The extra T3 sounds like a good idea. In my own experience, the adaptagen herbs made me feel a bit jittery so maybe you can keep that in mind when you add those.

Thanks for the Heads-Up! THAT would be ALL I need, LOL. "Tired & Wired," as they say.....

Omg! U nailed it! "Tired & Wired!" Lol!!

Can't take credit for it - read it in a book about adrenal issues. It IS perfect, isn't it!

Hahahahahahaha!

There's nothing normal about your results:

Free T4 0.800 -1.760
Result:1.000
Percent of range: 20.83%
(This should be more like 60-100% of range)

Free T3 60.000 -181.000
Result: 96.300
Percent of Range: 30.00%
This should be over 50% of range (at least))

Adaptogens help SOME people with a TINY bit of adrenal fatigue. Ashwaganda is one of them. However, some of the "herbs" make things worse (those with ginseng come to mind). Meaning, they'll make you feel like a chipmunk on crack AND raw cocaine.

The bottom line is: If you have adrenal cortisol levels at the bottom of the range or non-detectable, get to a REAL doctor ASAP who can start you on cortef or other steroids ASAP.

Increasing thyroid medication without addressing adrenal issues can be dangerous. So, I'm not comfortable giving you advice as to what to do without knowing more about your adrenal issues. You may very well have addison's disease (if it's not in the range at all), and that can be deadly. Addison's is not as "rare" as Dr. Google or others say as it once was. So, be safe, and get that tested / treated ASAP.

This is EXACTLY what I was concerned about. The doctor has prescribed compounded slow-release cytomel + a tiny dose of DHEA.

Here are the adrenal results:

DHEA: 31.51 (106-300)
Cortisol Morning: 13.46 (5.1-40.2)
Cortisol Noon: 1.8 (2.1-15.7)
Cortisol Evening: .84 (1.8.12)
Cortisol Night:

I think you need to ask the doctor what their plans are for your adrenals. Are they trying to re-start them? How long will they try that and when are your next adrenal labs? Do you know what to do if you get sick while trying to re-start your adrenals, what does your doctor have planned if your ill? If you start throwing up and feel dizzy you will probably need to go to the ER and tell them your adrenals are not working properly right now. Getting treated quickly is important when your blood pressure starts to drop.

It's very hard to get your adrenals working again once you start the steroids. But if the doctor feels you get to that place then you need to start the steroids. If you have any questions feel free to ask or pm me.

Thanks, Lynn! I will most definitely take you up on your generous offer! Have to get back to work, but will be inboxing you, for sure!

The doctor just left for a 2 week vacation.....

Uh oh.

Lynn's right. Before starting cytomel, I'd have to have some hard answers on what the plan is for adrenals and you just posted why:

Here are the adrenal results:

DHEA: 31.51 (106-300)
Cortisol Morning: 13.46 (5.1-40.2)
Cortisol Noon: 1.8 (2.1-15.7)
Cortisol Evening: .84 (1.8.12)

You're practically flat-lined in the adrenal department, and that needs treatment before ever addressing the thyroid problem. While your morning cortisol is just ever so slightly above the normal range....you're below range all day long. If your BP drops...you could pass out or even die if it continues to drop.

DHEA is also flatlined.

When both cortisol and DHEA are flatlined (below range) it indicates that the adrenals are sooo fatigued (ca-put-nik) that they can't produce cortisol on their own.

What you need now is a STIM test to determine if you have addisons' disease. I can't stress to you enough just how important that is, and that you get it quickly.

I just don't know where to turn at this point. My primary care physician didn't see the need, the functional medicine doctor didn't want to do it.... I am just completely worn out. I do not have the energy to fight with these people any more.

Do you know of a lab where I can just order the test myself?

Oh - should tell you: I have been on cytomel already for a while. 5 mcg split in tow dosages.

The new prescription is for 10 mcg but slow-release.

I am really scared.

But TRULY - I am blessed that you are looking out for me.....

A stim test is usually an out-patient test - meaning you're injected with something, measured, then released once everything returns to normal. I hate to say it....but have you tried an endocrinologist? duh-duh-duhn. :(

If you go to ANY doctor take your labs with you (to prevent more labs and waste of money).

I know what it's like to feel like, "Man, I got nothin'" and mean it. But, you can't give up.

GageL has extensive knowledge of this...I'll msg him and see if he's got something for ya.

Two weeks seems like a loooong time when you feel like something that someone scraped off their shoe, but if you have to wait, it might not be the worst thing in the world. If you feel your bp dropping, however, go to the ER and take your tests with you. You may or may not get the help you need...but at least you'll go armed.

I'm sorry this is happening to you.

Thanks! Looking at it objectively, it is doubtful that I have Addison's - my normally low blood pressure has gotten pretty high for me (because of the exercise intolerance) PLUS there is no discoloration AND, believe me, no loss of appetite.

But I am already feeling all weepy due to the condition itself, so the fatigue is making me feel even more abandoned - I am thinking of taking tomorrow off from work. The stress level here is really high and this is NOT helping me.

xoxo

I just would need to know what the plans are and what is our goal. And then I would research everything that the doctor has planned and you can make an informed decision.

Addison's isn't a disease to play around with. Mbutterfly is right on that. I hope GageL can help you.

Mariposa

All that you have mentioned leads to Addisons. Its a simple test. Ask your doctor. I fought this hideous disease for years until a correct diagnosis came about after this test last year. (10 years suffering)
I am going to guess that you are beyond any herbal or simple supplements to make you feel well again.
Hydrocortisone is usually the only route to take at this juncture.

If you have a good Endo (rare), or even GP or PCP, they will test your adrenal function beyond the saliva test to solidify the diagnosis.
I hate to play doctor but I do believe you need cortisol replacement therapy. This can be a few months depending on your levels, or if you have Addisons like I do, for life.
Dont worry, its fixable. It might take some time but its worth it!