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Answer:

The thyroid, a small gland located at the front of your neck, produces hormones that help control breathing, heart rate, digestion, and body temperature. When thyroid activity is low, a condition called hypothyroidism develops. Hypothyroidism can result from an autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto's disease, a disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and prevents it from making enough hormones. On the other hand, thyroid activity can be high — a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can result from an autoimmune condition known as Grave's disease, a condition marked by overproduction of thyroid hormones.

In most cases, these thyroid conditions are treated with medications such as thyroid hormone replacement (e.g., levothyroxine) for hypothyroidism and antithyroid drugs (e.g., methimazole or propylthiouracil) or surgery for hyperthyroidism. However, since some evidence shows that certain dietary supplement ingredients may also help with thyroid conditions, supplement manufacturers have marketed products designed for "thyroid health."

Ingredients in "thyroid" supplements include iodine (sometimes incorrectly marketed as "nascent iodine"), selenium, zinc, acetyl-l-carnitine, ashwagandha, guggul, and black seed. While some of these supplement ingredients may be beneficial in certain people, in many cases, these supplements are not needed, and they may do more harm than good. Furthermore, some supplements marketed for "thyroid support" contained actual thyroid hormones, which can pose a risk if the hormone amounts are less or more than needed.

Sign in for more details about the potential benefits and possible safety concerns of ingredients and supplements for thyroid health (such as Thyroid Care Plus from Terry Naturally) and products made from the glands of animals (such as desiccated thyroid in Armour Thyroid), as well as information about ingredients such as alpha-lipoic acid, soy, resveratrol, quercetin, calcium, vitamin D, iron, and magnesium hydroxide, which may impair thyroid function or interact with prescription medication used to treat thyroid conditions, and whether eating cruciferous vegetables can impair thyroid function.

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71 Comments

M.M.22060
February 23, 2025

Hi, I have been on armour thyroid for 10 years. and it has helped me a lot. Recently when I refilled my prescription for armour thyroid, I noticed that the pills looked different. I discussed it with the pharmacist and she said "it was the same dosage, but they had changed the formulation"

So, I have been taking the new pill for about 6 weeks and I notice that it causes my lower lip to have a tremor. I will see my Dr. and have a thyroid panel tomorrow. Has anyone noticed anything like this?

M.M.22059
February 23, 2025

This is a response to the post from Sandra 21870.
Sandra, I am 73 years old and am on Armour Thyroid. Yes, Medicare does not cover Armour thyroid. However, you can apply for a Formulary Exception. It actually is easier if you call your prescription Drug plan and get the steps to apply for this. Then contact your Dr's office and ask them to contact your drug plan.
Good Luck! Madeline

Catt21948
February 10, 2025

I am interested if anyone has had issues with quercetin negatively affecting their hypothyroidism. I hate to stop taking it, as flavonoids benefit inflammation and general health. Has anyone on Armour like myself had issues with quercetin?

ConsumerLab.com
February 15, 2025

You can find information about quercetin and thyroid hormones in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Quercetin Supplements Review https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/quercetin-supplements/quercetin/#nursing.

Summer22513
April 14, 2025

Hi Catt21948, I have had hypothyroidism since 1998. I started taking Quercetin about five years ago without any negative affect on my thyroid levels. I am still on thyroid replacement hormone, but my levels have remained stable throughout this time. I would hate to stop taking Quercetin, too, as I feel so much better on it. Just wanted to share my experience.

Jonathan21906
February 07, 2025

Years after radio iodine I was put on synthroid which made me feel sick constantly. I switched to armour 20 years ago and have never looked back. I am a serious runner and have my blood tested every 30 to 60 days to ensure my T numbers are good (and other things I track closely) .

sandra21870
February 04, 2025

I am 77 years old and begin taking Armour Thyroid in 1994 for hypothyroidism. My endocrinologist balked at my decision but went ahead and ordered it anyway. I was skeptical of the manufactured alternatives as your body would have to convert one hormone to make the other which would complete the natural way your body operates. My goiter continued to grow which required a partial thyroidectomy in 2003. I continued taking Armour Thyroid and to this day have been extremely stable. I have been getting my thyroid medicine through myAbbVie Assist Program which had an income requirement of $100,000 or less. However, this year AbbVie dropped that to $70,000 and I am now ineligible. Medicare plans do not cover Armour Thyroid so I'm going to have to figure this out. I'm not changing.

