Is it ok to take DHEA and NDT together?

[sip1]

Sorry, me again! I just wondered if anybody has taken both NDT and DHEA at the same time? My DHEA levels are low, but cortisol is within range so I'm taking 3mg DHEA sublingual each morning to hopefully raise this. I'm not taking any thyroid meds yet though. Any advice very much appreciated!

[sip1]

This looks promising: meschinohealth.com/ArticleD...

4. Test Adrenal and Thyroid Levels at the Same Time - It’s important to remember that having high levels of cortisol could block the effects of the thyroid hormone in your body and it could be a major contributing factor to the inability of your thyroid to make and secrete optimal levels of thyroid hormone. Because of this, testing of your adrenal and thyroid levels should be done at the same time.

[Jackie]

Hi Cortisone can be dangerous if not needed. usually good Endos/docs say gt the thyroid right first then the full test for cortisone when thyroid stable.24 our urine test, script flor low cortisone at midnight, then bloods 9am.

Jackie

[sip1 in reply to Jackie]

Really? Everything I've seen and read so far suggests sorting the adrenals first, and then the thyroid. I guess what's good for me, is the above statement is encouraging because my cortisol has now levelled out (albeit on the low side of normal though). What it seems to suggest is, if the cortisol is high, then it can block the effects of thyroid hormone. My DHEA is low, which is why I'm taking that. I'm not sure if low DHEA will affect thyroid meds - can't seem to find an answer.

[Jackie in reply to sip1]

Hi I am lucky a brilliant Endo, my cortisone level improved dramatically once thyroid stable. Before that I saw a private doc, he wanted me to go on cortisone,not even "the test",I thought dangerous this way, I disagreed and dumped him Subsequently discovered cortisone, even in local injections lethal for me. However, unusual, my cortione level did improve dramatically on the correct thyroid treatment.Easy to read other things but any really good Endo does say the same.

Best wishes, Jackie

. PS I doubt the 2 would be a problem , but lots of thyroid tests etc.

[sip1 in reply to Jackie]

Thanks Jackie, appreciate your input x

[Jackie in reply to sip1]

good luck!

[HarryE in reply to sip1]

Sip, Dr Peatfield recommends sorting adrenals first, but Dr Skinner thought it would sort itself out on proper thyroid meds. I think some people can't raise their thyroid meds enough if they have really bad adrenals as they get side effects. I started taking nutri adrenal & the other supplements when I learned about them, still hoping that in the end the NHS would treat me, but that didn't happen. So I was probably on those for about 6-8 weeks before starting NDT.

[sip1 in reply to HarryE]

Thanks HarryE. I've been treating my adrenals since Jan, so I can only hope this has been long enough. I'm thinking since my cortisol has improved, then I must have done something right (or perhaps it was just luck lol). I guess it's going to be a suck it and see now (or should that be chew it and swallow ) - I can always stop and do plan B. Whatever that is lol.

[Hidden]

Hi everyone, my cotisol is very low and dhea at the bottom of the range. I'm finding this a factor in my thyroid meds improving my symptoms. I've be on thyroid meds at high levels for 3 years now, but this has has zero effect on my cortisol. I've tried T3 spilt into 4 doses, in fact every permutation I can think of. My antibodies remain stubbornly high, and my cortisol stubbornly low. I don't think I'm going to get anywhere until I have steroid therapy. Adrenal issues affecting thyroid meds is on the patient leaflet for levo, NDT & T3, so there has to be something in it.

[asmile4u]

My doctor has me on both NDT and DHEA. When we first tested, both were super low so she put me on 25mg DHEA and started me on 1/4 grain of NDT, increasing the NDT by 1/4 grain every 4 weeks. Three months later, I am now at 25mg DHEA and 1 grain NDT. My doctor recommended Life Extension DHEA capsules as the best (she does not sell any vitamins, I had to go online). I was retested a month later and she said that my DHEA was at the optimal level and to continue taking the 25mg dose.

[sip1 in reply to asmile4u]

That's interesting asmile4u. How long has she recommended that you take the dhea for? Do you feel any better on the 1 grain? Presumably you're still increasing the NDT?

[asmile4u in reply to sip1]

I am supposed to take the DHEA at least through my next blood test which is in September. Then if my DHEA is too high she will lower it. I am feeling much better on the 1 grain, I was completely non-functional before, but my thyroid levels are still low, and I am still having some symptoms, so we are continuing to increase the dosage. Eventually we will find a balance and maybe I will not have to take the DHEA when I reach the optimum level of NDT. We will see.

[sip1 in reply to asmile4u]

How about your cortisol? It's good to hear the DHEA and NDT can be taken together though.

[asmile4u in reply to sip1]

My cortisol was o.k., but my Vitamin D was also extremely low. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and Pernicious Anemia. They think the PA was causing absorption problems and they are still trying to straighten everything out.

[Hidden in reply to asmile4u]

That's a good result asmile4u. Do you feel better for it?

[asmile4u in reply to Hidden]

I feel somewhat better. We are still working on my thyroid. In fact, my doctor called today and said that my bloodwork was back and my thyroid is still too low so she is raising my dosage quite a bit over the next couple of weeks.

[Hidden in reply to asmile4u]

I haven't been getting notifications, sorry for the delay. I suppose until you get your NDT up to an optimal level you're still going to struggle.

Did you have any hair loss?

I have low cortisol and my DHEA is at the bottom of the range, I may start to supplement after my next adrenal stress profile.

NDT has been the only thing where I've experienced some results. What dose are you on now?

You sound like you have a really good doctor, good luck!!

[stockman27]

Hi I was advised by a Dr to Take DHEA with thyroid meds but and a big but you may find that you will require more Thyroxin as it trick the body some how to think it needs more. The unfortunate thing is that if you do take more then it still shows up in your blood. I found taking with DHEA it made my calfs very sore and made me sleepy for a few hours after taking it this way. I am trying something which may benefit you can I suggest you take it just before you go to bed and see how that goes. Please let me know how you feel taking it this way.

Yours

John C

[asmile4u in reply to stockman27]

Interesting. Are you saying that your Dr. told you to take the DHEA and Thyroxin at the same time, as in one dose? I was told not to take anything with the Thyroid meds and to wait at least 2-4 hours after taking it before taking anything else. Also, I have had the sleepiness and calf soreness, but marked it down as thyroid related. I think I am going to try and take the DHEA at night and see what happens.

[stockman27 in reply to asmile4u]

Ahh ha was this an NHS Dr or a private DR that specialises in Thyroid issues, there is a world of difference. But generally I would agree with you saying that you have to wait until at least two hours before you take any other meds. I take mine before I go to bed not and my thyroxine in the morning.

John C

[sip1 in reply to stockman27]

I was always under the impression that it was best to take DHEA early in the morning, the mimic the natural production of it. Bit awkward if you have to take your thyroid meds early too though!

[asmile4u in reply to sip1]

I usually take my thyroid meds at 3am. I know weird, but it seems to work the best for me that way and I have gotten used to taking it and falling back asleep quickly. That way I can take everything else including my DHEA as soon as I get up in the morning.

[sip1 in reply to asmile4u]

Sounds like a plan - if you get up for the loo like I do, sounds like an ideal time to take a pill!

[asmile4u in reply to sip1]

[asmile4u in reply to stockman27]

Thanks for clarifying John C. I see a private Dr. who specializes in Thyroid issues. Do you find that the calf soreness lessens when you take the DHEA at night?

[stockman27]

Yes there is a noticeable difference.

Cheers

john C