’m praying it will stop my hair loss.
I would also appreciate some recommendations for high quality, organic, non-gmo adrenal support supplements because I feel like I should be doing both.
Thanks in advance for all your feedback.
L Fields
I had my thyroid check and am within normal range, but I have dry, brittle hair, hair loss, tired all the time and cold hands. I raised my ferritin / iron and Vitamin D level 2 years ago and all of them are now well above the normal range. I have been trying very hard to clean up my diet (little to no gluten, grains, diary, no processed food at all, try to stay away from GMOs as much as possible and buy free-range, non-gmo feed turkey/chicken the majority of the time). I do take a multi-mineral here and there. My thyroid test still showed that I was within “normal” range (whatever that means) but T4 was on the low end of normal. I’m 50 and in menopause. I purchased Thyro-Gold and took my first pill (150 mg) this morning (I forget to take my temperature this morning before I took the pill, but will do that tomorrow).
I’m hoping that this will resolve my tiredness, cold hands and most of all slow hair growth and shedding. Did anybody have any hair issues that got resolved?
Thanks in advance for your response.
Janie Bowthorpe
L Fields, when you refer to a “thyroid test”, I suspect you are referring to the TSH test. And no, that’s not a thyroid test. It’s a pituitary hormone. Read this: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/tsh-why-its-useless Nor does “being in the normal range” mean anything. It’s where we fall that has meaning. See https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/lab-values Yes, ThyroGold has helped many people, including resolving hair issues.
Kath
My Thyroid tests have all been normal but a naturopath put me on cytomel while I was being treated for Lymes. When I finished treatment and stopped cytomel, my hands were suddenly too painful to use and I got very bad asthma. After a couple of months of this I asked to go back on cytomel and finally got complete relief. I’ve been on Cytomel for 2 years and started to feel bad (exhausted, throat feeling thick and uncomfortable, insomnia, weight gain), so last week switched to Armour. Constant headache, depression, racing heart, lack of hunger, overall unhappiness. I am about to try Thyro Gold. Ugh, i feel for everyone who has to negotiate this Thyroid world. It feels like docs know very little about any of it and I am on my own.
Janie Bowthorpe
Kath, the reason for your symptoms are either because you were underdosing yourself, or you now have low iron or a cortisol issue–the latter makes the most sense. Read this carefully: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ndt-doesnt-work-for-me
Cathy Poland
I’ve been on Canadian Pfizer, now Erfa 125mg for almost 12 years. Not feeling great on Erfa for the last month, Want to buy some over the counter as I’min Canada and there’s nothing else available with prescription. Over the counter, thyro gold or nutri-med, which is best and how much is equivalent to 125 mg Erfa?
Janie Bowthorpe
Both have been reported as working well, but Nutri-Meds seems a lot weaker. There is a long STTM blog post about the problems with Erfa this year, by the way. It’s the June 14th one and is still actively commented on: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/blog/
Sheila
Howdy! Just want to weigh in with my Thyro-Gold experience.
Long story short, over 20 years on .25MG (250 mcg) Synthroid (Grave’s Disease / Radioactive Iodine), over the years I have gained tons of weight, lost a lot of hair and have always felt tired. My Endo refuses natural thyroid, I went to a Naturophath, paid a fortune only to find out she didn’t have the ability to prescribe.
Went on Thyroid-S, felt “different”, more energy, but I still didn’t really feel “right”. Stayed on it for about 8 months then decided it wasn’t worth the ordering hassle. Took my dog’s 300 mcg Soloxine for 6 months. Best test results in 20 years! The joke was on my Doc when I told him I was taking my dog’s pills.
In all the years I’ve never managed a temperature above 96F. I ordered Thyro-Gold a month ago (I live in Canada and shipping was not an issue). I started taking one 150MB cap a day in the morning in addition to my Synthroid. I instantly felt like I had more energy. I also lost 5 pounds without trying. After 2 weeks I decided to double down, and began taking 300MG in the morning (in addition to my Synthroid). Still feeling good! No shakiness, no palps or chest pains, no negative side effects at all.
My morning temperature is now an average of 98.4. I take it as a supplement, not as a replacement for my Synthroid. I lost another 5 pounds without trying, and haven’t gained it back despite my love of fried chicken and donuts! So far, so good, I’m liking the stuff, feeling pretty good and will definitely order again. My next blood work isn’t until April 2015, so until then… ignorance is bliss!
Kathleen
Hi Shelia! Wondering how you are feeling. I’m on .225 synthroid and thinking of adding the thyrogold too. I purchased the 150mg to start. Took a half dose this am with my synthroid.
I’m hypo, and low t3 which I’m hoping it will help.
10 years on synthroid, serious weight gain, loss of hair, edema, infertility all of those great things.
Hoping to be prescribed erfa thryroid.
I’m in Canada too 🙂
Sheila
Hi Kathleen,
Excuse the lengthy delay! I took Thyrogold for a full year in addition to my Synthroid. I started with one 150MG capsule, moved up to one 150MG twice daily. I went for my yearly blood test, and my Dr. said that my results were perfect. Felt good, ordered the 300MG capsules, started taking one in the morning and one in late afternoon. Things were still great.
Then… I took a break. I don’t remember why! I’ve started feeling poorly again as of late. Tired, so tired, lazy, shaky. I’m going back on Thyrogold. I came by here to check out the latest reviews and see if there was anything else getting good reviews these days. I had never seen Nutri-Meds before. I may purchase a bottle of that as well. But first and foremost, I’m off to get my Thyrogold order in. It still gets the thumbs up from me.
Good luck! 🙂
Suzanne
Hi there,
have taken Thyroid (from the German Receptura pharmacy) for about 2.5 years. In between have solved my problems with Vit. B12 and iron deficiency. Still haven’t lost any of the pounds I have gained before, it’s even getting worse (I went from size S to size XL), most of it seems to be edema. Seems my adrenals got better as well. Still Thyroid does not seem to work for me. I am thinking of switching brands. Not sure if I should try Armour or Thyro Gold, but I think I would like to give Thyro Gold a try. According to Tammy Lowe it seems to be difficult to receive the order shipped to Germany and Italy. I live in Germany though.
I would like to ask all of you whether Thyro Gold has helped against edema??
Janie Bowthorpe
Suzanne, if the Thyroid from German Receptura pharmacy is actually Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT), it really does work. But we’ve learned repeatedly that we have to 1) take enough to remove all symptoms, which you may not be (https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101, and/or 2) understand how to test adrenals and iron and get them optimal, which they may not be. (https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ndt-doesnt-work-for-me) i.e. it’s not about changing brands.
EM
Thanks for the response and link . I truly appreciate any help right now. I must have a biopsy of my thyroid real soon and I am very concern.
I do know there are many webs but I want to buy the best quality of thyroid extract. I would like to follow those who had already experienced using the supplement and also buying it online. Seems that the Thyro-Gold is the most potent one as I read some of your postings. I need a high dosage but since I also have many allergies and sensitivities to foods and supplements, I would like to know if anyone experienced any side effects with the Thyro-Gold?
EM
Where you can buy the Thyro_Gold ? can anyone send me a link please
Janie Bowthorpe
Hi EM. If you will google it (or use your favorite search engine), the website will show up in the results.
EM
I thank all people int his blog for their information. I am presently having a severe case of Hashimoto and two thyroid nodules with calcifications. My doc gave me Tirosint 13 mcg and now raised it to 25 mcg. It is the only thyroid med gluten free . Even that I can’t tolerate the medicine or any others. It knocked me down in bed with extreme fatigue and caused me extreme muscle and bone pain. I couldnt use my hands due to so much pain. It seems that this medicine can reduce bone density, affects muscles and the heart. Most people don’t know how much damage those meds can cause, pharma companies are killing us literally. I need a natural treatment to avoid all those adverse effects. I am not sure what kind I should use, the porcine or the bovine supplement??? Seems that the Thyro-Gold is the most popular among most people in this blog. What about other ingredients in this supplement? I am very allergic to gluten, soy, dairy, eggs and many other foods. I need guidance from people in this blog since many of you have used those supplements and have already experienced the effects. I am determine to use the Glandular supplement as it seems to be the best option…
Janie Bowthorpe
EM, both bovine or porcine desiccated thyroid have worked for people as long as you also have good iron and cortisol. https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/options-for-thyroid-treatment
anne
I just received my ThyroGold (and Seriphos for high 12am/8am cortisol). I will be doing a second saliva test this week (because the first one showed unreasonably high results (4x the high range) and I wanted to double check. I am currently on Synthroid (RAI 1994) My question: Can I start on just the Thyrogold right now, do the saliva test, and then introduce the Seriphos, or should I wait until after the saliva test to do the “big NDT switch”? thanks
Louise
I am currently on 125mcg daily of Levothyroxine and have purchased Thyrogold as I have heard great things about it. I have the 300mg and 150mg bottles and wonder what dosage I should start on first of all. I took a 100mcg levothyroxine and one of the 150mg thyrogold the other day and my heart was racing like crazy plus I was sweating lots – this supplement is obviously very powerful to take effect so quickly.
Can anyone advise please as to the best way to start out using Thyrogold?
Is it only available from the US – or can I buy it in the UK?
Thank you.
Louise
Janie Bowthorpe
Louise, for one, most patients do not combine the levo and the Thyrogold. Second, Thyrogold or any Natural desiccated product can reveal your inadequate levels of iron and/or cortisol….the latter two that are acquired from being on the lousy levothyroxine. See https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ndt-doesnt-work-for-me
tanya
Hello Louise,
Are you still on Thyro-gold? whats your dosage?
I was on 125mcg daily of Levothyroxine until last week, when I decided to take Thyro Gold instead. For 5 days I took one 150 pill of Thyro-gold ( and no Levothyroxine) and my hypothyroid symptoms kicked in really bad!! My pulse dropped to 53 and I was dizzy, light headed and fatigued. I messaged the the onwer and she was helpful .
Her reply ” you should have started with 1 300mg and 1 150mg daily. your current dosage of 150mg is lower than the T4 dosage you were on. please increase your 150mg to 2 caps daily wait 3 days and if you still feel hypo increase 1 more cap of the 150mg. ”
Now I am taking two 150 pills, and still face hypothyroid symptoms.I think I will be increasing the dosage to one more 150 pill. My TSH has jumped from around 1.5 to 5.2 since I started Thyrogold. But that is coz I am under dozed.
I am hopeful that Thyro gold would work, but adjusting the dose would be bit of a work. I hope 3 pills wont make me hyper.
Genie
Can you please tell me where to order Thyro Gold? I can google it, but want to make sure I’m on an authentic site.
Thank you 🙂
Ps I live in Canada
Karen
I bought mine here: http://www.naturalthyroidsolutions.com/How_To_Order.html
Suzanne
Hi everybody,
I am taking Thyroid which I order from the compounding pharmacy Receptura in Frankfurt/Main, Germany for two years now. I am also taking Vit. B complex, D3. I have adrenal fatigue (cortisol and DHEA too low) and Hashimoto. My edema (I have water retentions all over the body incl. puffy face) did not get any better and I keep on gaining weight. The last blood check said my T3 is still too low. At the moment I am taking up 1/2 – 1 grain. Today I started taking a quarter Jodide additionally. Altogether I went from clothes size XS/S up to XL. And it does not stop. 🙁
I also got pregnenolon prescribed and in between even got other hormones, but it does not matter what I do, I keep gaining water.
P.S. Due to ovarian cancer I do not have uterus and ovaries anymore plus I had a malign melanoma in 2006 and interferon alpha therapy (immune chemotherapy) afterwards which made my Hashi even worse.