Doodeet
February 08, 2025

Good for you! I have been taking Armour thyroid for about 22 years and my hormone panels have remained stable. My Reverse T3 can become high when I am under great stress.

M.M.22061
February 23, 2025

Sandra, I responded to you way down at the bottom, and then I realized I should have commented here. Try applying for a formulary exception through your Medicare prescription drug plan. Call your prescription drug plan and ask them about the steps you need to take. Then ask your Dr's office to follow up. They will need to explain the other types of thyroid that you were on, that didn't work.

Good luck! Madeline

Crystal21854
February 02, 2025

I am 76. I have a genetic form of Hashimoto's. I didn't get an official diagnosis until I actually saw an Endocrinologist in 2001 when my daughter was diagnosed & I decided to get tested. Prior to that, my PCP handled it. I was put on Synthroid but it didn't seem to make any difference. I still had symptoms and lab work that wasn't normal. The Endocrinologist decided to try Armour. Fantastic results.

I also learned that you can have Hashimoto's and be HYPERthyroid which my brother and I both had. Me until I was 22, brother made it to 35 & went into Thyroid Storm (Temp. 104 F, pulse 180). I sent him to the ER and he was seen immediately when they couldn't feel a pulse at all & hooked him to a monitor. He got radioactive iodine and is now hypothyroid. I went off BCP and spontaneously converted to euthyroid until I hit 40. Then the fun started. At 300 lb, I got bariatric surgery and dropped 100+ lbs. Stable at the moment.

Joyce21839
February 01, 2025

I have been on Armour Thyroid for 17 years and feel wonderful. I was on Levothyroxine for several years before that. Something felt wrong, and I had great anxiety, rapid heart beat, and feelings of being off kilter.

Linda21907
February 07, 2025

I had the same experience and have been on Armour for years - no complaints.

joyce21936
February 09, 2025

Ditto here. I've been on Armour since 2002. I felt great within two weeks of starting it. I took levothyroxine from 1991 until I started armour. It worked for a few years but then symptoms returned. Three different endo specialists would not increase the dose. I was so fed up and feeling bad I finally found a doctor prescribing armour and never looked back!

Valerie21818
January 31, 2025

After many years on Synthroid, my doctor switched me to Levoxyl, which is similar but has fewer inactive ingredients in it. I was surprised when I saw the list of the inactive ingredients in Synthroid. If I remember right, there is dairy in there, which I am allergic to. Who knew? My doctor had a chart of various thyroid meds and their ingredients, and Levoxyl had the fewest number of ingredients. It's been working well for me for years -- though insurance usually doesn't want to cover it and I need to get a prior authorization.

John21815
January 31, 2025

As a hypothyroid old retired psychiatrist I learned a lot about thyroid management. Despite the literature, individuals have individual responses to the various forms of thyroid available.. My own response was much better once the combined levothyroxine/liothyronine preparation became available. Because of different composition, different brands of levothyroxine can have slightly different results. (How the pill is made, and what the filler is).

Jane21672
January 15, 2025

There is research showing that synthyroid is associated with bone loss for some people: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/health-rounds-widely-used-thyroid-pill-may-be-linked-bone-loss-2024-11-27/
I used Armour Thyroid at the beginning of being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Testing showed no bone loss. A doctor changed me to synthyroid in 2018 and now I have osteopenia. I will never know if that is the cause, but after this research was published, I have switched back to Armour Thyroid. I feel better and have lost a few pounds without trying.

MB21809
January 31, 2025

I have taken armour since 1995. I am 70 years female and have great bone quality and density.

