Armour Thyroid and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2013

For Hashimoto's disease "Everyone's battle with Hashimoto's will be different, which will lead to different treatments. In my case, Armour has worked best. About a year ago, I had a sudden increase in weight with no change in diet or exercise. Once I saw this change, I ate healthier than ever before and worked out consistently, yet my weight went from 115 to 130 in a short period of time. I felt 'puffy' and bloated constantly. Finally, I was given Synthroid because Hashi's runs in my family and I had an increase of antibodies. I was on it for 6 weeks and did not see any improvement. I am now on my 5th week of Armour, and the bloating is gone as well as the weight gain. Don't let the doctors tell you how you feel. You must treat the symptoms. I hope this helps someone."

• Che...
• July 9, 2013

For Underactive Thyroid "When I was diagnosed with thyroid problems around nine years ago. My TSH was a 6.7. I was placed on Synthroid. I developed terrible headaches right from the start. The doctor decided to switch over to Levoxyl brand. Let me tell you, it has been a whirlwind of problems from tiredness, to aches and pains coming out of nowhere. I gained 50 lbs in the last nine years. Constantly dieting, going to the gym, nothing worked. Swelling and cloudy thinking. The doctor said my TSH was normal. Okay, just started on Armour Thyroid 60mg. Unbelievable. My aches and pains are gone. Lost five pounds in these last two weeks. Swelling is gone and I am alert! Do your homework and take charge. I finally did! 'Armour changed my life'."

• Abr...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 31, 2021

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "My sister-in-law and I are both on Armour Thyroid and we have both begun to feel draggy, and we've gained weight. I've noticed that Armour no longer has that distinctive scent. Did some research and have found that Allergan, which makes Armour, has been bought by AbbVie, which makes Synthroid. Is anyone else noticing Armour not working anymore? Have to go for blood work and will tell my doc to either switch me to another brand or I will have my meds compounded. I take 60mg 2x/day."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "Four years ago, I began taking birth control. After a year of trying to find the 'right' pill, I was experiencing extreme fatigue, mood swings, depression, constipation, skin/hair problems, weight gain, and an inability to lose weight. I stopped the pill and still continued to experience these symptoms. I spent the next few years trying to lose weight and trying to convince my doctor to treat my thyroid. She wouldn't because my TSH level was normal. Two months ago, I found a doctor who prescribes Armour based on symptoms. In one month of taking 25mg of Armour daily, I have regained my health and my life. Fight for your health and ask for Armour. If it doesn't work for you, it's worth searching for a medication that does to feel healthy again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "Four years ago, I began taking birth control. After a year of trying to find the 'right' pill, I was experiencing extreme fatigue, mood swings, depression, constipation, skin/hair problems, weight gain, and an inability to lose weight. I stopped the pill and still continued to experience these symptoms. I spent the next few years trying to lose weight and trying to convince my doctor to treat my thyroid. She wouldn't because my TSH level was normal. Two months ago, I found a doctor who prescribes Armour based on symptoms. In one month of taking 25mg of Armour daily, I have regained my health and my life. Fight for your health and ask for Armour. If it doesn't work for you, it's worth searching for a medication that does to feel healthy again."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2011

For Hashimoto's disease "I found out I had an underactive thyroid about 2 years ago, and as a college student, I found it so hard to focus in class. My doctor placed me on Synthroid, and I took it for about 6 months. I had severe headaches, depression, weight gain with no weight loss in sight, and feeling tired and horrible. I went to my ob-gyn for a yearly check-up, and he checked my thyroid, and now I'm taking Armour. I love this medicine. All the headaches, loss of focus, and the weight gained again are gone! I take it at the same time every day, and this pill works for me!"

• Tru...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 25, 2016

For Hashimoto's disease "I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's after a thyroid cancer scare and removal of half of my thyroid gland due to growing nodules. All of the symptoms - tired, depressed, weight gain, hair loss, sensitivity to heat and cold, cold extremities - occurred after having my first child and became progressively worse with each of my children. Since the surgery, I took Synthroid for 10 years and could not lose weight no matter what I tried. I went to a progressive doctor who put me on Armour, and I have lost 35 pounds in the past year. My mood and energy levels are excellent, and my memory and brain function are much sharper. My levels are a bit too high or vary, but that is where I feel the best, and my doctor allows me to stay there. Find a doctor that will listen to you."

• Lee...
• August 28, 2018

For Underactive Thyroid "Diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2013. I am a 49-year-old female. I had tried different meds prior to Armour Thyroid (AT). I have the best results with AT. Unbeknownst to me, Walgreen pharmacy switched my AT for Levothyroxine/Levothyronine (L/L). I was distracted with relocating my family and trusted Walgreen pharmacy would continue my medication. Symptoms began: headaches, very dry brittle hair, dry skin, gained 20 lbs, and heart pounding. On July 10, 2018, I realized the prescription was L/L instead of AT. I went back to Walgreen and inquired why. I was told L/L was generic for AT. I called my old pharmacist. He told me the drug is synthetic and not the same as AT. It is now August 26, 2018, and I've been back on AT since July 10, 2018. I lost 21 lbs and I feel great! I neglected to pay attention to my prescription medication."

