Cortisol Level

[aineyy]

Hi all, bit of back ground, had RAI for multinoduler goiter in February, currently on Levo 50mg, still feeling not great. Just had my results back for morning cortisol its 330 (150-680), no idea if this is low or OK, any thoughts?

Thanks

Jayne

[shaws Administrator]

I cannot answer re cortisol and hopefully someone will be along soon who will.

What I will ask is do you have a copy of your most recent blood test results for your thyroid hormones, with the ranges. If not ask the surgery and post them on a new question if you don't have them today.

50mcg of levo since February sounds very low to me and I wonder if your doctor is happy if your TSH is 'in range' whereas it should be around 1 or lower if hypo. If you're not feeling very good and have symptoms it could be due to underdosed. Particularly if you have had a RAI ask for a Free T3 blood test to be incorporated into your thyroid blood test. Unfortunately many doctors are the least able to understand/treat the essential function of the thyroid gland.

If you've not had a blood test for a while, make one for the earliest and fast (you can drink water) and leave about 24 hours between your last dose of levo and the test and take it afterwards. This enables your TSH to be the highest and may prevent the doctor adjusting dose unnecessarily so. Also ask for Vitamin B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate to be tested too. Always get a print-out for your own records and you can post if you have a query.

"I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions"

[aineyy in reply to shaws]

Hi Shaws thank you for you reply.

I am super sensitive to medication, so started on 25 of levo, then up to 50 after 6weeks, recently tried to go up to 75mg, but made me really poorly blood pressure shot up & generally felt ill. My most recent bloods a couple of weeks ago TSH 0.4, T4 17.2, T3 3.6. Still have hypo symptoms although I know my bloods are now far from Hypo, I believe my adrenals may be playing up, causing additional problems

[shaws Administrator in reply to aineyy]

Your body just may not like levothyroxine. I couldn't get on with levo and was more unwell than before I was diagnosed. I am fine now on T3 only - my palpitations disappeared and my whole body calmed down.

I am surprised they don't give you some T3 to your T4 as you've had RAI. I am assuming you are on 50mc of levo. The most important question a doctor should ask is 'how do you feel'. If not well you need an increase but your body may not like levo. Several members have had the same problem with levo.

Ask if they will add 10mcg of T3 to your T4 on a trial basis. Read the first and 4th question/answer on this link - just for info:

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

[aineyy in reply to shaws]

Thanks Shaw, feel so rubbish at the moment, not sure which way to turn, taking 75 of the levo, made me feel toxic, I can literally taste the chemicals, I have decided to stop the levo for a few days to let things calm down, then going to start back on 25 & up to 50 again, I think your right however, just can't seem to tolerate the stuff. So wished I had never of had RAI, but hindsight is a wonderful thing!!

[shaws Administrator in reply to aineyy]

At least you have some support from the forum. This is a link and the Petition is before the Scottish Parliament and most of us filled in the Survey which was sent to them and Thyroiduk were at the Hearings in Glasgow. Lorraine Cleaver is now well and determined to try to change things for the better. We have to take charge of our own health because the guidelines which may suit some people don't suit others who have lifelong illhealth. Some have also been diagnosed with mental health problems when the answer might be decent thyroid hormones. There is no need for suffering if we can try alternatives which may suit.

thyroidnation.com/fighting-...