Pam21827
January 31, 2025

I am euthyroid, having had thyroid removed in 2002. I tried many forms and brands of levothyroxine and nothing would stabilize a functional level of thyroid hormone. My wonderful and trusted endocrinologist and I finally settled on Armour thyroid and it works perfectly. I have been monitored with good lab testing and it is steady. I have encountered refusal to cover it by my drug plan, so I just pay for it myself, and I am now leaving that drug plan.

Claudia21842
February 02, 2025

Have you found a drug plan that covers Armour ?

Gertie21902
February 07, 2025

I've tried a few and none so far will cover it. 100.00 a wack.

PALLINE21651
January 14, 2025

MY THYROID JOURNEY AFTER THYROIDECTOMY HAS BEEN DIFFICULT.: FOR SEVERAL YEARS I HAD TO BUY THYROID MEDS FROM ERFA IN CANADA UNTIL "NP THYROID", MADE BY ACELLA, FINALLY CAME ON THE MARKET IN THE U.S. AROUND 2013. INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR ME HAS VARIED, AND THE OUT OF POCKET PRICE HAS GONE UP DRAMATICALLY IN THE LAST TWO YEARS BY ALMOST 400%, EVEN WITH A DISCOUNT CARD. ALL THIS IS VERY SCARY FOR A " VERY LOW INCOME" 82-YEAR-OLD-WITH-NO-THYROID-GLAND, LIKE ME! CLEARLY ALL THE ABOVE IS FROM MY PERSPECTIVE AS A PATIENT. I AM NOT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, AND MY ONLY FINANCIAL INTEREST IS WHAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT TO KEEP ME ALIVE!

M.M.22064
February 24, 2025

Hi Palline, Please see my comment above to Sandra. Consider applying for a Formulary exception through your medicare prescription Drug plan.
Good luck! Madeline

Linda23092
June 21, 2025

Yes, NP Thyroid skyrocketed in price.

J Nichols
January 09, 2025

I had every symptom of hypothyroidism, a thyroid ultrasound that was classic Hashimotos and high anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, but because my TSH was in the normal range, endocrinologist REFUSED to prescribe thyroid replacement because "the guidelines don't treat for Hashimotos". I found a functional medicine practitioner, was prescribed NP Thyroid and feel SO much better! In addition, as a pharmacist and a genetic counselor, I really do not like that the guidelines also push levothyroxine despite data that some people will not convert T4 very well due to variants in DIO2 or other genes. Desiccated thyroid replacement absolutely has a place in treatment.

Catherine21828
January 31, 2025

My first doctors would only prescribe levothroxine even though I still felt terrible. I could barely stay awake for the whole day. I finally found an endocrinologist who listened to me. He switched me over to Armour thyroid and after only two weeks, it was as if I was finally awake again.

My insurance company does not pay for it (Thanks, Blue Cross) so I gladly pay for it out of pocket.

Joan21832
January 31, 2025

Thank you. My sister in law, an endocrinologist, would agree it has a place in treatment for the same reason you explained: some of us do not convert T4 to T3. She would also agree with your implied frustration that the doctor would only regard the TSH value rather than have the clinical symptoms be important to diagnosis and treatment.

Marsha2621
June 21, 2022

I was never balanced on anything other than Armour Thyroid. It's the ONLY thing that worked.

Mary2622
June 24, 2022

Yes! And the reason is that Armour provides both T4 (like levothyroxine does) and T3, the active form of thyroid. Many of us don't convert T4 to T3, so we need to supplement.

Another option is to take liothyronine (T3) in addition to levothyroxine (T4).

After many years on Amour, my doctor switched me to levo + lio, and it's working better for me than Armour did.

Sandra Austin
February 21, 2023

Same!

