How long does it take to lose weight on Armour Thyroid?
It is well known that having hypothyroidism can cause you to gain some weight. Finding the correct dose of thyroid hormone medications such as Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) can often help with weight loss by getting your levels of thyroid hormones to normal. However, if your dose is too low, you may gain even more weight.
You should not expect significant weight loss when you start thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This is because weight gain is often caused by other factors besides having an underactive thyroid. Typically, you will start to see weight loss around 3 to 6 months after taking the ideal dose of your thyroid medication.
In general, you will lose around 5 to 10 pounds or less than 10% of your body weight. The weight loss is usually because your body gets rid of excessive water weight. Most research does not show that thyroid medications such as Armour Thyroid or Synthroid (levothyroxine) help you lose fat.
Why does thyroid medication make you lose weight?
In most cases, thyroid hormone replacement therapy such as Armour Thyroid will cause some weight loss. According to the American Thyroid Association, you can lose up to 10% of your body weight after starting this medication. The weight you lose is mainly water weight since having low thyroid hormone levels makes you retain water. Once your thyroid levels are normal again, this medication will probably not have any effect on your weight.
How does your thyroid function affect your body weight?
The thyroid gland helps control your metabolism and regulates how quickly you store and use energy. Thyroid hormones also help manage many other bodily functions, including your heart rate, body temperature, your skin’s moisture, and hair growth.
If you have a thyroid disorder where your gland is not making enough thyroid hormones, you will have a slower metabolism, making it harder for you to burn energy. In addition, you can have other symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue and joint pain, which can make it harder for you to exercise. Hypothyroidism may also increase how much salt and water your body retains which can lead to an increase in weight.
Do healthcare providers prescribe thyroid medication for weight loss?
Over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause many health problems including obesity, infertility, goiters, and heart disease. However, Armour Thyroid should not be used as a treatment for weight loss or obesity. You should only use this medication if you have a thyroid disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis that causes low thyroid hormone levels. You can also take Armour Thyroid if you have other thyroid conditions such as nodules, goiters, or thyroid cancer.
When is the best time to take Armour Thyroid?
Your thyroid medication is most effective if it is taken on an empty stomach around the same time each day, preferably in the morning. To avoid any food interaction, it is best to take it about 1 hour before breakfast.
How quickly does Armour Thyroid increase your thyroid levels?
It may take 2 to 3 weeks for Armour Thyroid to start working. Your healthcare professional may use blood tests to adjust your dose every 2 to 3 weeks until your thyroid hormone levels are within the normal range. Three main hormones measured to determine if your thyroid is working properly include the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and sometimes, triiodothyronine (T3).
You will need to take thyroid replacement therapy lifelong. Do not stop Armour Thyroid without talking to a healthcare professional, even if you are not having any symptoms. If you are still having symptoms of hypothyroidism or are having serious side effects from this medication, contact your provider. They can tell you about other treatment options, which can include prescription drugs such as Synthroid (levothyroxine) and Cytomel (liothyronine). Following this discussion, they can adjust your treatment plan if needed.
What are the side effects of Armour Thyroid?
- Increased heart rate, pulse, or heart palpitations
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Chest pain
- Tremors
- Muscle weakness
- Excessive sweating
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
If left untreated, your thyroid levels can get very high and cause serious and sometimes life-threatening side effects such as:
- Increased risk of serious cardiovascular (heart) problems. This is more likely to occur in older adults and those with heart disease, coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure.
- Low stress hormone levels (adrenal crisis). If you experience constant fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, dizziness, or stomach pain seek immediate medical attention.
- Worsening diabetes. This medication can change the dose you need for your diabetes medications. Let your healthcare provider know if you notice any blood sugar levels that are higher than normal.
Although rare, some people can have an allergic reaction to Armour Thyroid. The symptoms can be mild or serious. If you are having mild symptoms such as a rash, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you experience serious symptoms such as swelling of your face, tongue, and throat or shortness of breath, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.
Disclaimer: This is not the entire list of possible side effects. Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible adverse effects you experience while taking Armour Thyroid. You can report your adverse effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.