Capsule
Liothyronine (T3) Capsules
Liothyronine (T3) slow-release capsules, used to support thyroid hormone levels and metabolic function. Prescribed and dosed by a licensed physician.
30 capsules per month
Starting at $89/mo
ThyroidEnergyNatural
Armour Thyroid
RxPrescription onlyTaken by mouth · Once a day · 30–60 mg · Thyroid · Energy · Natural
Starting at $129/mo
Armour Thyroid: desiccated porcine thyroid gland containing both T4 and T3, the two forms your body actually uses. Oral capsule. Established therapy for hypothyroidism and optimization.
How many tablets per month?
MonthlyEvery 3 months
30 tabletsper month
You'll receive 30 tablets per month. $149 billed monthly. Cancel anytime.
Real prices from our pharmacy. Longer plans cost less per month and are billed up front. Pause or cancel anytime.
- Natural desiccated thyroid with T4 and T3, both active forms
- Oral capsule, once daily with breakfast
- Dose adjusted by your physician based on symptoms and labs
Every plan includes
- Personalized, physician-guided plan
- 30 tablets per month, monthly and 3-month
- Dispensed by a US-licensed compounding pharmacy
- Unlimited protocol adjustments and messaging
- Ongoing support and check-ins
- Pause or cancel anytime
- Reviewed by our in-house physicians
- Physician-guided care
- Ongoing, expert support
- 100% online
- Free, discreet shipping
What is Armour Thyroid?
(desiccated porcine thyroid gland)
Armour Thyroid is made from pork thyroid gland tissue. It contains thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), the two hormones your thyroid naturally produces. Unlike synthetic T4-only replacements, Armour provides both forms. Your body uses T4 as a reservoir; cells convert it to T3, the active hormone. Armour gives you both upfront, which some people find more effective for energy and mood.
- How it is taken
- Taken by mouth
- How often
- Once a day
- Dose range
- 30–60 mg
- Form
- Thyroid · Energy · Natural
Natural
desiccated thyroid with native T4 and T3 ratio
Armour Thyroid works for hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism. Dosing is individual; your physician starts low and adjusts based on symptoms and TSH/Free T3 levels.
How it works,
week by week.
Day 1
A US-licensed physician reviews your thyroid symptoms (fatigue, cold intolerance, weight, mood), medical history, and medications. Discusses how thyroid hormones work and the importance of lab-guided dosing.
Week 1
Start with an initial dose (usually conservative) of your prescribed thyroid hormone, taken once daily in the morning with water on an empty stomach.
Weeks 4-6
Thyroid hormones accumulate slowly; effects build over 4-6 weeks. Energy, temperature regulation, and mood may shift gradually. Keep a symptom journal.
Week 6-8
First lab check: TSH and Free T4 (or Free T3 if on T3). Your physician adjusts dose if needed. Repeat this cycle every 6-8 weeks until TSH and symptoms align.
Beyond
Thyroid hormones work best on a stable dose. Annual labs and check-ins ensure your dose stays right as your body and needs change.
What you may notice,
and when.
More energy
fatigue lifts as thyroid levels normalize
Better sleep quality
mood and sleep rhythm often improve together
Mental clarity
brain fog clears; focus and concentration return
Body temperature
cold intolerance eases as metabolism normalizes
Individual results vary. Benefits reflect what Zepym Health members commonly report to their physician at check-ins; they are not the results of a clinical trial.
Safety first:
what to know before you start.
Important safety information and common side effects
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and affect every cell. Overdosing causes tachycardia, palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, and heat intolerance; underdosing leaves fatigue and brain fog. Thyroid hormones are not for weight loss in people with normal thyroid function. Do not use if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, active angina, or untreated adrenal insufficiency. Tell your physician about all medications, especially beta-blockers, stimulants, and any cardiac history. Stop and seek care for rapid heartbeat, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or signs of thyroid storm (high fever, confusion, agitation).
The research behind
desiccated thyroid.
Desiccated thyroid extract is made from animal thyroid glands and contains T4 and T3. The evidence rests on one small randomized crossover trial against levothyroxine and on a 2024 systematic review that judged the studies weak.
- Crossover trial70 patients, 16 weeks each
The Hoang trial randomized 70 adults on a stable levothyroxine dose to desiccated thyroid extract or levothyroxine, 16 weeks each, double-blind. Symptoms and cognition did not differ between the two; about half of participants preferred the extract.
Hoang et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013 - Systematic reviewTwo RCTs, no quality-of-life gain
A 2024 systematic review found that the two randomized trials showed no difference in quality of life or symptom scores; observational studies favored the extract, but most studies were of inferior design.