Sharon2623
August 12, 2023

After going through years, yes, literally years of Dr. visits with symptoms of exhaustion, fatigue, general malaise, etc. And my Dr. telling me I was just doing to much, or maybe I was perimenopausal, or was I depressed?....... I came to his office feeling really bad and he was out of town on vacation and I saw his clinical partner. She examined me, and asked if I minded if she ran some tests, YES! Please do! The next day she called me and asked that I come to her office immediately. So, I did. She met me at the door with a pill and asked me to take it. I did. My TSH test had come back with a level of 128!!!!! I was close to going into thyroid storm. No wonder I had felt like poop. I was found to have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. I was raised to work hard, don't make excuses, and always do your best. These are good traits, but, remember that applies to healthy people. When you are sick, stop and take care of yourself! I let others make me feel like I was a slacker. I wasn't. Listen to your heart ladies. I knew something was very wrong, but couldn't get my initial Dr. to listen. All I can say is thank the Lord he went on vacation! I did all treatments as prescribed for the next two years with little relief from symptoms as a whole, then I talked the endocrinologist into letting me try Armour Thyroid. I finally began to get relief. I had greatly increased cognitive function and memory capacity after a few months of use and general increased feeling of well being. Later I took Nature Throid and that worked even better. Sadly, that is no longer available. Man, that made me cry! So now I am back on Armour. I wish all of you well on your journey to better health. It is at times like walking in a fog bank! No one knows squat about autoimmune issues.

Bruce21659
January 14, 2025

Thanks for the article. I haven’t seen similar info about supplements interfering with thyroid metabolism anywhere else.

ConsumerLab.com
January 15, 2025

We're glad it's helpful!

Michael21816
January 31, 2025

Absolutely agree that Armour provides a good balance of T3 and T4 that helps many manage their hypothyroidism more effectively that T4 alone.

Evelyn2619
June 21, 2022

I have been on bioidentical thyroid (Armour) and estrogens/progesterone for over 35 years with no ill effects. I am monitored by blood tests every six months. There are multiple tests for monitoring thyroid function beyond looking at the thyroglobulin levels as I well know having performed many of them in the past.

Sharon2618
June 21, 2022

Isn’t it crazy that they won’t allow it as a drug but you have to have a prescription?

Mary21806
January 31, 2025

In some cases, only generic Synthroid is covered. I have never had coverage.

Michele21833
January 31, 2025

AMEN!

Wendy21845
February 02, 2025

Amen again!

mark2610
January 05, 2022

I've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's and have been supplementing with fairly high doses of ALA, resveratrol, quercetin and silymarin for years. Now, I'm wondering if I need to rethink my strategy.

Jane2612
June 21, 2022

I guess it depends on how you feel and what how your testing is like. Having Hashimoto's is very frustrating, So many things are affected by it, I generally stick to a few brazil nuts now and then, vit d, zinc a few times a week. Trying black seed oil at the moment. Haven't tested yet, but it sure does bring my morning blood glucose readings to within range. Also was told I was pre diabetic.

Helen2614
June 21, 2022

I personally saw a marginal TSH value of about 4 become 8+ when I took large amounts of ALA.

Mark2613
July 18, 2022

hi mark, i wonder the same thing. i was taking a generous amount of resveratrol, milk thistle and quercetin. i also ate a large amount of cruciferous vegetables . i ended up with a goiter. anyone else with similar experiences. God bless you all!!!

L2608
September 25, 2021

A question about supplements that worsen thyroid function. A 2016 study cautions about prolonged silymarin intake, and it's effect on thyroid function.
https://academic.oup.com/endo/article/157/4/1694/2422745
Is there further guidance available on this topic?

ConsumerLab.com
October 02, 2021

Evidence that silymarin blocks the uptake of thyroid hormone by cells is based on only laboratory (in vitro) research. The interaction does not appear to have been confirmed in humans. However, if you are concerned about this interaction, the dose of milk thistle extract that can result in a blood level of the silymarin constituent (silychristin) that theoretically may affect thyroid hormone uptake appears to be 600 mg, so it may be prudent to stick to lower daily doses out of caution.

