Vegans and vegetarians only please?

Question

I have been on thyroid medicine my entire life, and did not do well on synthetics, like levoxyl and synthroid. A few years ago, my doctor switched me to armour thyroid, and I responded well. I never thought to question what was in it before. I recently discovered that it is made from pigs thyroid, by the same company that makes armour hot dogs. I am repulsed, and do not know what to do. I clearly need a thyroid replacement med, but not this one! I know thyroid problems are wide spread, and I assume other vegans have addressed this. Any input appreciated

Answer 1

This one is a tough one because if you have been on thyroid medication your entire life, chances are that your thyroid has little, if any, function on it's own. As mentioned in other (reasonable) answers, synthetic thyroid medications only cover part of what you need and would only suit some people.

I would find out exactly why you have been on medication your entire life (it is one of the over-prescribed medications of the world) before considering your options.

You will also have to re-assess your values as a vegetarian. I do understand, as I am also veggie and it has come up before. It may come down to you taking the new medication but saying a little sorry and thank you to the animal who lost it's life so that you may have a better one - and make sure you make it worth it.

Answer 2

There are other synthetics available,such as unithyroid and thyrolar. The problem with synthetics is that they only have T-4 or T-4 and T-3 hormones while the desiccated thyroid such as Armour also contain T-1 and T-2. These may be what your body needs and can't get from the synthetics. If you have not used thyrolar (the only synthetic with T-3 and T-4) you should give it a try. Otherwise you may have to stay with the Armour even though it goes against your instincts,

Answer 3

Ouch.

You've gotten a few very compassionate responses. It does my heart good to know there really are caring people here.

Kudos to you for even finding this out! I know veg-heads who pop melatonin without thought. It's "natural" they say. Yeah sure. From the pituitary of a slaughtered cow.

I know you have your own Bessy. You might want to have her milk tested for "perchlorate." It is the chemical that links dairy to thyroid issues. The FDA did random testing and found it in milk and bottled water across the country, including raw milk. It is even found in human breast milk from time to time. It is a natural substance.

Since cheese is just concentrated milk, you're a lot more likely to be getting high doses of this substance from cheese.

If you're a Dr. Mercola fan, do not look for info on his site. He's a quack and has a number of articles stating "rocket fuel" is in your milk. Ugh. Perchlorate is not rocket fuel. However, it is added to rocket fuel. For what purpose I don't know.

You might do a little research into kelp. Various kinds of kelp are said to help bolster hypo-thyroidism. The only reason I know this is because last year a friend's cat developed polyglandular disease. A massive endocrine system failure. Thyroid, ovaries, pancreas. Crashed down one by one. She's doing ok now.

Until you find a way around or through your troubled waters, you may feel better, as someone else suggested, by donating. I love Pig's Peace and Farm Sanctuary. I'll post links below.

Answer 4

Being an animal advocate may help save more lives than what may be lost for the medication required to save your life...

I know I'd be feeling the same dilemma if I were in your shoes...

Maybe you can help balance your conscious by donating to an animal rights charity, maybe a pig sanctuary, to sort of even things out karmically (I don't think that is a word, but you know what I mean) until a synthetic is found that will treat your specific thyroid needs.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Research whether you can a synthetic substitutes. Certainly there are medical websites for thyroid issues. You could even contact vegan websites; they could have the people to help you. Talk to your doc. If s/he is not veg-friendly, consult with one who is.

If in the end the animal-based one is the only one available, take it until they invent a synthetic substitute. I know it is not the choice we would prefer, and I'm sure it makes you feel icky inside, but sometimes we have to wait for substitutes. It wouldn't be feasible for you to stop taking it.

Answer 6

Not personally, but my sister recently went through the same thing. She was a vegetarian when she was put on some medication like that as well.
Since her doctor stongly recommended it, she chose to stick with it for her health. She figured her health was more important that self satisfactory.
The meds worked, no side effects like all the others, so she kept the medication he recommended, and is still on it and doing quite well.

Hope this helped!

Answer 7

I am a veggie and my mum has that thiroid thing but i think its important you use the same medicin.

Answer 8

I know this is not a popular view, but animals are here for use. If it is a herd animal it menas it is to be eaten by us or some other animal. Your health comes frist.

Answer 9

funny you said that, because i just cut up 5 cows and a pig and I'm chewing on the intestines mmm mmmm and i just had a big mac, and I'm lovin it! bada bap bap baaaa