It is possible that Thyroid by Receptura does not work for me and that I should order s.th. else like e.g. Thyroid Gold??
Jack
I had a complete removal of my thyroid in Nov 2012. I was prescribed 1.25 Synthroid (Of Course) and had horrible anxiety, heart palpitations, etc. I Read STTM which change my life (Thank you STTM!)
I convinced my doctor to give me Armour and he did. Within a couple of month starting from 1 gain to 5 grains and back down to 4 grain I felt amazing no more symptoms. I found Armour expensive at .47 per 1 grain where Thyroid S was at .11 per 1 grain. So i ordered some Thyroid S from Thailand. I started by swallowing 4 grains in the morning before eating and after 2 week I started having anxiety, etc. I went back to 4 grains of Armour and in two weeks felt normal again. I really wanted the Thyroid S to work so I can stock up and pay less for my meds. I have decided to take Thyroid S again but this time I am taking 4 grains in the morning and chewing it and letting it soak under my tongue for a couple of minutes then swallowing. I do feel a light headaches or light pressure at my temples on this Thyroid S. If this doesn’t work then I will try Thiroyd from Thailand. Anyone else tried this switch before? If so what were your results?
Janie Bowthorpe
Jack, part of your problem is taking 4 grains at once. Most of us do better by taking NDT twice a day, morning and early afternoon. So for you, that would 2 grains and 2 grains. As far as the Thyroid S, you may need less.
Daphne
I am currently on 90mg of Thyroid Erfa (60 mg/night, 30mg/day). I need an increase, but doc won’t do it so I decided to supplement with Thyrogold. I have a couple of questions. 1) I have 150 mg capsules of thyrogold. How should I dose? I was thinking to take the thyrogold in the morning and the erfa at night. 2) from the comments above it sounds like maybe I should be taking the larger dose in the morning…is that right? I have been on synthroid for over 20 years, and on Erfa for about a month and a half. I just want to be healthy and feel ‘normal’ again, though I don’t remember what that is like! Thanks in advance for advice.
jen00
Hello Daphne,
I do not know the right answer unfortunately, but if I were in your situation, I would start with 150 mg capsule of Thyrogold in the morning only and see how would I feel. If still feeling hypo, then I would increase the dose by 1/2 capsule (maybe trying adding it in the afternoon, but for most people just one morning intake works fine). If that’s not enough, then try 300 mg capsule/dose. Dr Lowe, the creator of Thyrogold, recommended adjusting dose gradually, say every fortnight, until you find the suitable one. And I am sure you will find it eventually, good luck!
Mary
Just ordered Thyro Gold after being on Synthroid for almost 19 years for hypothyroid and feel like crap (headaches, weight gain, aches and pain, insomnia, brain fog, extreme fatigue, hair loss, acne, edema, etc). I have gone through countless doctors across three states and all swear by Synthroid and refused to prescribe anything else (mainly because of the commission doctors make by prescribing this drug). They continue to increase dose over the years and I’m now on 200 mcg of Synthroid without a life. I’m hoping Thyro Gold gives me my life back and will report back to all in a few weeks.
CHris
Hi Mary, I am keen to find out how you’re getting on with Thyrogold. My girlfriend will be switching from naturethroid 2 grains to thyrogold but we are unsure how much to take. How has your experience been so far?
Kathleen
I’m very curious to hear how you’re doing too. I’m on .225 of synthroid and decided to try taking .200 synthroid and 75 mg thyrogold.
Noreen
I’ve switched from Synthroid (125mcg, I think it was) to the old naturethroid, and then back to Synthroid for about 6 months when I could no longer get my dosage of Naturethroid. Then went on to find other sources of NDT and started on Thyrogold a year ago. I had some Rt3, nonexistent aldosterone (at 2) and low am and noon cortisol issues so I started slowly took ace for a while and built up my NDT dosage gradually. My thyroid levels went to optimal and my TSH was below range a bit. Two months ago after increasing to two 150mg a day, I did labs and RT3 had come down but FT3 and FT4 were below range and my tsh had shot up to 45! That has never happened in the nearly 20 years I’ve been dealing with this. I upped my dosage to three 150 mg capsules for 3 months and just tested again to find ft3 and FT4 a little worse and TSH only reduced to 30. I will be doing saliva testing for cortisol again tomorrow. I thought that had improved as my sleep is much more normal now,,but who knows. I sympathize with Becca, as I also didnt feel that my symptoms had gotten that much worse to have the high TSH show up! And I also have high blood pressure which for awhile was scary hard to control. I read a blog article by Amy Myers 5_21/19 that went into several ways the adrenals can affect thyroid receptors by production of cytokines, but that would be a high cortisol issue. Also mentioned is excess estrogen accumulation from prolonged cortisol production, which increases TBG and T4 never gets converted…I suppose that is a possibility..
Where to go from here? Test adrenals again, maybe test estrogen, and up dosage. My heart rates and temps are always normal..heart rate may be a little low at 58-60.
I welcome any thoughts or feedback.
Janie Bowthorpe
I think everything you are saying sounds on target. You don’t want to be on any cortisol though, if you are going to redo saliva.
Sounds like you had a bad batch of Thyrogold??
Gary Smith
I have a unique problem from everything I have read. I just got back my TSH results of 12.5. Previously it was 7.2 back in 2002. However, I have absolutely no symptoms of being hypo. I run or hike nearly every day up to 5 to 8 miles, I am thin, have a full head of hair, never constipated, low cholesterol, rarely feel tired, etc. I am a 67 year old male. Dr wants me on thyroid meds. I tried that in 2002 but it was the bad stuff – synthoid. My hair fell out and my cholesterol levels spiked up. So I went off them ASAP. I am thinking about trying Armour in low dose or Dr. Lowe’s Thyro Gold. But I am worried about the side effects. And why even go on anything if i feel so good?
Janie Bowthorpe
Your final question-thought makes sense, Gary.
Janie Bowthorpe
But Gary, I would definitely keep an key eye on yourself, just in case you are getting by with plenty of cortisol or adrenaline. Because if that’s the case, your body may be setting you up for a major crash.
Megan
Could this happen from using iodine? I’m not sure if Gary is but I just wondered. Doesn’t iodine drive up your TSH while it may actually be helping?
anonymous
I have to leave this as anonymous for privacy reasons, but I’ve been in bed for 2 years now and I’m running out of options, I’m ordering Thyroid Gold and wanted to say even if it doesn’t work thank you for giving me somewhere to turn…lost my job, all my ability to do everything I ever loved, pretty much only thing I have left is cooking and my dog 🙂
Here’s to hope!
Judith
Please write back and let us know how you are doing, and if you are seeing improvement! I am disabled by chronic fatigue and would like to know.
Wayne
Hello Everyone! I just started taking 100mg of Thyro-Gold yesterday which is 1/3 of the 300mg capsule. Of course I’m excited! Taking it two days is hard to tell, but I do feel a jolt from the direct T3. Up to two days ago, I was on about 75mcg of synthetic T4 and even though that put me in the normal range for FT3 and FT4, I still have dry skin, cold intolerance, inability to sweat to name a few. Been on synthetic T4 for 14 years because of Hashi’s, but based on the small size of my thyroid, I probably had it a lot longer than that. Through diet and supplements, my abnormal antibodies have been in normal range since 2005. (knock on wood!) I avoid gluten, most dairy, soy, and flax. I try to avoid nightshades but I still eat cruciferous veggies because I believe they are just too good for us to totally avoid. Can healthy thyroid tissue eaten by antibodies ever grow back again to secrete hormone? If so, under what conditions could it grow back?
Main reason I’m posting: I would like to find more info on the number of Grains in Thyro-Gold. I don’t want to start-off taking too much. Anna said that she read that 300mg of Thyro-Gold is about 1.5 Grains. But I read here: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/armour-vs-other-brands/ that 150mg of Thyro-Gold may have a similar effect to 1.25 Grains. That’s a big difference! The Thyro-Gold website indicates to start with 150mg for a couple of weeks and adjust from there based on symptoms. There should be a table or formula available for us to use as a reference as to how much Thyro-Gold we need to start with when coming off of synthetic hormone or another brand of NDT. Does anyone else have more info on this? Thx!
Janie Bowthorpe
Thyroids destroyed by antibodies don’t usually regenerate. I would follow what patient experiences tell us, which the STTM link is about.
Wayne
Thanks, Janie for the prompt response. Your website is amazing!
Stephanie
Ok….Iam on Armour thyroid…been going threw doctors like water because the current doctor wont prescribe what i have been taking which is more then she prescribe even tho i told you i was taking double when she ran my labs and all within range…first time since i got thyroid removed in Feb 2013. What do you suggest i buy first the 300mg or 150 mg and how often do i take the thyroid gold? Do i still take my armour..what she prescribes along with thyroid gold? Thanks
Abigail
Wondering how your switch from Armour to Thyro-Gold went? I’m am about to make the switch myself. I’m finding the blood tests plus doctors visits are too costly right now (without insurance) to continue my (now 3+ yrs) prescription for Armour. I was doing pretty well on prescription, except for some hypo symptoms returning (weight gain, fatigue, skin ect.). Anyways, a bit nervous about going on Thyro-gold and finding the right dosage but i’m hoping it’s a positive experience. Finding info about people who’ve switched from prescription NDT to OTC options isn’t easy!
christine
I’m thinking of switching my synthyriod to this Thyrogold. But do any doctors prescribe this or do you have to get it yourself? Also, do you take BOTH Thyrogold AND synththyriod or just one?
Janie
Christine, folks order it themselves. You can google it to find it. No, the vast majority have no need to combine the two.
Catie
I started thyro gold about 4 days ago. I was desperate. Synthroid was really causing problems. I was do exhausted!! In two days I felt amazing. I stopped synthroid one day n started taking 150 at night and then another 150 about 12 hrs later. I feel wonderful! I will be seeing my primary later this month and will request lab work. By the way I have no thyroid. Not sure if I’ll need to increase dosage as the synthroid leaves my body (or maybe it has). I may try one 300 at night and see if that’s enough to get through the day. Instead of breaking it up. Not really sure!
Janie Bowthorpe
Catie, that is WONDERFUL!!! Clapping for you!!!! One tip: pull the second dose up. You need the direct T3 mostly during the day, such as taking your first dose in the morning and your second dose by early afternoon.
Judith
I never quite understood this. Should we take our thyroid in the morning and afternoon, and not at night? Should it be equal doses morning and afternoon? I’ve been trying to space it out equally over 24 hours, but I guess I have been doing it wrong. I’d like to know the right pattern. Thanks.
Janie Bowthorpe
Because your body needs the bulk of the T3 in the daytime, we lean to taking it first thing in the morning, and then in the early to mid afternoon. There are variations, though….
Diane
Hi all, I’m new to this group
Had Graves’ disease 8 yrs ago received RAI now without thyroid. I was on levoxyl wasn’t myself eventually it was recalled not long ago and was on Tirosint short while, more powerful drug last 2 weeks of Tirosint we upped my dose got vey mild chest pains did not tell Dr (100 mcg 6 days and 88 mcg 2 days-the 5 days of 100 mcg was too little-feeling hypo) then I just switched to Armour was on it for 12 days, 1 grain in the AM only, but I believe I made a big mistake by eating breakfast 3.5 hours later I did this for 2 days only & I started to get chest pains I then split the 1 grain in half taking 30MG approx 7:30 AM & 30 MG approx 5:30PM and by the 12th day chest pains stopped but then I started to become tired so I increased the dose by 30 MG, so I took Armour 60 in AM & Armour 30 around 4:30 pm and chest pains returned, actually the chest pains returned from doubling my AM dose, got scared so I asked my Dr to prescribed Naturethroid 1 grain, not sure if I should have fine tuned Armour, but I got afraid and switched to NT.