REBECCA2596
June 03, 2021

My doctor put me on Synthroid and nearly killed me. My thyroid does not convert t-3 into t-4. My daughter-in-law, a nurse practitioner, saw how I was acting, couldn’t remember anything, couldn’t think, tired all the time and suggested Armour. I change doctors, got on Armour, and now I’m a normal person again, The AACE should reevaluate their position.

Judy2605
January 08, 2022

Amen to this. My doctor switched me to Armour 6 years ago. I’ve had consistently normal labs and felt better ever since.

Dister
January 11, 2022

I agree& would love to have Armour get FDA approval. Not only would that allow for insurance to cover this drug, it would allow for ongoing regulation.

T Allen
March 03, 2022

Totally agree!

Ariella2600
June 21, 2022

I've been taking desiccated thyroid for 20 years for Hashimoto's and it works very well. I've only had to increase my dosage slightly once in that time period. I've also taken quercetin for about 10 years (it keeps me at very manageable levels with my allergies). Doesn't seem to affect my thyroid at all.

Wendy K.2601
June 21, 2022

Ditto! I've been on it for since I was 10, have great lab results and no issues related to Armour Thyroid.

Jeanne2607
June 21, 2022

Here is the American Thyroid Association's website summary of 2013 research regarding comparable efficacy and higher patient satisfaction with desiccated thyroid, from the March 2013 issue of "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism":

"SUMMARY OF THE STUDY
This was a study of 70 patients with hypothyroidism who were treated with either desiccated thyroid extract or levothyroxine for 12 weeks followed by a switch to the other option for another 16 weeks. The participants were “blinded” during both phases – they did not know the type of pill they received. After each treatment period patients were weighed, had blood tests, underwent psychometric testing and were asked which therapy they preferred. The researchers report that 49% of the patients preferred desiccated thyroid extract, 19% preferred levothyroxine and 23% had no preference. Desiccated thyroid extract use was also associated with more weight loss. There was no difference in the psychometric testing or in any symptoms. Both types of thyroid hormone were able to normalize the abnormal thyroid blood tests."

Research from last year indicated the same regarding efficacy and preference for desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) vs levothyroxine (LT4), from the Nov. 2021 issue of "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism:

Conclusions: As a group, outcomes were similar among hypothyroid patients taking DTE vs LT4 + T3 vs LT4. However, those patients that were most symptomatic on LT4 preferred and responded positively to therapy with LT4 + LT3 or DTE.

Susan S2598
June 21, 2022

Rebecca22701, same thing happened to me! I started on Armour, did very well, and with a job move, was changed to Synthroid, who believes in “one size fits all” lab values. I wound up in the hospital, after another M.D. suddenly cut that dosage by ¼. My hair came out by the handsful, my skin got very dry, I actually experienced a lone SVT and wound up in the hospital, where they tried to make me get a pacemaker! (It was confirmed by an electrophysiologist that I was fine). I went back to my old doctor, back on Armour, and I am well!

Catt2604
June 21, 2022

I also agree that Armour saved my life. I was a mess when I was on Synthroid and it wasn't until I switched to armour thyroid that I felt normal again and my weight stabilized.

Teha2603
June 22, 2022

So grateful to see these comments! Thank you!

Elaine2602
July 04, 2023

AMEN!

Lynn21804
January 31, 2025

Armour works for me for 10 + years when Synthroid made me feel sick.

Christine21808
January 31, 2025

As a RN, I can say that natural desiccated thyroid such as Amour and Thyroid NP have been life changing for many patients. Unfortunately much of the evidence supporting its use is anecdotal.

Donna21814
January 31, 2025

I have been on Armour Thyroid for 21 years and have had no problems.

Ruth21821
January 31, 2025

I tried Levothyroxine after over 35 years of taking Armour/NP when insurance declined to cover it. Levothyroxine threw my system into chaos. I could not tolerate at all. All my autoimmune diseases flared up. Switched back and all autoimmunes went into remission.

ruth2590
April 11, 2021

I take armour because synthroid doesn't work for me. Insurance originally paid for it but the price quadrupled and insurance no longer pays for it.

