These are the symptoms of Low Testosterone in women! If you are feeling extremely fatigued ask your GP to also check your Testosterone/ DHEA / Free Androgen Index. These are not routine tests but they can uncover a lot if you feel like death - could be hormone related in addition to thyroid related!
Are you feeling extremely fatigued? Ask your GP... - Thyroid UK
Are you feeling extremely fatigued? Ask your GP to check your DHEA / Testosterone & Free Androgen Index!
Written by
Sparkle44
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
51 Replies
•
Most GPs don't even know that women have testosterone! And have probably never even heard of DHEA. Who wrote that?
And, thyroid problems are actually hormone problems. TSH, FT4 and FT3 are all hormones. 
Someone referred me to the testosterone symptoms list on one of my earlier posts. Will see if I can find the source 🙂
So, did you ask your GP about testing?
No my GP thought of the test - she thinks outside of the box! Plus, I think the blood lab decided to do additional tests? But had all tested and all came back below the normal range!
When I asked one GP to test my testosterone, he put a very silly smile on his face, and said condescendingly 'but your a woman, women don't have testosterone'. On the same occasion, he told me there was no connection between cortisol/DHEA and thyroid! That was the last time I saw him!
It’s unbelievable isn’t it! The level of ignorance! My symptoms came before any blood tests & they all fall under the symptoms for low DHEA and Testosterone! I have learnt to insist on the tests I want from the GP and they usually do it if you don’t back down! Give it another try!
Oh, lord no! Couldn't be bothered. I self-treat now - and making a far better job of it than that idiot, though I do say so meself as shouldn't! I don't actually think I have low testosterone, just wanted to be sure. And my DHEA was low at one point, but I couldn't tolerate supplementing it - it all converted to testosterone! My adrenals are much better, now.
May I ask how you raised your dhea without supplementing? Mine is rock bottom, and I’m not sure how to increase it. Have stabilised adrenal temperature wobbles with adrenavive II but still have chronic insomnia, which I’m guessing could be caused maybe from low dhea?
Thanks for sharing this Sparkle.
Hi I haven’t increased mine as yet. The problems have just been highlighted in my blood results:
-DHEAS:
0.9 umol/L (1.6 - 7.8) 27/12/2017
0.6 umol/L (1.6-7.8) 15/03/2018
0.7 umol/L (0.9-11.6) 02/05/2018
0.6 umol/L (0.9-11.6) 18/07/2018
-Serum Testosterone:
0.28 nmol/L (0.29 - 1.67) 03/01/2018 <0.5
0.3 nmol/L 07/02/2018 (Kings)
<0.5nmol/L (0.0-1.8) 18/07/2018
-Free Androgen Index:
0.6 (1.0 - 6.0) 03/01/2018
0.6 (1.0 - 6.0) 03/01/2018 0.5 07/02/2018
Endocrinologist has just put me on DHEA 25mg x 1 tablet a day. Have only been taking them since Wednesday and have not noticed any significant changes as yet. Still zero energy and spent the weekend in bed. I’m hoping that the effects will start kicking in soon.
What are your DHEA results? Are you under an endocrinologist?
Hi sparkle
Sorry you’ve lost your sparkle, your levels do look low! I’ve only had a private saliva test which gave 4 readings for cortisol, but only one for dhea. It was 0.25 (0.25-2.22) nmol/l. The dhea:Cortisol ratio was 0.04 (0.05-0.32).
I know dhea is low but was told my gp v unlikely to supplement and probably he won’t have heard of it!
It’s interesting that your endo is supplementing dhea. Is that an nhs referral? I have seen an endo but he just did the synacthen test which as expected was negative.
I did used to have those wiped out days too like you. I haven’t had a bad one for ages, although would like more energy! I found out about gluten and soya free, started supplementing and got my vitamin D etc back to optimal levels. I assumed you’ve done that?
Hi I was referred to Kings initially who advised me to buy unlicensed DHEA off the internet. I didn’t do that for obvious reasons. I was then referred to Guys and the consultant reluctantly prescribed DHEA to me. It came with an unlicensed medication leaflet.