Armour is definitely a softer pill and color is fleshy, Naturethroid looks almost white and is harder, maybe NT will be a bit easier on me as I haven’t had these hormones for 8 years, as i do not have a thyroid at all
Must say my mind felt brighter once I switched to desiccated, but having trouble with the transition to desiccated.
May need a Dr who is more experienced with NDT, in Manhattan NY, but most holistic Drs have very mixed reviews
Not sure if making the switch to Naturethroid so soon was wise, I did chew the NT and I’ve learned to eat no longer than 1 hour in the AM after my dose, I also took the 1 grain whole in the morning, not sure if on my 13th day of desiccated I should incr to 1/2 later this afternoon, if my mild chest pain goes away. I’ve read that some people think Naturethroid is a bit weaker than Armour
That may be a good thing, not sure
I do understand that I’d be needing to raise gradually but do not know how, 1/2 or 1/4 more? every 2 weeks till I’m level on 2 grains or so.
It’s a scarey transition but I’d like to keep on natural desicated
I believe I need a more experience Dr, although my endo is trying to work with me?
Please what are your thoughts?
Eagerly waiting!
Thank you!!!, Diane
Janie
Diane, when patients have negative reactions to Natural Desiccated Thyroid, they are usually here: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ndt-doesnt-work-for-me
Helle
Any advice here?:
I love Thyroid-s but can not tolerate more than 30 mg because of the fillers. I’ve tried Erfa, Thiroyd and Thyreoid and none of them give me that great amazing feeling like Thyroid-s
Any advice?
Janie
Helle, you may be here: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ndt-doesnt-work-for-me
Helle
Thank you so much! 🙂
chris
I’ve used thyro-gold for 3.5yrs. I started on a smaller amount by opening the caps and splitting it up then gradually increasing it. It’s been a god send. It’s pretty much the only natural dessicated thyroid I have ever used so I can’t really compare with anything else. I used it through a pregnancy also and had to constantly increase the dose based on what my T3 levels were doing and a T4 but less important what t4 readings were. My tsh readings when taking this are always completely suppressed. I am not typically hypo…I have all the symptoms with normal blood tests. I decided to try the thyro-gold and it has been a life saver. My tsh being very suppressed does freak out the doctors but it is not important at all as long as my T3 is at the top of the range and my T4 is about mid range it’s all good. And quite frankly I have beautiful healthy 1.5yr old to prove it works well in pregnancy and the suppressed tsh had no relevance at all. I believe I have thyroid resistance hypothyroidism so my tissues are resistant to thyroid. that is why the normal tests. Anyway when I first went on thyro-gold I was trying to get pregnant and I did become pregnant. My doctor fretted about my suppressed tsh and told me to drastically decrease my dose down my 50mg per week for 3 wks running ..from 300-150mg. And one week after my last decrease, feeling uttely wiped out and exhausted by this stage I promptly miscarried at 12wks. So the next time I got pregnant I ignored the doctor and increased my dose incrementally after learning to read my own blood tests (t3 mainly) ignoring the very low tsh. and I successfully had a very healthy baby boy 9mths later. I have to have a prescription for thyro-gold…(new zealand) but I just get them to enclose it with my order. I notice customs did check last time it came in. I wish I didn’t have to have a prescription but at least I have one! Anyway I highly recommend Thyro-gold, excellent product.
Autumn
My doctor is worked up about me being on this during pregnancy. How often did you increase your dosage?
Mary
I am amazed I missed the stories about this product until now. I am in Ireland, was diagnosed hypo about 8 months ago and have been struggling on T4 ever since with little success.
I am also nearly 10 pounds heavier than I was when I started (and I had already gained 40 pounds in three years by then 🙁 )
So I really want to try Thyro-gold.
I just hope I can get it here without them seizing it at customs as I already had an order of Cynomel seized.
I am getting desperate.
Janie
Mary, join NTH Europe as well as the STTM Facebook Europe group for help. They are both listed on this page: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/talk-to-others Just scroll down.
Mary
Thank you Janie 🙂
Anna
Mary,
Since it’s an OTC product, with no mention of hormone content, you should not have any problems with customs. I also live in Europe, and have had no problems.
susan
i just decided to try Thyro Gold since the ND I’d been going to has stopped writing prescriptions, and my Naturthroid is running low. It’s so expensive and time consuming to find a new doc so i’m trying the Thyro Gold, hoping it will work!
Anna
Patricia,
I have read that 1 capsule of Thyro Gold equals +/-90 mg or 1,5 grain of Armour. It’s impossible to know, of course, as OTC products cannot contain any measureable amounts of hormones, nor any standardized amounts of hormones, but that is what I’ve read, and I have the impression Thyro Gold is very potent.
leigh lennox
Hello,
when you say “1 capsule of Thro-Gold” do you mean the 300 or 150 mg.? (both are sold on their website).
Thank you, Leigh
Anna
Leigh Lennox,
I mean the original (300 mg) capsules, as I read this soon after they appeared on the market back in 2010(?)
Patricia
Please could someone tell me about how many mg of Thyro-Gold equals a grain of thyroid? Thanks!
Cheryl B.
Hi all,
I was feeling totally miserable, always had low body temperature, freezing hands and feet, dry, brittle hair and nails…hair not growing… alligator skin, severe constipation, blurring vision, mental fog, losing short and long term memory..you name it. I started on 5mg of Naturethroid thinking it would do something. Nope, increase to 10, 15, 20mg…nothing. So went to Thyroid Gold took 300mg first day…hmmm something…little more energy, no way…Stayed on that for a week then increased to one capsule and about an 8th of another – getting better, more energy, less constipated. I was taking a cap full of Miralax a day before that but I had stopped everything since I wanted to know what the Thyroid Gold would affect. Couple days later, added a little more of the second, getting closer. I broke down a couple of days later and took 2 pills, 600mg…I also have ADHD but am not taking anything for it. Felt amazing…hair getting nicer, energy back, losing weight! OMG, I haven’t seen that face in 7 years! On that for a couple of days and started having racing heart so I knew, step back. I did for about a week and decided to stay at 1 1/2 capsules – 450mg and it was perfect. I took the powder with a teaspoon of applesauce and as with regular synthetic thyroid replacement…wait one hour before you have anything else. I was having bouts of edema for almost 3 years prior and it was continuing except I couldn’t control it with OTC diuretics so I went to the doctor’s for prescribed diuretics. Now knowing it was definitely something my thyroid needed I thought I could go on regular thyroid and have my primary monitor….so wrong. I obviously need to find an Endo and primary that will pay attention to symptoms. I’ve been off the Thyroid Gold since the end of January since my 5 month wait… for my first visit to see an Endo was getting close (a month). That was not enough time for it to leave my system, who knew?? Not me..now, I need to get a new Endo because the one I got was a young female and was like a witchy woman…tests results were “within the range” and I should exercise. Dude, what about all the rest of the symptoms I was having? I get around, I exercise but try doing it well when you can’t tell the difference between your foot, ankle and leg…you can’t see veins or bones in my feet they are so puffy…duh docs…see this. Though, make sure your doc runs the gambit of tests on your vitamin levels, etc…kept telling my primary I was having shin pains for two years, bruises not going away (for 5 months) she told me, “I was getting older”. Tests from Endo showed I was low in B12 and to keep taking my 50,000 IUs of Vitamin D. I couldn’t move my fingers in my left hand it was so painful. I think it is all symptomatic of having a terribly sluggish body. Ok….changing out doctors and getting all new ones and adding an ENT since thyroid ultrasound revealed nodules and cysts on both sides of my Thyroid. I had my left lobe removed in 2000 but the Endo said that shouldn’t be causing any of my complaints. My theory is my body temperature has been 96.2 to 96,4 all my life until I started the Thyroid Gold…it went to 97.9 in two weeks! My hands and feet were warm for once in a lifetime, I had energy, most of my symptoms were getting better. Not to be TMI, horrible, but I had constipation so bad that I thought only horses and cows defecated like that. Even that, which is a total nightmare trying to regulate and besides..anyone take Miralax?? That does work on consistency but you get cramps, still can’t have a life because you just never know… might as well be single cause no one will want to be around you let alone sleep with you..I don’t even like being around my own self…it’s like Methane poisoning. I’m going back on the Thyroid Gold and damn the torpedos…uh..doctors..
Good luck guys!
elaine
i used thyro gold 1.5 yrs ago, and had racing heart and lost a bunch of weight, would like to try it again, but almost afraid too….. i use dessicated thyroid now, but i wonder if its the best for me, i had both sides of my thyroid removed due to cold nodules 16 years ago,,,, now fighting my weight, aches, and a new symptom, burning skin!!!! not sure if its thyroid related or fibro or both??
Ceci
Wow, I have burning skin too…mostly at night. Weird hypo symptom.
Susan
Burning skin and tingling are signs of peripheral neuropathy which can occur with hypothyroidism due to the failure of thyroid hormone to get into
the receptor cells and convert T-4 to T-3.
A
be careful of miralax…i refer you to google 🙂 gl!
karen toth
Yes from reform. Armour to Naturethroid—– no difference sick as he’ll with no hope. I say they are the same and WHY would they do this????????????
Shelley C.
I started out on Synthryoid, and though my lab numbers came down to 1.5 from 5.55, I felt worst than ever. My
Dr.(s) refused to prescribe Armour or any natural thyroid med. That’s when I took matters into my own hands. I found out about Thyroid-S on this site. I started taking it in Sept.2012 and did well at first. I felt a big change in energy levels and depression and brain fog, which have been my major hypo symptoms. Gradually increased dose of Thyroid-S as recommended and I am now at 1 grain, but I feel awful again. No energy, terribly depressed, losing hair, irritable, etc, etc. If I try to up my dosage, I get hyper symptoms, heart palpitations, extremely irritable and moody.I’ve decided to order generic Armour from Canada ( without prescription), I haven’t received it yet, and I am concerned about what dosage to take, it cones in 25 mcg tabs. Has anyone tried Armour from Canada without prescription? Is it safe from what you have experienced? How many mcg of Amour equal 1 grain of Thyroid-S? Any help would be greatly appreciated. My shipment of Armour is due around the end of Jan, this year, 2013. I’m not sure what to do,stick it out with Thyroid-S, even though it is not helping anymore, or switch to the generic Armour. Confused.
(From Janie: your problems with raising point to either low iron, or low cortisol (and occasionally high cortisol), both which need discovery and treatment before you’ll do well on NDT. Go here: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info and https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ferritin READ THE!! 🙂 And I can only strongly recommend you order the revised STTM book so you can have this information on hand with even more details: http://www.laughinggrapepublishing.com
Pamela P
For those who are having trouble sourcing Thyro-Gold, it is still available as of June 2012. You need to call the 800 number, you just cannot order it from the web site drlowe.com. You can also find info here: http://www.naturalthyroidsolutions.com/How_To_Order.html This is Tammy Lowe’s new web site.
j dial
Sadly, Dr. Lowe died in January of 2012. And at this time, May 2012, Thyro-Gold does not seem to be available. I am hoping that the family is attempting to make it available again, but I’ve seen no information to that effect. So I’m looking elsewhere for now. Ugh.
(CALL: 1-888-281-5170 or 1-877-565-2665. FAX: 1-316-351-7795)
Lila Marker
Hi,
I am in Canada, where hypothyroidism is seen as a mythical illness.
I am going to start thyro gold next week. I have never taken thyroid meds or supplements before.
