The most common Armour® thyroid side effects occur when an individual is taking too large a dose of the prescription drug, based on his or her thyroid hormone levels; it can be difficult to achieve the correct dose on the first try, so this is fairly common. When this occurs, the side effects mimic the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, since rather than having too little thyroid hormone in the bloodstream (hypothyroidism), the body will suddenly have too much. These symptoms often include things like increased hunger and thirst accompanied by weight loss, hair loss, a rapid heartbeat, or increased body temperature, among others.
It is important to remember that Armour® thyroid side effects can also include allergic reactions, which have the potential to be very dangerous or even fatal. Allergic reactions are typically indicated by hives or a rash, as well as swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, sometimes accompanied by difficulty breathing. It is important to receive medical help if any of these symptoms occur. In most cases, however, as long as the dosage is correct, and one is not allergic to it, Armour® thyroid medication is typically well tolerated in most people who are prescribed the drug.
Since the most common Armour® thyroid side effects mimic hyperthyroidism, it is important to be vigilant and watch for these. If they appear, the doctor who prescribed the medication can run a simple blood test to check the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood, and then make adjustments to the prescribed dosage based on the body's needs. This can take a while, especially since thyroid function can change based on external factors such as diet. Once the correct dosage is found, the side effects should completely disappear; if they don't, keep discussing the issues with a doctor until a solution can be found.
The Armour® thyroid side effects to look for include changes in the metabolism in the body, causing the metabolism and body processes to speed up. This typically leads to a drastically increased appetite or thirst, without much noticeable weight gain; some people even lose weight. This will also frequently cause hair loss, and sometimes changes to the menstrual cycle. Some patients may frequently feel hot or flushed, due to an increased body temperature and higher blood pressure, accompanied by a fast or irregular heartbeat. Mood changes such as anxiety or irritability may appear, and some people experience stomach upset as well.
