Description

(Desiccated Thyroid Extract from Porcine Thyroid Gland)

Natural, Dual-Hormone Replacement Therapy for Hypothyroidism – Low-Dose Strength

Armour® Thyroid USP 20 mg is a natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) medication used for the management of hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Sourced from porcine thyroid tissue, this prescription product contains both primary thyroid hormones—T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine)—in ratios that closely mimic endogenous human thyroid secretion.

This low-dose strength (20 mg) is ideal for initial titration, sensitive patients, and fine-tuning of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Armour Thyroid remains one of the most trusted and widely used natural thyroid medications, supported by decades of clinical use.

Key Features and Benefits

• Provides a natural balance of T4 and T3, not just synthetic T4

• Sourced from porcine thyroid gland, standardized to USP guidelines

• Supports metabolism, energy, thermoregulation, mood, and hair/skin health

• Especially effective for patients who do not fully respond to levothyroxine alone

• 20 mg dose allows precise dosage adjustment in combination regimens

• Manufactured under stringent quality and potency control standards

Composition

Each 20 mg tablet of Armour Thyroid USP contains:

• Approximately 8 mcg of T4 (levothyroxine)

• Approximately 3 mcg of T3 (liothyronine)

The natural composition of Armour Thyroid offers broad hormonal support, benefiting patients who may have difficulty converting T4 to T3 due to genetic, age-related, or inflammatory factors.

Indications

Armour Thyroid USP is indicated for:

• Primary hypothyroidism (autoimmune, post-surgical, congenital, or idiopathic)

• Secondary (pituitary-related) or tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism

• Thyroid hormone replacement following thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine ablation

• Benign goiter or nodular thyroid disease (under physician direction)

• As adjunctive therapy in thyroid cancer suppression protocols (where appropriate)

Not intended for use in euthyroid patients for weight loss or cosmetic purposes.

Mechanism of Action

Armour Thyroid acts as a direct replacement for missing thyroid hormones, helping regulate:

• Basal metabolic rate and thermoregulation

• Protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism

• Neurocognitive and mood function

• Cardiovascular efficiency

• Growth and tissue differentiation

T3 provides more immediate biologic activity, while T4 contributes sustained, longer-acting hormonal support. The combination often results in faster symptom relief and improved treatment satisfaction in select patients.

Dosage and Administration

• Armour Thyroid 20 mg is typically used as a starting dose or as part of a custom titration schedule

• Adult initial dose: usually 15–30 mg per day, titrated in 15 mg increments every 2–3 weeks based on response and lab results

• Pediatric dosing varies by age and weight; monitor growth and development regularly

• Take orally once daily, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before breakfast or medications (especially calcium or iron)

• Tablets should be swallowed whole and not split unless directed

Monitoring Parameters

• Serum TSH: baseline and every 6–8 weeks after any dose change

• Free T4 and Free T3 levels: especially in combination therapy

• Clinical symptoms: fatigue, cold intolerance, weight fluctuation, hair changes

• Heart rate and blood pressure, particularly in elderly patients or those with cardiovascular conditions

Precautions and Contraindications

• Contraindicated in untreated adrenal insufficiency, thyrotoxicosis, or recent myocardial infarction

• Use caution in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis

• Do not use for obesity treatment or in euthyroid individuals

• Pregnancy: thyroid replacement is often continued, but dosage adjustment may be required

• Not recommended as interchangeable with synthetic thyroid products without physician evaluation

Adverse Effects

Over-replacement can lead to:

• Palpitations or arrhythmias

• Nervousness, anxiety, insomnia

• Excessive sweating or heat intolerance

• Menstrual irregularities

• Weight loss or muscle wasting

Always use the lowest effective dose to avoid iatrogenic hyperthyroidism.

Storage

• Store at controlled room temperature (15–30°C / 59–86°F)

• Protect from light and moisture

• Keep container tightly closed

• Keep out of reach of children

Who Should Consider Armour Thyroid 20 mg?

• New patients beginning thyroid hormone therapy

• Individuals requiring micro-titration adjustments

• Patients with sensitivity to higher doses or synthetic T4

• Individuals managing conversion inefficiency or persistent hypothyroid symptoms

• Patients seeking natural desiccated thyroid therapy under physician supervision

A Trusted, Natural Solution for Thyroid Hormone Restoration

Armour Thyroid USP 20 mg represents a low-dose, high-control option for restoring thyroid balance in hypothyroid patients. Backed by decades of clinical use, this formulation continues to offer safe, effective, and individualized hormonal therapy, particularly when a personalized approach to T4/T3 balance is required.