Can anyone share when it should be taken and how. Is it taken in the morning…do I start with one for a few weeks and see how I do?
Any information would be appreciated.
Janine L
Hi Lila I’m at exactly the same place you were when you posted. How did it go?
lisa
This is old post but wondering about Thyro-Gold experience Lila
Sandy
I started ThyroGold about 2 1/2 years ago not having taken any thyroid meds previously. I have zero confidence in endos. Started with the 150 mg which increased my pulse from 60 to 72-75 and raised my temperature. Used to have to bundle up in summer in 80 degree A.C. but now am warm all the time. Also allowed me to focus on work again, plus many other benefits. I experimented with taking 2 capsules but it was making my heart race, which seemed pointless. I take one capsule with water when I wake up and wait 30 minutes before eating. Will be getting blood work next week. Meds/supps alone are not enough…I eat meals cooked from scratch, healthy fats, seafood, pastured animal products, veggies, almost no white sugar, no wheat…it’s an “ancestral” diet like humans evolved with.
Pogonia
Am really interested in Thyro-Gold. My husband and I have been steadily getting worse on low dose Synthroid, and cannot find a doctor insurance covers who will listen to me. So when I can order it, sounds like we can just stop our very low dose Synthroid and, hopefully, get by on one a day Thyro-Gold (?) since our budget won’t allow much more than that. I hope some of you will update here on how you are doing now. 🙂
Wendy
Hi, See my comment above. Best wishes.
Cathy
Those of you who have tried Thiroyd, are you happy with the results? I found a website where you can order 1000 pills and it’s really cheap compared to other thyroid drugs. So far, I’ve only read good things about it but I wanted to know more about your experiences?
Dee
My husband and I visit Thailand every year and bring back 10 bottles at a time of Thiroyd X 1000 tablets (each 60mg). We were told it is hospital quality, which is why we have to buy 10 at a time (this year brought back 20 bottles to help friends and relatives too). We are more than happy with the quality, and the tablets are tiny and easy to swallow or do sublingual.
Dee
P.S. Can you tell me the website where you can order Thiroyd? We may not be going back to Thailand for more than a few more years. daxxak14@gmail.com
Catherine
I have an unused bottle of ThyroGold. I never got to use it as I was put on NTH (Erfa) instead. But so many people seem to be doing great on it, so I wonder if it is possible to combine Erfa and TG? Each capsule of TG contains 300 mg of bovine thyroid which seems quite a lot, so I’d probably need to cut back on the Erfa (I am currently taking 185 mg/day). Has anyone tried this, or is
TG not meant to be taken with prescription thyroid, but rather by itself?
Lori
My lab tests came back with a flat-lined cortisol and only very mild hypothyroidism. I spent 4-5 months feeling absolutely horrid working on my leaky gut with GAPS diet, raising my cortisol with nutrients, adaptogens, Thorne’s Cortrex and Standard Process’s dessicated Adrenal and balancing my wacked blood sugar. As my adrenal symptoms improved, the absolutely terrible, suicidal depression set in. With the help of this website and Dr. Rind’s and Dr Lowe’s websites, I decided I need to implement a thyroid supplement. My temps were finally low and stable, as opposed to erratically unstable, and I started Atriums Thyroid 130 and I took 18 tabs a day. The depression somewhat lifted. I then received my Thyro-Gold in the mail. LIFE CHANGING. I literally spent an hour dancing in my bedroom, when I have been barely able to walk or even drive for 6 months. I had gained 40 lbs, and it is slowly coming off. I can’t compare Thyro-Gold to other thyroid meds, but I have been loving it the past 2 weeks on it!
christine
Do you take BOTH Thyrogold AND T4 (like synthyriod)? Do you feel your appetite is the same and are hungry? A comment above says a women took Thyrogold and her appetite is suppressed. I love having an appetite and would avoid this if that is true.
Janie
Christine, please don’t go by one person’s comment. Thyrogold or any NDT is overall not known to suppress appetite.
Megan
She may be moreso referring to extreme hunger and carbohydrate cravings, which can happen when you are in the thyroid dumps. This happens for me and NDT does help me feel more stable. I use nutri-meds and I find the porcine much stronger than the bovine, but I recommend the bovine for those who need to start from scratch like I did.
Catherine
Cara Bryant,
I am curious about Thyro-Gold. I ordered it a few months ago after reading so many glowing reviews about it, but it made me seriously hyper. The problem, however, was that I stayed on T4 meds while taking it because I had no way of knowing if I should go off them altogether or just decrease them (and, if so, by how much). Have you stopped taking all other thyroid meds, and are you only taking Thyro-Gold? Thanks.
Catherine
anne
Catherine.. you felt hyper because you were hyper.. you are not supposed to take both your T4 meds and ThyroGold. That’s like taking a double dose.. one replaces the other.
Anna
I took my first pill of Thyro Gold six hours ago…the effects are truly amazing! I have so much energy that it feels like my feet are hardly touching the floor when I move…I remember reading somewhere (I cannot remember if it was here or in another forum) that Thyro Gold also contains a substance that suppresses appetite. I can confirm that – normally, I cannot wait to have breakfast when I get up in the morning, and now it’s 10.35 am and I am still not hungry. For the first time ever I had to MAKE MYSELF EAT. I have been on Weight Watchers for ever but unable to follow their program because of cravings. I restart every Monday and fall off the waggon on Wednesday that same week. But now I don’t think that I am going to have any problems with that. A truly amazing product…I just hope I will stay feeling this way!
christine
Are you still on Thyrogold? Is it still working well? I LOVE having an appetite, and now after reading what you wrote, I’m worried I will never be hungry. is this still the case for you?
Anna
Well, I no longer have such a fierce appetite, but to me that is only an advantage. I would recommend starting on 150 mg of TG instead of 300.
Loraine
Hi Anna……I would like how you are doing on the Thyrogold? I wanted to start using this instead of medication for a long time but am so nervous to switch. Please let me know…..I would really appreciate it. thank you
Loraine
Holly
Hi Anna, I have to agree about the appetite. I had been diagnosed with hypo but not put on meds. I really wanted some energy and I just ached all over. I bought a bottle of Thro-gold and ended up taking two a day first thing in the morning on an empty stomach .My bottle ran out last Thursday. I started having cravings for carbs the very next day and they’ve been horrible ever since! I had given up all grains, rice ect and had only been getting carbs from fruits, veggies and greek yogurt. Was doing wonderfully with no problem. My skin has also become very dry again, I’m irritable and feel kind of depressed, I’m starting to ache and I am in a fog until I have about 3 cups of coffee. Needless to say I’m off to order more after typing this. 🙂
Anna
Hello everyone,
Today I received my first shipment of Thyro Gold and I am anxious to try it. However, I would like to ask those of you who have been taking it for a while if (and how) it affected your thyroid meds? Did you continue to take prescription meds and, if so, did you have to decrease them after a while? I have been on 200 mcg of synthetic T4 for the past ten years. I have no idea how much hormone there is in Thyro Gold, but I assume I would eventually become hyperthyroid if I stayed on 200 mcg of T4 a day + Thyro Gold? Thanks for any help or advice you can give me on this one!
(From Janie: you will only need to take ThyroGold. It’s already got T4 in it.)
maria
Hi Anna excuse my english I started taking thyrogold this is my fourth day only 150 mg one in the morning. I couldn’t sleep very well kind of like getting insomnia I feel with a lot of more energy my skin looks so soft and feels to my asthma it feels like is improving too.But maybe I need to try my adrenals too because it just feels like I am on the verge of over stimulation of the thyroid
I hoped I helped I know how it feels to feel like a wasted of skin but you should try it just make sure your check your adrenals too
God bless
chrissy
I noticed thyro-gold is really strong. be careful with it. nutra-meds is definitely not as strong
Wendy
HI, Hair tests show good minerals and heavy metals. Zinc/Se/iron (enough, but not too much) is required to help T4 change to T3. Raising Synthroid may not help. A lower dose of thyroid medicine….Amour and generic Synthroid with the minerals I mentioned help me. ( Synthroid may have gluten in it.) Gluten may cause thyroid problems when it makes antibodies to the thyroid. No gluten (wheat/Barley/rye..oats), no dairy/soy/sugar/GMO (maybe corn/soy/canola oil), Vitamins/good oils, LDN, Vit D3 5000IU, Vit C, zinc, 2000mg of fish oil, Mg citrate, Nature’s plus- Source of life multiple, HCl and enzymes with meals, dairy free probiotic at night, Vit B12 methylcobalamin shot/spray/until the tongue kind, MTHF folate and more help me.
Amour thyroid has T4/T3T2/T1 in it. Thyro-gold sounds like it has the same, but the dose may need to be figured out so it gives energy, but doesn’t drop off energy at any time of day. Freezing it may help it be strong longer. Tap water has F/Cl may block thyroid. Soy may block thyroid. Food may block thyroid medicine so no food before it…a few hours and no food until 2 hours after may help. Eating organic may help. Heavy metals may block thyroid. Detoxing may help with organic sulfur or Now brand- Detox support or alpha lipoic acid, milk thistle, Vit C, EDTA/DMPS IV chelations, chorella, 600mg of cilantro far from food may help and lots of good water help me. I eat nothing in a box/bag/label since it may have gluten contamination in it. Nuts not in a shell/meat basting/spices and more may have hidden gluten which can make more antibodies to the thyroid. LDN helps block hidden gluten. It is from a compounding pharmacy from a doctor. Many people are not getting enough thyroid medicine since doctors go by TSH which may not help since gluten may make antibodies to the pituitary that makes TSH. Free T4 and Free T3 tests may help monitor it, but how a person feels may help the most. T4 is storage form of thyroid medicine and needs to convert to T3 to be used by cells. Progesterone may help thyroid hormone be used and more. Bioidentical hormones…estriol/progesterone/testosterone help me. Best wishes.
Catherine
Dear all,
Interesting comments! I have a question on thyroid glandular. I live in Europe where natural desiccated hormone is very hard to find, so I have been ordering natural desiccated porcine thyroid from Nutrimeds. It has worked very well (I take two capsules, each containing 130 mg of raw thyroid, together with 200 mcg of thyroxine, in the morning). I feel a lot better but have not been able to decrease my thyroxine dose (at least not so far). However, the sluggishness is gone and I feel more energetic than before, so the raw thyroid is definitely doing something to me!
I have been reading about Thyro Gold and would like to know if anyone here has tried Nutrimeds and Thyro Gold and is able to compare them? I ordered raw thyroid from pigs rather than cows because it says on Nutrimed’s web page that porcine chemistry is a little closer to human chemistry, but then I read that pigs may have diseases that can be transmitted to humans, whereas Thyro Gold comes from cattle in New Zealand and Argentina where there is no BSE.
In your experience, is porcine or bovine thyroid powder better for humans? I would welcome any thoughts on these products (Thyro Gold is worth ordering because it’s better than Nutrimeds, they are equal or whatever your opinions may be!)
Is the idea that you should be able to decrease your T4 meds once you are on raw thyroid, or should the latter be seen as a complement to conventional drug therapy?
(From Janie: here are good patient groups where you might get better feedback: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/talk-to-others )
Peltman73
I am wondering about the comparison of Thyro-Gold and Nutrimeds as well…
Donna
Hello Catherine & Peltman73 — I hope that you get to see my reply, over one year later! 😛 I was taking two, Nutri-Med desiccated porcine capsules in the morning, and one in the afternoon, at about 3:30 pm, and I felt fabulous! I decided to try Thyro-Gold desiccated bovine, because they’re 300 mg/capsule:Nutri-Med’s 130 mg/capsule. I was thinking, ‘Great! I only need to take two-a-day!’ Despite Thyro-Gold’s many, glowing reviews, sadly, I’m back to feeling like my old, fat, bloated, sluggish, and EXTREMELY fatigued self. And, all of this, despite the higher dosage! I’m not sure what it is about my chemistry, or the differences between porcine and bovine desiccated thyroid, but Thyro-Gold does nothing for me. I re-ordered a bottle of the Nutri-Med desiccated porcine yesterday, and will stick with it, instead.
