When your body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, it results in a condition called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is treated with a replacement hormone called levothyroxine, and Armour Thyroid is a form of levothyroxine. L-tyrosine is an amino acid used as a supplement for hypothyroidism. Consult a health care professional before using L-tyrosine.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. It can also be caused by an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Hypothyroidism is most common in women over age 50. Hypothyroidism develops slowly; the symptoms may be subtle, especially at first, which makes this condition hard to diagnose. Symptoms include sensitivity to cold, weight gain, fatigue, confusion, headaches, constipation and menstrual problems.
Medical Treatment
The standard medical treatment for hypothyroidism is oral thyroid medication. Armour Thyroid is an oral thyroid medication preparation derived from the thyroid glands of pigs. According to the drug insert prescribing information from Forest Pharmaceuticals Inc., Armour Thyroid is indicated as replacement or supplemental therapy for any form of hypothyroidism. This drug requires a prescription.
L-tyrosine
L-tyrosine is an amino acid that can be found in protein food sources such as fish, meat and dairy products, although the body also makes it from another amino acid called phenylalanine. The thyroid gland combines L-tyrosine and iodine to make the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, which regulate metabolism. It is also available in supplement form as a capsule or tablet. A prescription is not necessary for L-tyrosine.
L-tyrosine and Hypothyroidism
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, L-tyrosine may be helpful in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Recommendations for adult doses vary from 500 to 1,000 mg three times a day, taken 30 minutes before meals. However, the UMMC also cautions that L-tyrosine should not be taken with oral thyroid hormones, as it is a precursor to thyroid hormone and could raise hormone levels too high. For that reason, L-tyrosine should not be taken with Armour Thyroid.
Considerations and Warnings
L-tyrosine can also interact with other medications. The UMMC warns that L-tyrosine can cause a severe increase in blood pressure when taken with the class of antidepressant medications called Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors. These include Marplan, Nardil, Parnate and Selegiline. L-Tyrosine can also interact with Levodopa, a drug for Parkinson's disease. People with migraines should not take L-tyrosine, as it can trigger migraine headaches. Consult your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
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