T3 only - Adrenals/cortisol/adrenaline

[Batchelor23]

I would really appreciate some advice from those on T3 only. My dose has slowly been increased to 40 mcg and after each increase I feel an improvement then after a few days things seem to revert back to being not so good. I struggle at work and find I can't join in with normal activities at home. I don't seem able to cope with any slight stress at the moment, whether at work or even just having family to stay and wondered if it could have something to do with the adrenals/adrenaline/cortisol levels due to perhaps having been under medicated for some time. I was due to go away this weekend with friends but have declined as I don't think I could cope with the buzz of it all! Having been on T4 and felt dreadful for a long time and battled to get T3 prescribed, I am desperate to find a solution. Can anyone help?

[Clutter]

Batchelor23,

Have you had a thyroid test since you increased dose to 40mcg?

B12 and vitD were low a couple of months ago. Have you been supplementing and, if so, how much?

Thyroglobulin antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Treatment is for the low thyroid levels it causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[Batchelor23 in reply to Clutter]

No I haven't had a blood test since the increase. I was due to see the consultant at the end of May but there don't seem to be any available appointments so she has told me to have a blood test done before my appointment in July, which seems a long way off. I have been taking Vit D + K2 MK7 (D3 3000 IU/MK-7 115 MCG) for a few weeks and have just starting taking 1000 mcg B12 (sublingual Methylcobalamin) plus Basic B Complex. I hope these are sufficient. Thanks for the link - I will take time to read them.

[Clutter in reply to Batchelor23]

Batchelor23,

You could order a private FT3 test to see whether 40mcg dose needs adjusting. Medichecks do a FT3 test for £29. thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

VitD 32 was very low. I think you could safely double your D3 dose and retest in 3 months. Methylcobalamin 1,000mcg is fine.

[Batchelor23 in reply to Clutter]

Yes, I think that's a good idea as it does seem a long time to wait otherwise and it might help to re-assure me. Thanks for the advice re. the vit D.

I noticed yesterday on the t3 Patient Information leaflet, that it does actually say to take care if you have suffered from low levels of thyroid hormone in your body for a long time as it can affect how your adrenal glands work so perhaps this is what has happened with me.

[Clutter in reply to Batchelor23]

Batchelor23,

That warning is usually for patients being prescribed any thyroid hormone having been hypothyroid and untreated for a long time.

[humanbean]

If you can afford it you should get a saliva test done to measure your cortisol levels.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Read the whole page, particularly How To Order and How To Get Your Results.

Once you have your results you should copy them into a new post and ask for feedback.

Unfortunately, it isn't possible to tell whether you have low cortisol or high cortisol based on symptoms alone, because they have a lot of symptoms in common. Treating yourself for the wrong condition would make things worse.

[Batchelor23 in reply to humanbean]

Thanks for the link and suggestion. I am going away for a few days and will consider having a saliva test done when I get back.