All of this said, please remember that we’re all different. From what I’ve read on the Internet, I seem to be the only one in probably hundreds of people who has had this experience with Thyro-Gold. If you have the money to try both, one bottle at a time, I’d reccommend doing so. Conduct your own, personal study, and see which one works better for you. Best of luck to you! 😃
PS. I’m sure that by now, you’ve found a product and dosage that works for you; when ever you get a chance, could you please reply? I’d love to hear experience, as well! Thank you!
karen
yes caroline i agree we need TRUTH IN LABELING for sure !im sure those pigs are fed gmo soy and corn.have you seen food inc? it changed my life . gmos damage your immune sytem thats probably why so many people have auto immune diseases now and it probably also has somehting to to with all this gluten allergy stuff too because gmos have pesticide s in them adn kill the beneficial bacteria thta we all need for a helathy intestine and immune system. organic consumers association has a millions against monsanto campaign if anyone’s interested
Alma L
Hello. I’m currently switching from nature-throid (just hasn’t been working properly since the reformulation) and well, no need to give the spotlight further to the detriments of synthroid. (seriously, when I was on that stuff for close to 10 years, the electricity like burning sensations in my body just became normal occurrences..not to mention the really dry, itchy skin and scalp)
So yes, switching from nature-throid to thyro-gold. To those who have made the switch, did you just stop the nature-throid all together one day and introduce thyro-gold the next or did you do it slowly in phases? Please share your switch to thyro-gold experiences.
I was diagnosed with Graves at 20 and took 2 treatments of RAI and on synthroid at the age of 21. I haven’t been the same since but work wonderfully with what I have now. I always maintain hope that there is a better option out there for me, for us.
As a nutritionist, I also keep my diet in amazing shape. Sugar free, gluten free and subscribe to a wholesome, nutrient dense organic food diet, eschewing the processed foods. This I believe has made ALL the difference in being able to still function with decent energy during the really hypo days and keeping my weight under control.
I’ll keep everyone posted as to how the switch is working for me. I also want this to be a learning experience for those who are contemplating the switch to thyro-gold.
To our thyroid health!
Atik
Hi Alma,
Thanks for sharing.I am interested in knowing your personal success and also professional advise on the pattern/system you used via diet to maximise success.You can share here please .
Thanks again
Tilly
Here is my experience… I was instructed by Tammy to take one 300mg and one 150mg pill daily of Thyro-gold. I was currently on 3 grain of Naturethroid and experiencing some major side effects. So, I decided to switch and started slow, just taking the 300mg and stopping Naturethroid all together. Just doing that since August 2016 has made such a huge HUGE difference. I noticed the increased energy (I haven’t felt this in about 7 years!) and my eyebrows grew back in. My hair stopped falling out, I stopped noticing the excessive sweating, brain fog, shakiness and MANY menstrual issues have all but normalized. I also dropped about 25 pounds since starting and attribute that to my metabolism getting back to normal. I am so glad I decided to switch from Naturethroid.
Packer
David- Do you mind sharing the names of the docs you found?
David Fields
‘Don’t know if my comment is in the right place – but I finally found 2 “integrative” type endocronologists at Northwestern, Chicago, despite my very limited health coverage.Nevertheless, I guess before I even shake their hands when we introduce I should ask them right-off-the-bat if they’re “Armour” doctors(or Naturethroid, and if not, I’m back where I started – doctorless.
Anyhow, my symptoms with anxiety and yes, inspite of being a guy, hot-like “flashes” sweat while sleeping, are so awefull, i need help fast.
Caroline
I was on Synthroid & other synthetic T-4 only meds for 9 years before I switched to “old” Armour. I felt great for the 1st time in years. Then I crashed within weeks of taking the “new” Armour. I switched to Naturethroid until that too got reformulated. I read that the added cellulose blocks the absorption of the meds so that you will have to take more Naturethroid to get the same effect. I’m taking Erfa and it’s okay. Not great like the old Armour but better than the reformulated Armour & Naturethroid. I am tempted to try Thyro-Gold because I like the idea of pastured fed cows. It would not surprised me if the pigs are fed genetically engineered soybean which is so BAD for you. We need TRUTH IN LABELING on our food.
I get Erfa from Universal Drugs but I would like to try another pharmacy because Erfa is shipped from New Zealand now. DOES ANYONE HAVE A SUGGESTION WHERE TO GET ERFA OTHER THAN UNIVERSAL DRUGS OR THE MANUFACTURER?
(From Janie: go here and scroll down https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/options-for-thyroid-treatment
Best of luck to everyone here. Thanks.
Mary
Has anyone taken Armour Thyroid and did well for years before the reformulation and had to quit due to stomach issues? Also, am trying Naturethroid but feel like I may need to take more even though both are supposed to have the same equivilant of the active ingredient.
Any feedback would be helpful…
thanks
maggie
would like to come off of the levothyroxine i have been on way too long (symptoms only getting worse) what are your feelings on Botanical Choice thyroid complex supplement?
Phil
I was a mod here for the Men’s only Thyroid Forum. I am so sick of the problems with NTH meds I don’t use them any more. Every time I switched from one to the other things went bad.
Back when you could not get NTH meds we were left hanging.
I now so 150 mcgs of T4 only with 5 mcgs of T3 3x’s per day I feel as good on this as I did one 4 grains of the old Armour.
And I don’t need to worry about it being pulled from the market.
Phil
Patricia
Hi Janie, thanks for the info, which I did read. Do you know how long you need to be on a dose before seeing improvement? I have just been on this 65 and 65 for almost 2 weeks now. Also have any of your other readers noticed a big difference in the reformulation of naturethroid? Can’t find any info on this on website. Thanks again for your support.
From Janie: it’s individual, but I saw great improvement on my starting dose of 3/4 grain within a week! I still had to raise, tho, and raise again. My sweet spot at that time was 3 3/4 grains, but it’s individual. Most of us need to raise off the starting dose no later than two weeks, by the way. You will also have to check other issues which may be contributing to feel bads. It’s in that link. https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/things-we-have-learned
Patricia
Dont know if anyone can help me. I was on synthroid for many many years, then 3 years ago tried naturethroid. Felt very energised, but at time sad which I couldn’t understand. Anyhow when it went into shortage, I went back to synthroid with cytomel. My levels were ok, T3 still low but when I upted the cytomel I had extremely bad cramping at menustration time, so came off it. Went back to nature throid. Two years ago when on nature throid 65, and 16 was even too much. Now have tried 65 and 32 and still not enough, am now on 65 and 65 and still have hypo symptoms. I know they reformulated it, since I was on it 2 years ago, but has anyone else noticed that they are having to take a much larger dose? After reading these comments am tempted to try thyro-gold, but am so scared I will feel worse than I do now. I am also finding it hard to get a doctor who understands what I am after. Would really appreciate any feedback I could get. One other main problem that maybe someone could help me with is that it has now been 3 weeks on the 65 and 65 and my breasts are like rocks, tender and in pain, like I am too estrogen dominant. I never seemed to have this problem before on the old naturethroid. Would appreciate any advice.
From Janie: see if you are there: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/mistakes-patients-make You may be on too little to get good results; you may have adrenal fatigue or low ferritin/low iron, etc.
Tilly
Try Thro-gold it works!!! No doctor to mess either (my endo never helped me!)
Lisa
I had graves 17 years ago when i was 17 years old and had RAI. Been on Eltroxin ever since. Blood work always normal range but i never felt right. Tried Thyroid S for three months but always felt very bloated and after blood tests it showed my TSH at 50plus and my FT3 and FT4 below minimum in range😠Iv just ordered Thyrogold and i am really hoping that this will help make things better for me.
Janie Bowthorpe
Lisa, it sounds like you were under dosing the Thyroid-S. Read the green graphic as to what patients look for in achieving their optimal NDT dose: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101
Then read this: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/iron-and-cortisol Because for the length of time you’ve been on T4, you could possibly have problems with one or both.
Sally
I was diagnosed as hypothyroid in 2002 and given Synthroid. It made me feel like I was burning so my doctor switched me to Levoxyl. Over time, my symptoms increased and I gained 60 pounds. The doctor did not respond to my pleading for change, so I went to an alternative doctor in 2009. He gave me Armour but wouldn’t increase the dose; this was just before the shortage and I went to compounded. I crashed and upped what I was taking with Thiroid. A year ago I found a doctor who was open minded enough to work with me. She prescribed generic T3 for me to do a RT3 clearing. Now that was less than fun! But it worked. Last fall I started with Naturethroid but my FT3 fell slightly even when I increased from 1 to 1.5 grains. So I asked for a prescription for Acella generic and I’ve been pleased with it. It tastes sweet and practically melts in my mouth. I feel good but I’m still having adrenal fatigue issues and not losing weight. I’ve been taking Isocort but I think it’s not going to be enough. Unfortunately, my doctor has left the practice so I have to start over again.
Robhat
Diagnosed with hypothyroid 2 years ago, have been on synthroid with NO benefit the whole time. Recently was switched to armour and was really excited about the possibilities until reading about the infamous “reformulation” in 2009.
This isn’t even an exaggeration, I haven’t read ONE good thing about armour since. Ouch. Is there ANYONE still on it and doing well since the forumulation change??? Did anyone stay on it and have any success?
This news has been very frustrating after dealing with multiple “antianxiety” drugs and other misdiagnoses along with a worthless synthroid drug the past 6 to 7 years. I thought I had found the answer this time. Ugh.
rose merlene
I forgot to mention in my previous post that once I started on Dr. John Lowe’s formulation of ThyroGold from Thyroid Science that after about three weeks my weight went down from l68 to l49….without any changes in diet, etc. Just love the product!
I previously had worked for three doctors and that seemed to give me the confidence to go out on my own with over the counter ThyroGold because my doctor just could never get it right because of lousey labwork.
My lab work is great and I feel great!
heather
yea i have been chewin it up but i do probably need to up the levels…this is so frustrating! i cant stand to gain another pound!
heather
i had been on synthroid for 5 yrs and its has never worked for me…i have gained 50lbs i am tried all the time, cold, dizzy and every single other symptom out there after findng a decent dr he put me on armour…i havent been on it long less than a week but i feel pretty much the same and have gained a couple of lbs… should i convince my dr to switch me to erfa or naturethroid?
(From Janie: you probably need to raise the Armour, and chew it up, to get the results you need! https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/things-we-have-learned )
CherylA
I had been taking Armour 120 mg for 10 years when they pulled it from the market. The only side effect that I experienced was a bit of irritability for the first few hours in my system. When Armour was not available I tried Naturethroid. My fatigue went up, and my mood went down. As soon as Armour was back on the market, I switched back, only to find that it did not have the same effect. I assume that this is because of the reformulation. A few months ago my pharmacy suddenly filled my script with a generic, I assume, due to an insurance mandate. I gained 10 pounds within two weeks of starting the generic. I am experiencing serious lethargy. I have needed 10-12 hours of sleep and feel achy every morning for a few hours. If I try to increase the generic dose, I feel agitated. Luckily I am headed back to the pharmacy with a script for Armour labeled “brand medically necessary”. The sad thing is that I know that going back to the brand still won’t feel as good as the original Armour. :0(
Sam
I’m thyroidless and hypo-pituitary (RAI) and am on low dose prednisolone and was on old Armour and healthy (after switching from synthroid). During the shortage I took Thyroid-S and was fine.