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2010

For Hashimoto's disease "I was on Synthroid for 1 1/2 years. I gained 10 pounds and had anxiety. For the first year, I had full trust in my doctor, but later I was not feeling right. I had memory fog, anxiety, and my weight was a problem. I used to be a size 4, and now I am a size 12. That alone was depressing. I took charge and researched Hashimoto's Disease. I later told my doctor that I wanted to go on Armour and that I was done with Synthroid. He said okay and put me on 60mg because he thought we would have to adjust it. Well, here I am a year later taking 60mg and 10 pounds less without working out."

• Gra...
• May 27, 2021

For Underactive Thyroid "I had benign thyroid nodules, 2 docs thought I had thyroid cancer, so I had a partial thyroidectomy. No doc did a biopsy, shame. Endo shamed me for asking for Armour. I suffered badly on Synthroid and all other synthetic meds. Finally, I convinced my PCP to try me on Armour 120, it was a miracle for me. I got well. I continued on Armour 120 mgs for 28+ years, same dose, no problems. Over the last approximately 2 years, the strength of Armour 120 mgs changed, the cost skyrocketed, and it is not covered by insurance. I gained weight, had hair loss, and puffiness on my old perfect dose of Armour 120. Gyn doc prescribed Armour 180. I am much better, brain fog gone. Hair loss gone. When thyroid dose is correct, you will feel well again! The endo doc told me Armour Thyroid was made from sick pigs and not good for humans. If that were true, why do heart specialists use pig parts for heart surgery and other surgeries?"

• J9M...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 18, 2013

For Underactive Thyroid "I was first prescribed Synthroid. While my TSH levels came down to 1.9, I still had side effects, like I was permanently cold and fatigued, as well as gained 30 pounds. I changed to Armour, and my feelings of intense cold subsided, my fatigue eased off, and my weight is slowly coming down. My TSH level is down to 0.42!"

• wha...
• February 26, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "I've been taking Armour for several years now. Somewhere along the line, all of my symptoms such as constipation, weight gain and trouble losing weight, hair loss, trouble falling asleep despite being extremely tired, low energy, headaches, brain fog, etc., came back with a vengeance. My endo sees nothing wrong with my labs and tells me it must be something I'm eating. I went along with this theory until one day I went online to find out why my prescription cost went up so much. Much to my surprise, I stumbled across many others like me complaining of symptoms coming back despite lab work being in range. Everyone noticed the changes came about when Forest sold! I'm switching doctors and hope to find another medication!"

• wha...
• February 26, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "I've been taking Armour for several years now. Somewhere along the line, all of my symptoms such as constipation, weight gain and trouble losing weight, hair loss, trouble falling asleep despite being extremely tired, low energy, headaches, brain fog, etc., came back with a vengeance. My endo sees nothing wrong with my labs and tells me it must be something I'm eating. I went along with this theory until one day I went online to find out why my prescription cost went up so much. Much to my surprise, I stumbled across many others like me complaining of symptoms coming back despite lab work being in range. Everyone noticed the changes came about when Forest sold! I'm switching doctors and hope to find another medication!"

• don...
• October 14, 2013

For Underactive Thyroid "Diagnosed with hypothyroidism over ten years ago with body aches, insomnia, brain fog, weight gain, etc. On Armour all my symptoms went away except for weight gain despite heavy exercise and dieting. I keep up my regimen but I'm desperate to lose the weight. I don't understand why the Armour has helped everything but the weight gain."

• TTa...
• February 8, 2012

For Underactive Thyroid "I was on Synthroid for 5 years. When I went from 75 mcg to 125 mcg, I realized that the allergies were from my medicine. Swelling of the throat, losing my voice, weight gain, etc. Now, because of 2 weeks on Armour, I am. I am so optimistic, and I feel 20 years younger."

• Lei...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 2, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "I’ve been on Armour Thyroid 60 mg for about a year, have gained 15 pounds, and am very tired now. July 2019, got a new batch, and now I am feeling overmedicated. Has Armour Thyroid changed once again?"

• rev...
• May 8, 2009

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I was diagnosed with Papillary Carcinoma in early 2006. My thyroid was removed and tested positive. I was put on Synthroid and Cytomel for one week, then dropped the latter. I slowly went downhill physically and mentally. I gained a lot of weight, and I could not concentrate for any length of time. I could not return to work. An angel gave me the name of a doctor who would prescribe Armour Thyroid. Within a week, I began to feel better. Soon, I felt better than I had in a long time. I returned to work and have stayed healthy ever since. Armour Thyroid is the only way to go for me."

