Adrenal Fatigue

[greenmug]

Hi I'm new to this board and have recently had my thyroid tested. Another member has helpfully pointed out that my T4 is low compared to my T3 (hope I got that the right way around) and I was wondering if anyone can give me advice on a recent salivary cortisol test I took and how it might fit in with the thyroid results?

Here are the cortisol results:

Morning

12.3 / ref 13.0 - 24.0nmol/LCortisol -

Noon

1.4 / ref 5.0 - 8.0nmol/LCortisol -

Afternoon

1.5 / ref 4.0 - 7.0nmol/LCortisol -

Nighttime

1.2 / ref 1.0 - 3.0nmol/LCortisol -

Insomnia

2.1 / ref 1.0 - 3.0nmol/LCortisol -

Sum 18.5 / ref 23.0 - 42.0nmol/L

DHEA-S Average 3.5 / ref 2.0 - 10.0ng/m

Cortisol:DHEA-S Ratio 5.3 : 1 / ref 5.0 - 6.0 Ratio

I am unable to take any stimulating supplements so have been trying to correct the low levels with diet and amino acids, but have been gaining weight at a rate of knots and am still unable to sleep through the night. I am peri menopausal and also believe I have sleep apnea.

Anybody in the same boat? What did you do? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[radd]

greenmug

Compromised adrenals are common in people with low thyroid hormone as they try to make up for the shortfall.

SeasideSuzie has already given good advice re thyroid results and your cortisol results are all under-range excepting night time. This could be because cortisol is working harder to maintain possible low blood sugar levels dropping as a result of inadequate glycogen reserves in the liver.

Cortisol levels are supposed to be highest in the morning and lowest between 12- 4am and if night time levels are too high, you'll feel wired and tense. Unfortunately a lack of sleep can be a further burden to our bodies, that contributes to further adrenal fatigue - vicious circle.

As you are not medicating thyroid hormone replacement, thyroid function may improve with adrenal support or glandulars. Also a healthy life style and optimal nutrients/iron which are often deficient due to gut issues caused by the low thyroid hormone.

A healthy snack before bed will help to maintain blood sugar levels.

Although quite an old book now, I found “Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome” by Dr James L Wilson to be beneficial.

[greenmug in reply to radd]

Thanks Radd, I appreciate your advice and will definitely check out Dr Wilson's book. V kind of you to reply.