When Armour was reformulated and came back on the market, I had the most horrendous experience on it similar to allergic reactions (blacking out, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, severe adrenal symptoms, etc). My ND quickly switched me to Naturethroid and I was ok on it. Unfortunately, due to my deadly experience on new Armour I now am very sensitive to cellulose. Due to that I switched to a compounded porcine thyroid in olive oil, with no other fillers, and am doing great on it.
By the way, when I switched from synthcrap to old Armour,
I switched cold turkey. I did it the same when I switched to Thyroid-S, to new Armour (aka crap), to Naturethroid, and to piggy in olive oil.
rose merlene
Janie,
I had typed a comment a few months ago and you printed it. I originally was prescribed Synthroid when I was first diagnosed at age 49. I ended up in front of a psychiatrist for severe depression and then my new medical doctor switched me to Armour. I was greatly improved.
Was on Armour for quite some time and then the big shortage came. That was a blessing from the Lord because
I absolutely could not find any Armour so searched on-line. I had followed drlowe.com for quite some time and had great confidence in his research and tremendous knowledge of metabolic disorders. When I saw that there was a new product formulated by Scientists and BioChemists working with Dr. Lowe I was excited. Ordered three bottles of Thryogold immediately and finished with my remaining Armour when it arrived. I just received my next 3 bottles and have been absolutely thrilled with the product.
My new family doctor kept wanting to put me back on Synthroid and I told her “why in the world would I want to take something that really messed up my entire life for quite some time?” She was stunned when she took my blood tests after I was on ThyroGold for a while. She was kind of “smirky” faced thinking she would end my entire experiment once the lab work was returned.
I think she was stunned that my blood work came back almost perfect and my cholesterol also came down from 260 to 199. She told me to continue “Whatever it is you are taking!” After a few weeks my weight started dropping and I went from 168 to l49 because Thyrogold has Forslean to help with weight. Also my doctor follows the TSH and I was always underdosed according to my symptoms but she keeps people “in range” which is a lousey way to treat people!
Anyhow, I feel that ThryoGold is absolutely superior to all other products and only have to take one per day so it really is not that expensive. It is $39.65 (approx.) and contains 90 tablets so that is a three month supply. Shipping is $12 even when ordering either one bottle or more, and they send it PRIORITY with confirmed delivery through USPS. It arrived in two days!
Anyhow, I feel happy, healthy, sleep like a baby, hair is thick, and feel better than even on the old Armour!
Sincerely,
Rose Merlene
Loraine
Hi Rose…Just wondering how you are doing on the Tyrogold…Is it still working for you? Would like to know cause I really want to try it since I am sick of these Hypothyroid issues. Thank you,
JoAnn
Hi..
I switched from Armour(3 grains), to Nature Throid (4grains), then to Erfa (4 grains). I am now on Erfa and just maybe starting to feel a little better. My ferritin in VERY low though, so I have been getting Iron/vitamin IV’s weekly. Getting my fourth one tomorrow. B 12 is low too, so I have been doing shots.
If you are on Erfa where is yours coming from? I get mine from Universal..
Liz
ERFA is working!!!
I gave up the first time after 2 days;
this time I slowly added it/droppped Armour over
a week—ready to hike soon!!
THANK YOU JANIE.
Kathleen
Hi! I started on NTH about 25 years ago when I did the Gerson Therapy. I would get my thyroid from a pharmacy in Mexico, the thyroid was made by Time Cap Labs, in the USA. I also sometimes would use the old Armour thyroid. Both worked fine. About 3 years ago I started to use Naturethroid . Then came the time when they stopped Armour and reformulated it. I have never used the reformulated Armour because I have read so many people say it doesnt work very well for them. I am still using Naturethroid (3 grains a day). I became thyroidless last March. I have also ordered Erfa but have not used it yet. Since I do not have a thyroid, I want to make sure I have a good amount in backstock incase they, God forbid would ever stop making NTH. God Bless the pigs! Kathleen
Lil
I had been taking Levoxyl and Cytomel since 2003, then recently switched to the reformulated (I guess?) Armour. When I went to the doctor, he upped my dosage. Both he and my sister think I look “brighter” but I can’t really tell much difference. I don’t have a third of my eyebrows, my hair is dull, and my skin is dry. I have high cholesterol and high blood pressure and depression. I take medications for the latter two conditions. I expected more of a difference, I guess, from taking the dessicated thyroid. Since I haven’t eaten pork or beef since 1991, it was a hard decision for me to make. How long should I give this medication before I decide that it just isn’t working?
(From Janie: Lil, make sure you are chewing it up, are on enough, have good ferritin/iron and cortisol. https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/things-we-have-learned )
Enrique
Last summer I was taking 50mcg of Slow Release T3 (Holtorf) and 1 grain of Erfa Armour. My Free T3 was 4.2 and TSH Suppressed to 0.4. I felt a lot better more energy etc… Then I switched to 75 mcg T3 (same one-compounded slow release) and NO Erfa Armour this time. Now after 6 months just had a blood test last week and my TSH has shot up to 15!!! and Free T3 is only 2.2 but I still lost 20 pounds since last summer and feel pretty good with good temperatures of 98.6-98.7!!! Totally confused with what happened here!!! I’m not asking for advice just recounting my experience. Thanks
karen
the reason i dont want to take erfa or armour or any of the regualr thryoid medicines is because they come from factory farmed pigs which are fed gmo feed and gmos greatly damage your immune system so besides the cruelty of factory farm the gmos are also ruining your health. thats why im so glad theres the thyro gold a nd raw thyroid from pasture raised cows eating no herbicide no pesticides grassa nd so glad to have heard about thryogold think form sstm.how about if everyone tellsforrest labs etc we dont want gmo fed and factory farmed pigs. thats the only way i would even think of trying erfa etc, thnaks goodness for thyrogold. mainly its the adrenals now for me . the thyrogold definiltey works
Liz
Had RAI for Grave’s and went on old Armour a few years later (TSH was over 100). Was able to hike in the mountains for almost 11 years!! Then–the reformulation. Got very sick, but tried compounded (did not work–maybe had cellulose); then Greater Pharma (they were too weak); am trying ERFA, though no great results so far. I just stayed on the new Armour for the past 2 years mostly.
I always did well when given the generics in years past, so I am hoping the new generic will work well!
I still wonder why Forest Labs wants to hear patient feedback, and yet doesn’t really care what we say. They told me they were flooded with calls about adverse experiences w/the reformulation.
(From Janie: LOVE your last paragraph)
karen
ive been taking herbal and vitamin things for the past 3 months for adrenal fatigue but im still rellay exhausted htough i think it might be working a little it because beofre when i took thyrogold my pulse rate went up very igh 90 s and 100s and maybe about a month ago i could take thyrogold without pulse rate going up too high . but now pulse rate started going up again . i h ad a test for the thyroid antibodies again and no longer have the antibodies thta i had 5 years ago. alhtough i read maybe here that that test is not always reliable .i think if relaly no longer have the antibodies that its from drinking raw milk for the past 2 years whcih has the helathy bacteria still in it which help your immune system ,and cutting out all known gmo foods such as regualr candy bars even my favorite reeses,, chain restaurnats. even cosi s which seemed sort of ehalthy uses gmo soy . i took synthroid for 5 years was no help wahtsover . want to try thryogold as soona s adrenals are bette r am still exhausted everyday, took horrible synthorid for 5 years no help whatsover made things worse but was too tired and too busy to do anythng about it till found sstm.
colleen
I switched from Armour to Erfa. I was on low doses of the old Armour, 2 grains before switching to Synthroid and Cytomel for one month, then back to Armour 2 grains. I then went to Erfa and started all over at 1 grain, then 1.25, and up 1/4 until I’m now at 3.75 grains. It took me a few months to get to 3 grains and then I stayed on 3 grains for about 8 months and then went to 3.5. I am much better than I was two years ago.
I’m thinking of trying the Armour again, but then I think what for, I get my Erfa with no problems from Canada and I feel fine.
Linda Sauer
My first thyroid medication was a compounded desiccated pork thyroid product given to me way back in 1981 by Dr Theron Randolph, the father of clinical ecology.
My doctor was 75 years old and still practicing medicine. He thought it was the best preparation for those of us with a low functioning thyroid. We were allowed to take as much as we needed to control our symptoms. This is the way ALL thyroid patients were dosed before the dirty “S” word took over the market.
I could no longer afford the compounded medication during college. So my very wise doc switched me to 4 grains of Armour in 1986. I developed high Reverse T3 after 20 years of taking Armour.
In 2006, I switched to compounded T3 after going the Detroit Fibro & Fatigue Clinic. I thought T3 was the elixir of life. I wondered if everyone in the world felt this great too for the first time in my life. I was very angry that I was 48 before I had days where I felt great all the time.
My hair stopped falling out. My pony tail is now the same size it was in my 20s. My muscle pain is gone. The daily headache that I was plagued with for 30 long years is gone.
Getting the right dose of T3 has been a problem. I keep getting labs done and have to constantly up the dose. I’m currently on 175 mcg 2x a day. The maximum is 200 mcg 2x per day according to my doc.
I absolutely HATE T4. Whenever I take it, my blood pressure soars. I have chest pain or costochondritis. To this day, I can’t figure out why so many doctors saw Armour in my chart and offered to switch me to the newer most fab med: Synthroid. Why? Simply because Armour is “old fashioned” and one doc even said, “People who take Armour have farm animals in their house”. I have house rabbits so I guess that was me?!
I also fail to see why so many doctors believe that any remaining symptoms a patient has can’t possibly be due to low thyroid because the patient is on an adequate dose of synthetic T4. It doesn’t work for all of us. It has never worked; so why do they keep plugging it? Why are hypo-T symptoms after T4 therapy tolerated? If you still have hypo-T symptoms; you owe it to yourself to try compounded T3.
Kendra
My story resembles many here, went completely downhill after 3 months on the reformulated Armour. Switched to Naturethroid but wanted to try the Erfa after reading about Jamies experience with it and that Naturethroid was going to reformulate as well. The Erfa is awesome, jsut like the old Armour.
The reformutaion of the new ARmour back to the old has not been done as far as I know, but the new Armour, caused me many problems including major hair loss, no energy, psoriasis all over my body, misscariage, and weight gain.
My blood levels were not that off, but my T4 was pretty low.
Anyhow, Im back to normal except for a candida issue that is pretty persistant and horrible dandruff. Whatever, as long as the Erfa stays the same and I can get it easily Ill not bitch, I bitched to Armour plenty. But I can see they and 99% of most doctors dont really want to help people. Dont get why but thems the facts!
Barbara
I was on Synthroid, then went to Armour. The reformulation caused me all sorts of problems. Switched to compounded desiccated pig thyroid and that has been fine. I have Hashi’s so I am now trying to deal with the auto immune problem because leveling off the thyroid is not the answer. Also am considering adding Low Dose Naldextrone. We will see.
If anyone has had any good results in getting their bodies to stop the attack I am willing to listen.
Starting on a nutrition track and will post my results.
Never give up but become an active participant in getting your body back to homeostasis!!
peace~
Judy
Levothyroxine for 15 years never really well and continued to gain weight even on low calorie diet. Found info on Armour and took that, felt amazing until it was reformulated. Took new Armour but became hypo again. Then tried both Erfa and Great Pharma Thiroyd which seemed ok but for some reason think I became RT3 so I am now 4 months on T3 alone and doing pretty well. On T3 I have lost 14lbs without any change in diet. Not sure what I will do in the future and as I have adrenal problem as well still sorting that out.