Valerie2591
April 25, 2021

I WAS on Synthroid but my hair fell out in heaps daily and I had balding on the sides of my head like men do but I'm female. Doctor put me on Armour Thyroid and the hair loss ended almost immediately. Shocked, elated, thrilled. Armour rocks my world:)

kandy2592
January 25, 2022

I just got put on armour 10 wks ago and my hair has started falling out, one bald spot thus far, eyelashes falling out, I'm getting scared, was in levothyroxine for 25 yrs, nothing like this, you seem to love it, still okay with it?

Mary21807
January 31, 2025

Synthroid is not pure levothyroxine. There are inactive ingredients, including acacia and lactose.

Christine2587
April 11, 2021

As a practicing physician assistant for 41 years who has been using dessicated thyroid hormone in many of my patients for many years, I have been pleasantly surprised to finally see an acknowledgment of this controversial use recently. The study finally confirms what I have seen through decades of medical practice; some patients respond much better to a mix of both T3 and T4, and we know there are receptors for both hormones throughout the body. Yes, T4 is the specific hormone most produced by thyroid gland, but T3 is the active hormone, produced through an enzymatic process which cleaves off one of the iodine molecules. Some patients may be deficient in this enzyme. Of course this statement requires scientific confirmation, but some patients, none the less, respond much better to this formulation.

karen2588
June 27, 2022

I have a family member who has Hashimoto's and must be on medication for the rest of their life. She started with Synthroid but that aggravated everything. Her Doctor suspected she was not converting T4 to T3 and therefore was not receiving a balance of T3. When put on Armour (which has T3 as well as T4) everything totally changed for the better.

I agree that there are also those out there that are deficient in iodine. I had a 53 (Quest range 52-109) on the iodine serum test. I have used sea salt for decades and I do not care for seaweeds or seafood, so I must supplement. As far as Nascent Iodine is concerned, I use the Heritage Store brand and the iodine is from North Atlantic Kelp. One drop equals 246 mcg.

Myrto2585
December 09, 2014

I have recently begun to test serum iodine on my patients with thyroid disease or fatigue, and find it lower than the standard normal range on about 20% of patients. So, I don't know where the statement comes from that it is "vanishingly rare". If anything, it may be a little more common in people who avoid iodinized salt, preferring instead sea salt or Himalayan salt.

Also, checking a serum iodine may not be a "sensitive" way of finding iodine deficient patients. I think it is very "specific" though.

CONRAD2583
December 08, 2014

Seaweeds such as wakame, nori, and kombu contain substantial levels of bioavailable
iodine and may be used in various foods such as soups, curries, salads, etc.
Here is a report (one of many) from PubMed:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25006699

However, please be aware that kombu seaweed may have exceedingly high levels of iodine
when compared to wakame and nori, and should be used only in very small quantities.

CHARLES2578
December 07, 2014

Iodine deficiency, once common in North America, is now vanishingly rare here. The soil of northern Indiana and Ohio is low in iodine, and when people there ate mostly food grown there, they could be iodine deficient. Today, however, food is distributed widely -- Cleveland residents eat bread made with wheat from the great plains -- and the "goiter belts" have disappeared. Some scientists suspect we are now bringing on thyroid disease by excess iodine intake. Iodine deficiency is still common in some parts of the world, such as the Andes and parts of India, where all food is obtained locally.

Robert2579
September 06, 2015

Not so. Over the last 20 years food makers have stopped putting iodine in many salts and substituted bromine for iodine in baked goods. Iodine deficiency is now emerging again.

Robert2581
September 06, 2015

I mean substituted bromine for iodine. In fact, the Mediterranean salt I've bought clearly states 'this product does not contain iodide, a necessary nutrient." I can remember when all Morton salt was iodized. Not so today, must look for it.

T Allen
March 03, 2022

And if you are gluten free you don't eat much grain to start with.

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