Hi Pumpkin,

We have a few group members here that are on HC for their adrenals. I know Gage is on HC, and I am pretty sure DawnRose is so maybe they can chime in as far as what levels require supplementing HC.

I have yet to find a local doctor that knows how to determine adrenal fatigue. I have ordered my own saliva cortisol tests in the past from CanaryClub.org. Since I wasn't receiving help from a physician I ended up just supplementing with Magnesium, Potassium (very low), Sodium (very low), and B Complex, as all are good for adrenal support.

If you have a Facebook, you will likely find this thyroid/adrenal group to be very knowledgeable! https://www.facebook.com/groups/FTPOAdrenals/?ref=br_tf

Hey Pumpkin43,

I'm on hydrocortisone for adrenal fatigue. I take 10mg in the morning and 5mg at noon. (I thought I was done w/the noon dose, but I haven't felt well since I stopped it). As far as I know, the best test for cortisol is a saliva test. It seems to me that your tests are all over the place. One reason for this could be that before you had the cortisol test, you had a food/chemical that could alter your results. It is best to treat the adrenals before thyroid, but unfortunately this test gets overlooked. I even had to suggest it to my doctor and he was surprised to see my results. My suggestion would be to test again and make sure you follow the collection instructions carefully. I wish I could be of more help.

Hi, you've gotten great advice thus far. I would only add that lots of things can affect adrenal health. If you're currently taking steroids or have been given a steroid shot - it will lower cortisol results artificially when, in fact, there's nothing to worry about.
Outside of that, how low is it? Do you have the lab ranges for your cortisol test?

Just FYI: I don't think you've "harmed" your adrenals from being on thyroid support - it's simply much harder to titrate thyroid meds if you're adrenals are not working.

Let us know what you find out, K?

MB- No steroids. I forgot to ask for the ranges. My nerves were shot going into see the dr. She gave me the good old "you're going to give yourself a heart attack and osteoporosis" speech. I went to her because an MRI revealed a pituitary tumor. My doc. thought that maybe that was the reasoning behind my low thyroid. I was so aggravated. I have been having anxiety ever since. She refused to check my sex hormones. I was hoping that my anxiety caused the low cortisol reading.

dawnrose- thank you for the name of the drug and the dose.

JeepGirl- I will check out fb. I would like to try a natural approach first.

Thank you Ladies!

OMG I - hate - that speech! So, I had a bone density scan done and voila' it's just fine, so that'll shut 'em up for a while. Geesh. I'm sure you were a nervous wreck. White coat syndrome abounds...

As to the tumor, you really do need a professional's opinion on that as I'm sure you know. And, it *could* be the reason behind your low thyroid and possibly cortisol. What did the almighty endo say about that?
With a pituitary tumor, why would the doc possibly have a problem checking all the hormones that might be affected? Maybe you need another one? What do you think?
(Sorry, I have a hard time not being snarky when it comes to endo's. I've seen so many I come out in a rash when my doctor mentions seeing one).

Here's a link you might be interested in - again, it doesn't pertain to ALL your symptoms - but at least you're not alone, right?
http://www.doctorslounge.com/endocrinology/forums/backup/topic-20676.html

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/474897_2
From the link above: "common historical features of a pituitary lesion include decreased libido and/or erectile dysfunction in men, irregular menses or amenorrhea in premenopausal women, and fatigue (thyroid hormone, cortisol, GH deficiency or deficiencies). Patients with acromegaly experience symptoms of the disease for approximately 7 years before diagnosis; their history includes the enlargement of hands, feet, and facial bones; joint pain; sleep apnea; excessive sweating; and skin tags. These changes are gradual and thus their appearance may not be noticed by the patient or family members or may be attributed to "aging."

Granted, I'm NOT a doctor, K? But, if you're not getting the answers you need to make informed decisions about your health, can you look for another opinion? Or get your GP to help you out?

Again, the concern with "adrenal insufficiency" is that you'll be getting too much thyroid medication and not have enough cortisol to compensate for the titration affects (which worsens the titration affects). Adrenal Failure is different - you'd have almost no cortisol. A STIM test is the best way to figure out if that's what you have, and it has to be administered by a doctor. And, with a pituitary tumor in the mix...well, it could be related to that.

Keep us posted please.

Good luck!

PS Before you freak out...maybe get a copy of your lab work? Including the cortisol test? That way you can see if it's just "low normal" or if it's flat-lined, K?

I went to a Pituitary Center, figuring pit. tumors were their specialty. But as soon as she walked in she starting in with the "osteoporosis and heart attack speech". I told her to order a bone density test! she said "no, your not 50 and I need a good reason to order one. Have you broken any bones lately?"
I told her that I was not there for her to treat my thyroid, that I was here for a pit. tumor. Her reply "oh it's too small to be causing you any problems". To that I replied "How would you know that? you haven't even done any blood work!" I insisted she test my adrenals. She told me to have my gyno run the sex hormones. And instructed me to wean myself off of my thyroid meds and to come back in 6 weeks. We continually fought and then I just decided to leave.
I have so much anxiety because I feel like I am alone. Meaning no doctor I go to seems to know what they are talking about! You guys know more then any doctor or specialist I have been to!!

Thank you for your help and for listening :)

P.S. The med scape site was great! I wrote down the list of blood work she should have ordered. Thanks again.

You are not alone. And, you will find a doctor to help you. I know what it's like to be responsible for searching for someone to help when I was at my very sickest. It isn't right, and it's down-right dangerous. After-all, when we're at our sickest, we don't make good decisions, right?

You sound like you're strong despite your circumstances, but I would give this advice to my very best friend: Find someone to go with you to your appointments if you can. Something about having "someone else" in the room makes doctors- at least more respectful - and quite a bit more careful about HEARING you. Not all of them, mind you, but most of them. And, it's smart. You will have an "advocate" with you to help you make the best decisions for YOU.

MB ~ I like that advice -- to bring a second person to the doctors appt. It really is a good idea; it helps with support, and its always great to have a 2nd listening ear!

Pumpkin, sorry your appt with the new doctor was so crappy. I cannot stand Endos. Continue pressing forward! You will find a good doctor! ((Hugs))