I am in the UK and I do this without my GP or endo. I am grateful for STTm and TPA for all the info they freely put on there web pages.
Susan
I was on Synthroid for 2 years, Armour for 5 years-felt GREAT, got very sick with the reformulation, spent 10 months on ERFA and felt AWFUL, but kept trying to make it work and really worked on adrenals, supplements etc. Spent loads of $$ on tests. Finally threw in the towel and tried compounded. Amazing pharmacist who was helping a lot of “armour” patients work through the mess. He’ll make capsules with exactly the amount of T4/T3 you need, but I continued to get sicker. I read 10+ books, joined message boards, spent more $. Out of desperation switched back to Synthroid/Cytomel and feel great. Been on this combo for 6 months and feel normal again. I have no idea if I was just having a reaction to something in the ERFA/Compound?? As much as I want to be on natural, it just wasn’t working for me and my Hashi’s. Oh, I also went gluten-free a year ago and need much LESS medication than I used to which confirms the whole immune response to gluten/Hashi’s.
Mila
PS: For those switching from other brands, ERFA seems to be stronger than Armour. Some need a little less ERFA than the Armour (personally, a quarter to half grain).
Mila
Loved old Armour. (Sublingual) Hit a wall when the formula changed + now love ERFA. Easy enough to get from Canada with faxed US prescription. In addition – the biggest health boost for me aside from Isocort has been QUITTING SUGAR (including corn, white flour, white rice + alcohol). Anything that converts to sugar causes my thyroid system to clog. GO Erfa!
Vee
I used Armour (before formula change) until it got complicated to get it here. In frustration, did without altogether for a while (mistake). Then had higher TSH than ever before and GP put me on Eltroxin + T3 (kudos to her for her openness …on T3).
Later, my complementary-oriented doc Rx’d ERFA for me (with GP’s blessing) and I’ve been on it (sublingual) since August. Never stopped my hydrocortisone and still propping up a bit with the syn T3.
I have other issues (dx’d fibromyalgia, osteo and some other arthritis-related problems), so I’m not feeling “well” yet. (I’m only recently up to 3gr). May still need to raise Erfa, but I’m overdue for labs, so holding off til I have FT3 and FT4 checked. I also want RT3 tested.
My compl. doc has thought from the beginning that I don’t convert T4 to T3 very well, but he’s been somewhat resistant (no pun intended) to test for RT3.
Is that a controversial test in national health countries?
I am very discouraged.
Karin
Diagnosed with Hashimotos in 1991, I was on Synthroid for about 10 years and never felt fabulous…just existing without any extra umph! At some point it went downhill with hair falling out, fatigue, muscle aches and pains, heart palpitations and following a thyroid lobectomy for what was wrongly feared to be a papillary thyroid cancer, I suffered atrial fibrillation episodes within weeks. This went on for months and I thought my life was doomed until I decided to send allopathic doctors packing and found an holistic doctor with an understanding of thyroid issues. Started on Armour and felt better right away, but still not that great. Did research on my own and discovered an rT3 issue. Went on Cytomel only for 3 months to rid my system of the rT3. When ready to go back on dessicated Armour so was not available so I purchased Thyroid S online and am doing well on this product now. All symptoms are gone and the only lingering issue I have is poor sleeping pattern. I wake up every morning feeling yucky (almost nauseaous) but that goes away as soon as I am on my feet. Thank God for the lowly pig that sacrifices its Thyroid to let us live well.
Gigi
My story:
Diagnosed with hypothyroid 9/2004 was put on Armour. Went up to 1 gr by the time they switched formulations 2008, then went on to take Erfa, started with 90mg and 60mg altered everyday then went gluten free lost 12 lbs and went down to current amount 30/60/60 alternate everyday and TSH stays in 1.3 range. If I go above 1.9 i still feel like crap being closer to 1.2/1.3 range is the best for me. Also no Hashimotos. Why do I think I have hypo? Because almost every person in my family has it, esp the women on my maternal side. I also had multiple-12+ xrays done on my neck over the years which I don’t think has helped either.
Meanwhile, in 2007 went to dr diagnosed with adrenal exhaustion, little to no cortisol production, for the past 3 yrs have been treating my saliva results with a dr supplied brand of supplement/tests called neuroscience. This levels out my neurotransmitters and so I don’t need antidepressants etc. I had burned myself out with an unhappy marriage, stress of college and subsequent obligated levels of caretaking for others, started a 12 step codependency group and realize that alot of my need to avoid stress is directly influenced by my need for codependency. So avoiding stress, codependency, caretaking to save my adrenals is what I have to do now and I’ve never been happier, still tired? yes but not stressed out and easily agitated.
As of 12/10 I got a hair analysis and found i have high copper amounts, according to Dr Wilson’s High Copper Toxicity website I hit all the points he talks about and it totally nailed my personality & emotional states, my endometriosis, low ferritin, the hypothyroid, the burned out adrenals etc. I will begin a 90 day suppository round of chelation in the next month to remove the copper and see if this helps my adrenals. Now in order to detox I must have a healthy liver, I think my liver doesn’t function well and have started chinese herbs to help clear that out as well.
I also bought an Aquasana shower filter, and I bought an Aquasana drinking filter to avoid accumulating more copper.
All I can say is finding the high levels of copper has brought me to the end of my search, this has got to be the underlying reason why my adrenals refuse to get jump started by all other supplements, tinctures, herbs, adaptogens etc. If this does not work than the next step is cortef or whatever that stuff is because my life is passing me by and I can’t handle it anymore. I really think this is root of all my problems. My maintenance guy said we have copper pipes in our building.
I highly recommend checking out that Copper Toxicity Wilson page to anybody who has sluggish adrenals. I also have low ferritin-but of course i do!- and copper has everything to do with interferring with iron absorption.
http://www.drlwilson.com/articles/copper_toxicity_syndrome.htm
Marguerite Jacobsson
The dose is three tablets a day. I take one tablet in the morning, at lunch time and in the evening.
Marguerite Jacobsson
I started on horrible Levaxin (Swedish) 6 years ago. After using is for three months I had enough because the side effects were horrible. I switched to Armour and things improved immensely. When Armour went out of stock, I switched to Erfa’s Thryoid (Canadian). My life is back to normal again, thanks to this wonderful medicine. Despite being pregnant, the dose need no alteration and my doctor claims that I am his most healthy patient. Life rocks with Thyroid!
Susan
I too have Hashi’s started with Armour, was doing well, then they changed it, went to naturethroid, did well, then I could not get it, then found a doc that used a compound pharmacy making a “naturethroid” in a capsule, it took some time to find the correct dosage for me, but I am alternating 90mgs 3x per week and 75 4 x a week and feeling pretty good, blood tests come back fine……didnt know about this “ERFA” but like Carol, I have this pharmacy here that makes it up and even delivers it to me……
Jan
I switched from Armour to Greater Pharma’s thiroyd(yes, it’s spelled that way)and I am doing good on it. I take a little more but it works great for me.
Amie
After gaining weight for no reason I was diagnosed hypothyroid. Was put on Levoxyl for many years. Kept gaining weight, having symptoms, getting worse. Tried to add Cytomel to it. Not much help. Was switched to Naturethroid did better but then was finally switched to Armour end of 2009. Since then I have lost over 30 lbs and I feel great! Thank goodness for ARMOUR! My CVS pharmacy has had no problems getting it for me. Things are good.
Carol
I started with horrible synthroid and then switched to Armour which helped a lot. Then I couldn’t get that so I switched to Naturethroid but was only able to get 2 months of that. Now I go to a compounding pharmacy and get desiccated thyroid powder that they put in a capsule. I’ve gotten blood tests done after being on it awhile and it’s ok at the same dosage as the pills. Luckily I haven’t felt any dire changes between all three and my blood tests were good. I was thinking about trying the Canada thing but I like having a local pharmacy where I can get my Rx quickly esp. if I need a change in the dosage.
Cassie
Not sure how much i will write here-I am exhausted. I’ve had mainly HYPO symptoms for the last 7 years- biggest problem SHORTNESS OF BREATH, fatigue, etc. anxiety… and some Hyper symptoms- palpitations, always hot. Finally in the last year, dx with Celiac, Hashimoto’s AND Graves. Started on Synthroid 50mcg last fall- my numbers came down butIi felt WORSE, and MORE hair was falling out. Found an endo who agreed to add Cytomel to the mix 5cg in am, 5 @ noon. much much much better- started to feel normal again- finally able to catch a deep breath- not feeling like i was gonna suffocate all the time.
but because of the high costs- we switched me to Armour this week 30mg (1 in am, 1 @ noon)… and i am going backwards- the dose is not high enough- AND i truly think i need more than 20% T3… does anyone out there know if you can take Armour AND Cytomel???? because i really think i need more T3… at first i thought i had a RT3 problem (which we are checking this month)… but now i think i hate the T4 so much because ive also got Graves antibodies. 🙁 and now im sitting here with Shortness of Breath AND Palpitations at the same time 🙁 is it ever gonna end?????
the weight was never an issue for me- it was a difference of about 5lbs…. (but ever since i went gluten free- my weight is stable & trim)… my biggest difficulties are the “suffocating”… and palpitations- and the intestinal motility… and fatigue and swollen eyelids, etc,….depression anxiety…
blah blah blah.. i really hope i get on the proper dosage soon 🙁
Shar
I have Hashi’s and I’m doing really well on Erfa. I have been on it for a year now and have not felt this good since the old Armour! I have dropped 33 pounds, am alert, and have energy. Still working with the dosage a bit, but overall it is a great option for me. I tried to go back on Naturethroid and I felt horrible! It did take some time to get to feeling good again once I went back on Erfa. I stuck with it, as I had no more options, other than compounded (too expensive). I really wish they would bring the old Armour back! Hopefully, we will continue to be able to get Erfa.
christina
RAI and methimazole “worked”. now on Armour for what will be two weeks on tuesday.
Asked for armour when they gave me a generic synthroid, thinking I read the armour was back to old formulation.
2 week bloodwork on Wed. At CPC can’t have the new endo until mid-March.
I feel like i have possibly completely lost my mind.
is armour not good now?
Cara Bryant
Hi, I am so glad you asked…I started using the Thyro-Gold product from
> Thyroidscience.com that was created by Dr. John C. Lowe. I would recommend
> it
> to anyone with hypothyroidism. The women in my family all have thyroid
> issues
> and have started using the product with the same results as me. Below, I am
> copying a letter I sent to him and his wife because I feel so strongly about
> how
> the product has helped me. I now have 7 other friends and family using the
> product and all of them say they will never go back to regular thyroxine or
> even
> compounded products. I am excited to share this information with you all!
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi, Dr. and Tammy Lowe,
>
> I wanted to share my story with you. I have had such great success with
> the
> Thyro-Gold product and wanted to thank you for making it happen and sharing
> information with people.
>
> I have been taking .125 mcg of synthroid for over 20 years and was having
> so
> many problems that I was beginning to feel like life was not worth living
> anymore. I had developed asthma, low blood sugar, muscle and joint aches
> and
> pains, and many other symptoms of hypothyroidism. My husband ended up on
> disability for back problems and I had been laid off from work. We lost
> our
> insurance benefits and I knew it was time to refill my prescription. To go
> to
> the doctor and get the necessary bloodwork for the new prescription would
> have
> cost me over $500, which I did not have. I started to research and found
> the
> Stop the thyroid madness website. After reading a ton of blogs and
> information, I became convinced I wanted to try natural dessicated thyroid.
