Question: I am having trouble getting Armour Thyroid. My doctor wants to prescribe Synthroid. Are there any natural alternatives to Armour Thyroid?

Dr. Brownstein's Answer:

The maker of Armour Thyroid, Forest Pharmaceuticals, has not been clear on why there is such a shortage. This medication has been prescribed for nearly 80 years. Many patients have done very well with it.

Armour Thyroid is a desiccated thyroid hormone derived from a porcine (pig) glandular source. It is unfortunate that many patients have suffered over the failure to obtain Armour Thyroid with very little information from Forest Pharmaceuticals.

There is an alternative, natural desiccated thyroid hormone available. Two desiccated thyroid products, known as Westhroid or Nature-Throid, are made at RLC Labs. These products come from the same source as Armour Thyroid.

Most (over 90 percent) patients who were taking Armour Thyroid can substitute Westhroid or Nature-Throid and feel well. For the small percent of patients who do not do well on these, it may become a trial-and error process of trying different thyroid prescriptions until you find the product that works the best for you.