Has adding Hydrocortisone tablets for adrenal f... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

136,966 members160,566 posts

Has adding Hydrocortisone tablets for adrenal fatigue when on levy/ndt for hypothyroid to increase energy levels helped?

cc120 profile image
16 Replies

I have been on ndt for hypothyroid approx a year and half (undiagnosed for 10 years)my energy levels, cognitive abilities and several symptoms improved. However, my energy levels did not increase as much as expected. Defintitley have adrenal fatigue issues, probably pre-existing hypothyroid issues, so decided to try hydrocortisone tablets to see if energy levels increase and would love to hear of anyone's experience with these?

Written by
cc120 profile image
cc120
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
16 Replies
greygoose profile image
greygoose

You don't take HC to increase energy levels, you take it to rest the adrenals. And it's really not something you should self-treat with. How much are you taking, and when?

cc120 profile image
cc120 in reply to greygoose

Hi greygoose, haven't started, was thinking of trying. What would you suggest for increasing energy levels?

And what dosage of hydrocortisone to rest adrenals?

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to cc120

Have you had all your blood tests done? FT3, nutrients, etc? Have you had your cortisol tested? I wouldn't suggest anything without seeing those results.

cc120 profile image
cc120 in reply to greygoose

Hi greygoose, have had FT3, iron, ferritin, b12, folate, cortisol, vit d3 etc tested. Some were low, increased with supplements, though iron decreased and ferritin doubled the upper range amount. Nothing I have tried so far has increased energy levels.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to cc120

So what was your cortisol level?

cc120 profile image
cc120 in reply to greygoose

Cortisol level went over range when over medicated with NDT. Then went low when reduced ndt. Usually am tired during the day and then get more energy evening and night. I am looking for the actual cortisol readings.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to cc120

OK. But you should only take HC if it's really, really low. Other than that, take an adrenal supplement, and support your adrenals by getting lots of b vits, and vit C. And salt. And have a high protein breakfast as soon as you get up.

cc120 profile image
cc120 in reply to greygoose

Hi greygoose, was just rereading post by phoenix23002 at healthunlocked.com/thyroidu... and wonder if I should try hydrocortisone cream instead of the tabs?

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to cc120

I've never tried that, so I can't comment. Sorry.

cc120 profile image
cc120 in reply to greygoose

After you rested your adrenals using hydrocortisone tablets, did your energy improve?

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to cc120

In the beginning, yes. But, it didn't last.

cc120 profile image
cc120 in reply to greygoose

Thank you greygoose, sorry to hear that. Really hard to know what to try aside of the vits/mins/salt, etc.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to cc120

Well, there are an awful lot of vitamins and minerals to try.

cc120 profile image
cc120 in reply to greygoose

I have tried many, will try zinc next.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to cc120

I don't know that zinc will give you energy, but it might be good for muscle aches. So, might come to the same thing. I think that when we're riddled with aches and pains, it saps our energy.

cc120 profile image
cc120 in reply to greygoose

Very true.

You may also like...

Has anyone been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue and if so what treatment did you have and how did it affect your hypothyroidism?

comments I have adrenal fatgue- he said stage 3. I have previously posted about my hypothyroidism...

Help requested with Hashimoto's Hypothyroid latest blood test results

April, I increased the dose of Cytomel to 10 mcg. I have had no change in symptoms or energy levels...

Please recommend whether I should try T3 or NDT first, according to these blood test results -

taking Levothyroxine for the past 15+ years and it has become increasingly ineffective - if indeed...

Can losing weight decrease your TSH levels?

hope that my energy levels may increase. Will it also help to lower my TSH & antibody levels?

Vitiligo triggered by over dosing T4?

diagnosed hypothyroid for about 10 years after symptoms of lethargy. I had been on relatively low...