How is Armour Thyroid different from Synthroid and Cytomel?

I have Hoshimoto's disease.  I was diagnosed about 15 years ago.  Since then I have been on various levels of Synthroid and in the last 3 or 4 years my doctor added 5 mcg of Cytomel, twice a day.  I the last 18 months I have been on all different levels of Synthroid.  150mcg, 112 mcg, 100 mcg, and 88 mcg. 

I have hot flashes (I'm 60 and well over menopause), or I am freezing cold.  I do not sleep well, even with Ambien and Klonopin before bedtime, as tonight.  My weight won't budge.  I am about 40 lbs over weight.  I am insulin resistant.  I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  My doctor tells me if I would lose the extra weight that I would probably not need the medications for insulin resistance, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. 

 I am so frustrated.  I cannot lose the weight.  I am trying to get more exercise.  But most of the time I have NO ENERGY to take a walk around the block. 

A nurse told me that she takes Armour Thyroid and that it changed her life and that I should get off the Synthroid and Cytomel combination. 

Please help me.  I don't know which way to turn. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Debbie Drury