Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Hi Terry, “I have been on Armour Thyroid for several years and would like to get off this medication. I would like something natural and not have to rely on a prescription. Is there a nutritional supplement that I can take to support my thyroid function?” Cathy J., Iron Mountain, MI A. Dear Cathy, You are fortunate that the doctor has put you on Armour Thyroid and not one of the synthetic thyroid hormones. Armour Thyroid is a natural approach to supporting thyroid function. If your thyroid is underactive, Armour Thyroid is supporting your gland by supplying supplementary amounts of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Synthetic thyroid hormones only supply T4. I compliment your doctor for prescribing Armour Thyroid. Most doctors do not see Armour Thyroid as an advantage, but it truly is. Most integrative health care practitioners also recommend the combination of iodine and L-Tyrosine, usually in the dosage of 50 mg to 60 mg of iodine and 400 mg of L-Tyrosine daily. I attended one seminar where the integrative physician suggested this dosage for four months and then reduced the dosage by half. This “dynamic duo” is able in most cases to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce healthier amounts of thyroid hormone. However, it is possible that it will lower the requirement of Armour Thyroid. Iodine and tyrosine are the basic building blocks of proper thyroid function. I would suggest you inform your physician that you would like to supplement with iodine and tyrosine, as it may be necessary to monitor your dosage of Armour Thyroid. If your thyroid function improves greatly, that is the time to discuss with your physician the possibility of discontinuing your Armour Thyroid hormone to see if healthy amounts of iodine and L-tyrosine can sustain you.