In an attempt to try to find out more about why I feel the way I do, even though my thyroid function test results are gradually improving due to dose changes in levo and T3, I recently took the Regenerus Adrenal Hormone Saliva test. The results are attached and there's clearly a problem, but I'm not sure what to do as a next step. I would therefore very much appreciate any thoughts and advice about this.
Also, (and I'll probably post about this separately), I'm wondering whether it might be worth investing in seeing a functional doctor, with a view to addressing my gut health and immune system. I have Hashimoto's, Barrett's Oesophagus (as a result of years of acid reflux), the adrenal issues, recurrent seborrheic dermatitis, persistent "sweat" rash around the groin area.... But more than anything, I just want to get rid of this constant mental tiredness and brain fog that simply doesn't seem to respond to anything that I've done in terms of addressing vitamin and mineral deficiencies or tweaking thyroid medication.
Many thanks,
Steve
Written by
stevenotts
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Personally, I don't think this a DIY fix. You need someone who knows what they are doing.
If you go the functional doctor route then choose very carefully, they aren't cheap and some aren't as good as others. Maybe ask on the forum for recommendations (to be sent by private message)
I'm feeling increasingly overwhelmed and despondent by everything that's going on with me healthwise
My own feeling is, as you say, that it's not a DIY fix, which is why I asked the question about a functional doctor. But is it even worth trying to address this through my GP? Finances are very tight, as they are for so many people, but I could and would sacrifice other things for the sake if there's a prospect of getting to grips with improving my health situation.
I have to go out shortly, but will come back to this later and ask another question on the forum, as you suggest.
Thanks again SeasideSusie for all your help and support!
I'm feeling increasingly overwhelmed and despondent by everything that's going on with me healthwise
I totally understand that. I gave up with my GP and have had to try and sort things myself.
But is it even worth trying to address this through my GP?
Well, that's a difficult question. These saliva tests are unlikely to be welcomed by conventional doctors. At best you could be referred for testing with the NHS, I believe they may start with a Short Synacthen Test, but I know very little about it. I think the NHS feels there is no inbetween with adrenals, you've either got Cushings or Addisons and nothing else. At worst your GP could poo-poo your test, tell you it's quackery and laugh whilst telling you that you've wasted your money. But I suppose it's worth a try, just put your suit of armour on!
You could see what your GP says, then if you feel you wont get anywhere consider the private route and ask on the forum for recommendations - mention your area or whether you are prepare to travel and how far.
I've just had a very quick look at your other posts and see that you are taking T3 with Levo. I'm not sure how well your thyroid meds are going to work with your adrenals in such a state
I'm due to see my GP on Friday, so I shall broach this subject then. However, when I went to see her a couple of weeks ago about the most recent Medichecks test results that I had received, I was given the third degree about why I was feeling the need to have private blood tests, and effectively 'told off' for doing so, as "the NHS can do those tests for free". Say no more!
I already experienced the "it's quackery" response from another GP at the practice a couple of years ago when I dared to mention the possibility of "leaky gut". The GP actually laughed and asked what websites I was reading!
So, in short, I'm not hopeful that talking about this recent cortisol test is going to be particularly well received and I've been rapidly losing all faith in GPs and the NHS for dealing with the sorts of issues that I obviously have.
I've read quite a bit on this forum and on other websites about how the effectiveness of thyroid meds can be adversely affected by poor adrenal function, so none of this comes as a surprise to me. I was wondering why I wasn't feeling any better despite increasing dosages of levo from my GP over the last couple of years, and the introduction of T3 towards the end of last year. I realise that these things can take time, but, if anything, I actually think that things are moving in the opposite direction
It can take a long time to heal cortisol levels. I sought all sorts of help and can recommend a few products to you privately in a message if you ever wished that...but I just wanted to say that thing that had the swiftest and most powerful balancing effect on my adrenals was homeopathy! My cortisol levels were just 1 and in the space of a couple of months went to perfectly normal with homeopathy.
Looking at the dermatitis. Says in this link to look at biotin, B6 and zinc as possible issues. These are all coincidentally often low with Hashimoto's too
I've been using the Thorne Basic B Complex, which I assumed would be covering the bases, in addition to the B12 that I'm taking. I've already been taking 1000mcg vit C for some considerable time. Do you think it's worth doubling the dose? I've not been taking any zinc, so will add that to my growing supplement regime. What sort of dose should i be looking at?
Thanks for the links. I'll check out Dr Lam's website.
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