I Have Been Working With A Holistic Practitioner That Has

Posted on Mon, 5 Nov 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 5 Nov 2018 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have been working with a holistic practitioner that has me taking armour thyroid 30mg for a low free t3 level. My TSH is normal though. I am wondering if there is any harm in taking a low dose thyroid hormone for subclinical hypothyroid?

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
About low ft3;

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
I can understand your concern.
First you need to find the reason of low Ft3. A thyroid ultrasound and antiTpo and antiTg antibodies are needed.
If a chronic pathology is diagnosed and the symptoms of hypothyroidism are present, than treatment with levothyroxine is suggested.
I would not suggest armour thyroid as it is more difficult to follow up ( needs frequent check up) compared to levothyroxine.
If the hormonal level will be kept within the normal range, there is no need to get worried about side effects.
Otherwise, if thyroid antibodies are negative and thyroid ultrasound is normal, pituitary pathologies causing secondary hypothyroidism should be excluded.
Hope the information will help.
Best wishes,
Dr.mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad