Myths About Armour Thyroid

When it comes to treating hypothyroidism, there are many misconceptions about Armour Thyroid. Let’s set the record straight by breaking down some of the most common myths.

Myth: Armour Thyroid contains only T3

Truth:

• Armour Thyroid is dried-up thyroid gland of pigs.

• It contains both T4 and T3, in a 4:1 ratio, just like a human thyroid gland.

• That’s why it can benefit most patients with hypothyroidism.

Myth: Medical guidelines recommend Synthroid, so Armour must be inferior

Truth:

• Guidelines almost always recommend synthetic drugs over natural substances.

• The reason is that many guidelines are developed with input from pharmaceutical companies.

• Armour Thyroid is identical to human thyroid, with all the important ingredients, and is therefore superior to synthetic T4.

Myth: There’s no scientific evidence supporting Armour Thyroid

Truth:

• Doctors have been treating hypothyroidism since the 1800s — long before Synthroid existed.

• Back then, doctors used Armour Thyroid, which has a 200-year track record of success.

• There are studies showing greater symptom improvement and higher patient satisfaction when using NDT like Armour Thyroid.

Myth: Armour is outdated and old — it was replaced by better drugs

Truth:

• Armour has been used for two centuries and is still prescribed today.

• It is not obsolete — multiple companies continue to produce NDT.

• In fact, it works better for most people than Synthroid.

• Old doesn’t mean inferior. Many old items — from jewelry and coins to cars and vinyl records — can be more valuable over time.

Myth: Taking Armour Thyroid causes dependency or addiction

Truth:

• Armour Thyroid, like Synthroid, simply replaces hormones the body no longer produces adequately.

• Armour does it better because it contains all thyroid hormones, while Synthroid only contains T4.

• Taking Armour is similar to a diabetic taking insulin — it replaces something your body lacks.

• It is not addictive and does not cause dependence in the way narcotics do.

Myth: Armour Thyroid must be taken multiple times per day

Truth:

• Many patients do well taking Armour just once a day.

• While some doctors suggest splitting the dose into two daily administrations, I’ve never found it necessary in my practice.

• I’ve always prescribed it as a once-a-day medicine with excellent results.

Myth: Pregnant women shouldn’t take Armour

Truth:

• While levothyroxine is often preferred during pregnancy, some women can safely continue Armour under careful medical supervision.

• The key is close monitoring of thyroid hormone levels throughout pregnancy.

Myth: Armour works instantly because it has T3

Truth:

• Hypothyroidism usually develops over months or years. The deficiency cannot be corrected overnight.

• You also cannot give a patient their full needed dose all at once — it could be too much.

• Treatment starts with a safe dose, which may take about 4 weeks to show full effects.

• Often, the dose must be adjusted, and it can take several months to find the right balance.

Myth: Armour is dangerous because it contains animal products

Truth:

• It’s true that Armour is derived from pigs — just like bacon, pork chops, and hot dogs.

• However, unlike these foods, Armour is pharmaceutical-grade — highly purified and carefully processed.

• This makes it much safer than eating regular pork products.

Myth: Armour is safer because it’s natural

Truth:

• “Natural” doesn’t automatically mean safe.

• Many natural substances — like spoiled food, bacterial toxins, or snake venom — can be harmful or even deadly.

• This applies to Armour Thyroid as well: it contains potent hormones (T4 and T3) and must be used only under medical supervision.

• Both Synthroid and Armour can cause side effects if used incorrectly or in the wrong dosage.