• Emy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 26, 2021

For Underactive Thyroid "Armour is sadly not working well for me! Someone needs to investigate. My labs this month (July 2021) have officially tanked. On a fairly decent dose (210 mgs) plus I still have my own thyroid. Yet my free T4 is very low at 0.90, my reverse T3 has skyrocketed to 17.5, which has never happened before, at least not since all this time I’ve been on NDTs (2014 onward). Free T3 on the lower part of the range/still not optimal at 3.0, and I am very symptomatic; hands dry, bleeding, and cracking open, 50 lb weight gain in the last year, hair falling like crazy, so hard to get up in the mornings and function, mood swings/depression/anxiety, hard to go to sleep at a decent time, which doesn’t make sense considering I’m exhausted/dozing off all day (unless this med has thrown me into some serious adrenal fatigue). That time of the month (and the leading up to it) has become a painful, emotional nightmare. Need Nature-Throid, WP, and NP thyroid to be back and consistent the way they were before :-("

• Bab...
• August 31, 2016

For Hashimoto's disease "I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. United Healthcare and Medicare say Armour Thyroid is not covered by them. I was on Armour Thyroid for 15 years. My insurance made me try other meds. I tried other thyroid meds including Nature-Throid. I put on 48 lbs under Nature-Throid, my body was tired, I was dizzy, could not function, and had incontinence. I am now back on Armour Thyroid feeling better every day, decreasing in weight, and other symptoms are gone. But I have to pay for it myself, and since I am on Social Security, it is a big expense. Thanks, Armour Thyroid."

• Anonymous
• November 12, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "I was on Levo meds and I felt like I was overloaded with hormones. I would have outbursts of anger and sadness. Gained 10 lbs in 6 months, insomnia, etc. These behaviors were abnormal for me. I switched to Armour meds and in one month I lost 3 lbs, sleep well, and have not had any mood swings."

• Sic...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 4, 2020

For Hashimoto's disease "I have been on Armour 180mg almost 11 years. I tried Synthroid first. My TSH was 195, I was 26. When I started, it put me into a major craze. I still don’t know what. It felt like I had bugs crawling in my skin, and I can’t stress enough how horrible it was. I feel like the last 10 years of my life are a blur. I just kind of tolerated it, I lost the weight I gained. Way too terrified to try any other medication after what I went through, I just dealt with it. Fast forward to 2019, I feel terrible despite my TSH actually being a little hyper because of suppressing my goiter. I got from my TSH being 195. I now have gained 50 pounds, my hair is now falling out again. I’m sore everywhere. I barely get out of bed, I can’t think or remember anything. My vision is rapidly declining. I am in such bad shape that I’m actually going to the doctor to ask him to switch me to a T4-only medication to see if this helps. I can’t take being bedridden anymore, it’s got to the point where I cannot even work anymore."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2021

For Hashimoto's disease "Progressively got sicker on Armour Thyroid. Abdominal pain and bloating, back pain, brain fog, headache in the morning, dizzy, blurry vision, extreme fatigue, pale skin, weight gain (10 lbs - thin my entire life - never had weight issues), high cholesterol. I've never felt so ill. I finally put 2 and 2 together, stopped taking the meds, and within two days, I started feeling better. I lost 5 lbs in one week and feel like my old self again. Today was the first day in 5 months that my stomach didn't hurt."

• Spa...
• July 18, 2021

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I have been taking Armour Thyroid for 10 years, and it has been great. In March of 2021, I started feeling dizzy, old, weight gain, and breaking out in hives. Something has changed with Armour for sure!!! I tried Levothyroxine and was totally exhausted, so back on Armour and hives are all back again. Does anyone know if the fillers changed or something?"

• Nac...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 30, 2016

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "On Synthroid for a year post-subtotal thyroidectomy in 2002, gained 17 lbs in just a few months, hair fell out, felt miserable. Switched to Armour in 2003 and got my life and health back. Compounded thyroid is cheaper, so I started using that with no issues until last year, when I was no longer able to get my compounded thyroid as I'm now in the U.K., which only compounds thyroid for animals, not humans. Back on Armour last year and the weight started creeping back up, fatigue set in, cold at night, all the hypo symptoms came back despite my labs looking great. I put on 8 lbs in three months! Switched to Nature Throid and the weight is coming off again, and I feel normal. Forrest Pharma pulled a Martin Shkreli."

• Bar...
• October 11, 2013

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I've been on Armour Thyroid for 4 months or so, and I've lost no weight, and I'm tired all the time, also gained weight. Having hot flashes and night sweats, and I've been feeling dizzy. My TSH is low along with my T3 and T4. It's time to switch medicines once again. I've been on 2 other medicines, and nothing is helping me. I'm so frustrated. I need some help, anyone know of a better medicine out there?"