How to Take Natural Thyroid Medication

Natural thyroid medication, such as Armour thyroid, is better tolerated by some patients with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Natural thyroid medication is made from dessicated pig thyroid glands, and contains a more complete set of the thyroid hormones, such as t1, t2, t3, and t4. Most synthetic thyroid medications, such as Synthroid or Cytomel, have only t3 or t4. Taking natural thyroid medication involves a different set of variables, and how to take natural thyroid medication properly is important information for thyroid patients.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Natural thyroid medication (i.e. Armour thyroid)
• Non-fluoridated water

How to Take Natural Thyroid Medication

1. Keep your natural thyroid medication in a cool, dry location to assure that your medication is effective. Storing medication in a car, over an oven, or near a furnace may compromise its quality.
2. Take natural thyroid medication without food. Be sure to take the medication one hour before eating, and take only with non-fluoridated water. Fluoride is a known thyroid depressant, and was used in the 1950s to treat overactive thyroid conditions. It's best to take natural thyroid medication first thing in the morning, then wait one hour before eating or drinking anything, even that morning cup of coffee or tea.
3. Wait at least two hours after eating or drinking anything other than water if you must take your natural thyroid medication later in the day. Again, take the natural thyroid medication with non-fluoridated water.
4. Consider taking your natural thyroid medication sublingually (under the tongue). Some patients find that this method can be a very successful way for their body to absorb the medication. To do this, place the Armour thyroid tablet under your tongue, leaving it there until it dissolves. This may take anywhere from 30-90 minutes. Again, do not eat or drink during this process, and wait 60 minutes after the pill has dissolved to eat or drink anything other than non-fluoridated water.
5. Split your natural thyroid medication in half and take half in the morning, half in the afternoon if taking the entire dose in th morning isn't effective. Some patients find that splitting the dose is a positive change.

Tips & Warnings

• If your doctor refuses to prescribe natural thyroid, and you want to try Armour, consult another doctor.
• Try not to consume soy after taking natural thyroid medication. Excessive soy can neutralize some thyroid medications.
• Do not store the bottle over ovens, damp areas, or furnaces.
• Do not take thyroid medication of any kind within two hours of taking iron, calcium, or magnesium supplements. These minerals can neutralize thyroid medication of any kind, synthetic or natural.