New Here...And New to Armour

December 2, 2004

Hello everyone!

My name is and after lurking for a while and doing lots of

reading here, I thought it was time to introduce myself.

I was originally diagnosed " borderline hypo " at the age of 17...did a

brief but horrible stint on synthroid before quitting it. Over the

years I continued to have symptoms but every time I had my thyroid

checked the levels always managed to stay within the high-normal

range...which meant no treatment for my symptoms.

Now at the age of 44 I have been blessed to find a holistic MD that

not only diagnosed me but who believes in treating a person's symptoms

along with labs. He also prefers treating hypo with Armour, which

made me happy!

When I began Armour 10 weeks ago my TSH was 5.4 (up from 4.8 two

months prior) and my FT4 looked good at 1.4 (.8 - 1.8). Antibody

levels were within range. The lab failed to do the FT3 that was

ordered (that's a whole 'nother thread) but my doctor strongly

suspects I'm not a good converter and was very comfortable starting me

on Armour.

The starting prescribed dose was 1 grain...it took me 2 weeks to work

my way up as I wanted to be careful. Instead of doing labs again at

the 6-week mark he doubled my dose to 2 grains because I was clearly

still very symptomatic and no longer able to work.

I have been on 2 grains for 4 weeks now but can tell it's not enough.

I did start feeling better about 2 weeks after the dose increase but

it only lasted for a week before my symptoms and terrible fatigue

increased once again. I go for labs in a couple more weeks (will also

be testing ferritin at my request) and I'm hoping there will be

another increase in my future.

I can't help but wonder why some people seem to have an immediate

improvement on Armour literally within days or weeks, even on lower

doses, while others like myself seem to take so much longer. What is

wrong with me?!

I've struggled with this awful fatigue and so many symptoms for all of

my adult life...I keep telling myself to continue being patient, that

light is at the end of the tunnel and I'll soon be feeling better.

I'm just soooo tired of being tired.

How long has it taken some of you to get optimized on Armour? What

dose are you taking?

I'm sorry this is so long, I guess I'm just needing the reassurance

that things WILL get better one day...

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