Riis et al., Thyroid 2024 (systematic review) - GuidelineThin evidence
The 2014 ATA guideline noted that at that time there was only one randomized trial comparing desiccated thyroid with levothyroxine. The NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service recommends levothyroxine as the treatment and advises shared decision-making on extracts.
Jonklaas et al., Thyroid 2014 (ATA guideline); NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service
What the studies found
- Symptoms and cognition were similar to levothyroxine in the one crossover trial, and about half of patients preferred the extract (Hoang, JCEM 2013)
- Observational studies favor the extract on symptom scores, but are weaker evidence (Riis, Thyroid 2024)
- Some patients report preference; that is a choice, not a measured clinical gain
The trial used a desiccated thyroid extract. Hormone content varies between products and manufacturers; results are for that extract, not for every product sold under this name.
What this does not say
- One randomized crossover trial of 70 people; it was not designed to detect rare harms.
- Long-term effects and side effects are not well documented, according to the 2024 review.
- Variable hormone content makes dosing harder to predict than with levothyroxine.
The research
behind it.
Armour Thyroid was the standard therapy before synthetic T4 became available in the 1960s. It provides both T4 and T3; some people tolerate it better than T4-only therapy.
Small studies suggest T4/T3 combinations can improve energy and mood compared to T4 alone in some people, though results are mixed. Your physician weighs this against lab values and symptoms at every check-in.
Getting started
takes a few minutes.
- 1
Connect with a physician
Answer a few questions online and a US-licensed physician reviews your health, history and goals to make sure treatment is right for you. 100% online. No in-person visit required.
- 2
Get your discreet shipment
If approved, your treatment is compounded by a US-licensed, LegitScript-certified pharmacy, inspected for quality, and shipped discreetly to your door.
- 3
Receive continuous support
Start with one goal, then keep building over time. Unlimited physician messaging, easy refills and dose adjustments, all from the Zepym Health app.
Frequently asked questions
Contact supportHow do I take Armour Thyroid?
Taken by mouth, once a day, in the morning. The starting prescription is 1 tablet (30 mg) each time. Your physician sets your own dose and it is printed on your label.
What strengths does Armour Thyroid come in?
The pharmacy carries 2: 30 mg, 60 mg. Your physician chooses which one you get.
How much arrives in each shipment?
30 tablets at the starting strength, shipped to your door from a licensed US pharmacy.
Is Armour Thyroid better than synthetic T4?
Not necessarily. Armour works well for many people; others do better on synthetic T4 or a T4/T3 combination. The key is dosing to your TSH and Free T3 levels, and adjusting until you feel well. Your physician chooses based on your labs, symptoms, and preference.
Why can't I feel my dose immediately?
Thyroid hormones accumulate in your tissues and bloodstream over weeks. The half-life of T4 is about 7 days, so it takes 4-5 half-lives (1 month) to reach steady state. Be patient; your physician will adjust if needed at your 6-8 week check.
Will thyroid hormone help me lose weight if my thyroid is normal?
No. Thyroid hormones are not weight-loss drugs. They work only in people with low thyroid function. Overdosing a person with normal thyroid function causes dangerous side effects (tachycardia, heat intolerance) without weight loss.
Can I adjust my dose myself?
No. Thyroid dosing requires lab values (TSH, Free T4, Free T3) to be safe and effective. Too much causes palpitations and anxiety; too little leaves you fatigued. Your physician adjusts by the numbers and your symptoms, never by guessing.
What if T4 alone does not work for me?
Some people need T3 added or prefer a T4/T3 combination or natural desiccated thyroid. Your physician will try adjusting the T4 dose first, then explore other formulations if needed. This takes patience and close communication.
Armour Thyroid educational content reviewed by our physician
Scott Nass, MD Doctor of Medicine, board-certified in Family Medicine
Charles R. Drew University and David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center.
More options
in this area.
Capsule
T3 / T4 Capsules
Combination of T3 (Liothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine) in slow-release capsules for comprehensive thyroid hormone replacement. Prescribed and dosed by a licensed physician.
30 capsules per month
Starting at $79/mo
Capsule
Thyroxine (T4) Capsules
Thyroxine (T4) slow-release capsules for thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Prescribed and dosed by a licensed physician.
30 capsules per month
Starting at $79/mo
Injection
Tirzepatide + B12
A weekly dual-action GLP-1/GIP injection for meaningful weight loss and appetite control, paired with vitamin B12 for energy.
Starting at $198/mo
References
- 1.Hypothyroidism: evidence-based diagnosis and management in adults. N Engl J Med, 2017
- 2.Levothyroxine replacement in primary hypothyroidism: a clinical update. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2012
Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed medical professional who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Products are compounded by a licensed pharmacy. The FDA has not reviewed or approved compounded products for any use for safety, efficacy, or quality. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved brand-name products.