> I
> found a link to your website and read your information. I liked what you
> had to
> say and I ordered a bottle of the Thyro-Gold. I followed the advice for
> supplements to support the thryroid and did what helped me through the
> transition of adding T3 after all these years.
>
> I started using two tablets a day at first, taking half a capsule at a
> time. I
> immediately felt energized and happy again. It was the most awesome
> feeling.
> For two months I stayed on that dose and then I started to feel shaky, so I
> lowered the dose to 1 1/2 capsules a day for the next two months. I kept
> following how I was feeling and when I started to feel shaky again, I
> dropped
> the dose to one capsule a day. Now I am using 1 1/4 daily and it seems to
> be
> the right dose for me.
>
> The great news is that the asthma went away, the hypoglycemia has gone, the
> muscle and joint pain is gone, my allergies are gone, an ovarian cyst that
> has
> bothered me for years seems to be gone, I feel good and happy, and I love
> exercising again. I even sleep better! This product has given me my life
> back
> and I cannot tell you how appreciative I am. My six kids, 5 in college,
> all
> say I am a new and fun person. They love it, too. My husband decided to
> try
> it because he was exhibiting symptoms. He tried it and shaking he has had
> most of his life was reduced and he also felt energetic. All the women in
> my
> family have hypothyroidism and so I shared the information, making sure to
> tell
> them to read, research, and discuss it with their Dr. 7 other people have
> now
> started using it and they are all having such great results. They are
> thanking
> me for sharing and I want to thank you for them. My mom told me I should
> work
> for you on commission because I can really sell the product. I just feel
> that
> when I find something so magical, I want those I love to have that same
> feeling.
>
> If I could afford to go to a doctor, I would definitely find one who is
> understanding and ask them to run appropriate tests. As it is now, I plan
> to
> use your product for the rest of my life. Also, I have lost 30 lbs., can
> breathe, and am experiencing the fun of life…which means I can see why
> life
> is worth living now.
>
> My mom is having the same results as me, but she has been diagnosed with
> fibromyalgia. I noticed that you are currently doing a study on that and
> was
> wondering what information you might be able to share to help my mom. She
> just
> had laser spine surgery and was told to stop taking any supplements for 12
> weeks. Why they said that, I am not sure, but she still took the thyroid
> and
> stated that she did not care what they said about her Thyro-Gold, she was
> taking it.
>
> Please keep doing what you are doing….maybe you will help heal the world
> as we
> know it…one person at a time.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Cara Bryant
Loraine
Cara…..Is Thyrogold still working for you. Would love to know just because I am hypothyroid and need to find something besides priscription meds that would work for me. Please let me know…Thank you,
Janie Bowthorpe
Loraine, enough Thyrogold users may not see this and respond, but it’s clear in patient groups that many use it and love it. 🙂
tanya
Hey Cara,
I have been going through exactly the same and its so frustrating and depressing that there is no help.
I switched from 125 mcg of levothroxine to Thyro-gold a week back. I started with just 1 150 pill , after which my Hypothyroid symptoms started to kick in really bad. After 5 days, I started taking one more 150 pill but still feel extremely fatigued. So Its been 3 days since i am taking 2 150 pills but still feel hypo.Do you have any advise on what I can do next?
Dresden
Hi – I also had a good experience with ThyroGold but recently they raised their prices on the supplement itself AND shipping to a point that it is no longer affordable for me. I lost my job due to being so sick on levoxl and my endo doing nothing to help over years of begging they refused to shift me from levoxl. They would change the dose, or give me the stuff without dye. But always defended the drug saying it had nothing to do with the debilitating symptoms I was experiencing. So without health insurance I finally had no choice but to go on natural. I am apx. 200lbs. size 16 (I was size 8 when this saga started!) and I found that I needed 600mg of ThyroGold or more daily. I contacted Tammy when the price change happened and her reply was nobody else was complaining….imagine if she did a tally of who stopped buying she’d find there are others. I feel angry about it because it really does affect your health and inbetween I have gone to 0 levels literally endangering my life while looking for something else and getting it. I did not expect the price change so only had a few left when I went to order, my bad but I had grown to depend on it. I am at square one again and so sick struggling to get up to a correct dosage, this time trying porcine thyroid from a website called regenerative nutrition. They ship free from overseas and the price of it is much lower. It does not have the same ingredients – this one has rosehips in addition to the porcine thyroid. They also offer bovine from New Zealand cows though too, again much lower price than TG. TG has aspartic acid and extract of coleus forskolhii root. It’s funny how one company can ship all the way from overseas for free in an envelope and the one in Florida feels they need to charge $15 for shipping a small box that max probably actually costs $5 shipping or less. Anyway, these are all considered ‘supplements’, and are unregulated. So it’s dicey. Go watch Frontline’s show on the supplement industry. There have been cases where manufacturers just randomly started processing things like steroids and not cleaning the machines between that and going to a supplement, and people died. The person running the business had no idea their manufacturer was doing that kind of stuff. Tammy of ThyroGold is the same she is just having some company make and ship this for her. And I don’t know what regulations they have in foreign countries though imagine they might if anything be better. So whatever OTC natural you decide on, be careful!
Tilly
Oh wow, this post was eye opening! I too noticed the price change, but I have to tell you, Naturethroid for me was just as expensive as Thyro-gold is while not covered by insurance. So if you didn\’t have insurance covering the RX, would it be the same price? Naturethroid made me incredibly sick, so I wont ever take it again. Thyro-gold is a miracle for me, though over the last few months I noticed the taste (after burbs, tmi, but that\’s how you know!) has changed and that has me worried. I will contact Tammy about that now. Everyone has to make their money, so I try not go get annoyed by that, she could charge a lot more I guess.
I found I needed to take less of it then Naturthroid as per Tammy\’s conversion and I find it much more powerful. Make sure to fill out the symptoms checklist provided on the website. Try just one 300mg pill and maybe 1 150mg and give it a good month. Maybe try taking them at different times. I still have a ton of hypo symptoms, but the majority of the worst ones are better with this supplement. To be honest, that\’s pretty normal for Hashimoto\’s as you swing back and forth between hyper and hypo, so you have to figure out which symptoms you can live with and which ones you can\’t as we are all different. YMMW. 🙂
Jackie A.
Tilly, I’ve noticed a change in the smell and taste of the Thyro – Gold in my last order I received. Usually the capsules don’t have a taste – I don’t chew them, just by placing them on my tongue, before taking a drink of water. The smell of the capsule reminds me of Iodine. Now, when I urinate, the chemical smell of Iodine is overpowering.
I emailed Tammy 3 days ago, with the problems I listed here and she still hasn’t answered me. Maybe her products are now contaminated, I need to find a new product as I stopped taking the Thyro-Gold. I have Hashi’s.
Janie Bowthorpe
Batches of NDT will have slightly different strength of smell. Probably not contamination.
ginny hutton
Dresden – you probably will not see this 3 years later, but how did you get on with the product you bought from regenerative nutrition? I have just started taking these and am finding it hard to find anyone else who has taken them.
Toni
I was one of the people who gained weight (15 pounds) on the reformulated Armour. I had a very cooperative primary care physician who supported me in trying ERFA. Weight gain stopped with the switch to ERFA, and I’ve had no bad side effects whatsoever.
One difference I notice is this: I order directly from the ERFA site, and my order is shipped from Canada. It seems that some of the people who have been unhappy with ERFA are ordering from Universal and are receiving ther shipment from New Zealand.
Hope this helps.
Jayne
I switched from Cytomel (T3) to Thyroid-S back in Dec. And was finally fortunate enough to have my newly aquired physician prescribe Erfa Thyroid to me 2 weeks ago. I’m still in the process of regulating my dosages… hoping my Dr. trusts /allows me to up my dosages if needed, changing the prescription also if needed.
It’s been a long hard road to get where I am from severe Adrenal Fatigue / hypo… My former Dr. and Endo basically told me to get off the couch and step it up, etc, etc, that there was nothing wronge, based on an outdated TSH only reference range of .4-5.25 and no other blood work testing. (the labs here will not test further IF the TSH shows as “normal”. I had to self-diagnose by symptom and self-administer. I relyed heavily on info from Janie’s book and site! I have never felt so well beforehand!
I was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer on Jan 6 this year and had surgery the 18th… I’m cancer free now (no treatments) and plan to keep it that way with proper nutrition, building my immune system and proper ph balance. I believe my cancer came when I was so sick with AF & my immune system was way down! BTW, using a natural therapy, I was able to reduce 2 tumours to 1 in 10 days prior to surgery!! 🙂
jon
I am struggling a bit on naturethroid and preparing to switch to Erfa. Has anyone made this switch? Experiences?
Thanks
Janet A
I have Hashi’s and had been successfully using old Armour after switching from a T4 only synthetic. When I started reading about problems some were having from Armour reformulating I was feeling fine and didn’t think it would be an issue for me. What I didn’t realize was that my pharmacy had a good supply of the old Armour so I didn’t get the new Armour for quite a few months after the problems had surfaced.
About 2 months into the new Armour I crashed and switched to Naturethroid doing very well on it.
I then switched to the Canadian brand ERFA due to “shortages” at the time of Naturethroid and mostly because of ERFA’s low cost (1/4 of what I was paying for Naturethroid) since I have no Rx insurance.
Janet
Sue Campbell
I had high hopes, based on other people’s reports, but my switch to Erfa wasn’t such a good experience. I’d happily been on compounded thyroid 150mg/day (90mg in a.m. and 60mg in p.m.)for about 9 months. Then the compounding pharmacy told me in November they could no longer supply the 90mg, so I decided to switch to Erfa. It took 4 1/2 WEEKS to get here (coming from New Zealand)! And I immediately started going downhill. All the old fatigue, weight gain, brain fog came back. My doctor surmised it may have sat in hot warehouses or ships during its lengthy journy here and may have lost its punch in the process. Who knows?
Anyway, I stopped the Erfa, and started back on the compounded (with combinations of 30mg and 60mg). I’m still waking up tired, but I’ve got to say my energy now is a little better than during the Erfa days.
That’s my story.
movement
A bit of my background: Now 28 years old. Was diagnosed with Graves Disease on 2004 went through RAI-treatment and was put on Thyroxine (/Synthroid) after that.
Around 2006 -after much fighting and being super miserable with Thyroxine- I got my hands on Armour.
Never had any adrenal gland problems. With the support of iron, vitamin D and selenium I continued to raise my dosage slowly.
For some weird reason I got up to 10x60mg of Armour (5 at the morning, 3 at noon 2 at evening) and kept taking that high dosage until the end of 2009 (my labs were ok the whole time. F-3T was a bit over the top, but I felt that I needed it).
Around at the end of 2009 my labs finally started showing hyper (F-T4 and F-T3 went boldly over the charts) and I felt it too! So I started reducing Armour and at the same time switched to Erfa Thyroid. I did the switch pretty fast. If I remember correctly I switched the meds completely in 1.5 weeks or so.
I had to reduce the dosages pretty quickly and around July 2010 I had reduced my Erfa Thyroid to 5x60mg (3 at morning, 2 at noon) and I’ve been stable with that. I have’t checked my labs for a while – have to change that;) I’ve been feeling unusually tired at the mornings so it might be that I should still take a bit at the evenings. Or it might just as be the winter.
Besides being hyper I’ve never had any problems, with Armour, with the switch to Erfa Thyroid nor with Erfa Thyroid itself. So it has been a reasonably smooth ride. I never knew why I had to take such a high dosage in the first place! But I’m glad that I’ve been able to reduce it to half!
That’s my share:)