You levels seem very low! You need to insist on help and provide them with the evidence of the impact it is having on your life. They seem more interested in helping if you have no sex drive more than if you just feel fatigued, which is beyond outrageous!!!
I’ll bear the sex drive plea in mind! I’m hoping to approach my GP soon. Did your GP do the bloods, or the Endo? Which is more reliable do you know?
Do you have chronic insomnia too?
Sorry I meant is bloods or saliva test for dhea more reliable? I understand saliva is better for cortisol but not sure on dhea.
My bloods showed low cortisol twice, but the saliva test said ok.
Hiya, I have never had a saliva test. All test have been blood tests apart from a few urine tests for creatinine.
I have never had insomnia as I have the opposite issue of extreme fatigue and can fall asleep at the drop of a hat!
Yes I can fall asleep within 30 seconds! But then wake at 2am for hours or until morning!
Oh wow that must be annoying! When I have broken sleep I feel like death! Like I haven’t slept at all 😳
Both GP and Endorsed found low results on bloods but Endo found that I had high prolactin also which led to a pituitary MRI where they discovered my pituitary tumor
So sorry to hear. Must be such a worry. I hope you get sorted soon.
Thanks hun much appreciated xx
I never had any symptoms that I attributed to low DHEA. And, taking it certainly did nothing for me, just brought me out in terrible acne. I also had very low cortisol and took HydroCortisone for a couple of years. I think that optimising the cortisol allowed the adrenals to optimise other hormones, once they were struggling to make cortisol anymore.
😮idiot GP
Oh, he was! And the trouble was, he was a really nice man, so I couldn't get too mad at him. I preferred to just leave his practice.
just as a note, high testosterone can also cause those symptoms 😊 x
Sparkle44 in reply to
Getting the balance right sounds so tricky! I just want to feel energized again. So tired all the time!!
in reply to Sparkle44
I'm experiencing exactly the same, after putting up a bit of a fight with the gp I have had my other hormones tested, and have very high estrogen in comparison to progesterone. Also, high testosterone and uneven levels of lh and fsh. So shows everything is tied together. Hope you feel better soon 😊
Sparkle44 in reply to
Hi have you been referred to an Endocrinologist as you need to support to rebalance your hormones! Do you have any results to post? Hope you start to feel better soon too x
in reply to Sparkle44
I did go to an endocrinologist n he said I should be thankful that I hadn't got diabetes as there was nothing wrong with me. I don't think Il be going to see another! I don't have my results at hand at the moment sorry. Thank you x
Sparkle44 in reply to
Wow these Endocrinologists should be reported!!! They can be so rude!!!
That’s because all endocrine systems are interlinked and impacting dach other. That’s why if one system is unbalanced it’s very likely so is the rest 😕 makes it tripe as hard to fix and feel better...
Thanks for the info, very interesting and will bear it in mind, the next time I can actually get an appointment to see a Dr.!!!!
Perserve! Seems like we need to fight to regain our health x
These symptoms are all very interesting. I recently had my testosterone tested and the results was 0.3 (range 0.1-1.8) (think is it nmol) so they said i didn't need anything. However, i think this is really low still and think this is low for me (i think i prob had quite high testosterone before i got ill) and although not under the baseline cut off surely isn't as good as it could be. Have you come across people with low testosterone who are treated at 0.3nmol/l? prob not on nhs but maybe privately?
I think 0.3 is below the normal range! The ranges change depending on lab but that is low!! You need to challenge this with your GP and show the symptoms list! Also ask them to check your DHEA and Free Androgen Index! When these are low you can feel so run down and ill. Wishing you a speedy recovery soon x
In my case my DHEA is too high.
The doctor said that means that my adrenals are under a lot of stress.
I did a saliva test for the adrenals hormones and the other hormones.
The ratio of estrogen and progesterone is way out of range.
I did a food sensitivity test as well.
When you have thyroid problems, I do have unfortunately Hashimoto's, most likely you have gut, and sometimes liver problems. And, of course they are the adrenals.
Can anyone tell me how to get the adrenals healed?
My doctor hasn't done anything about the adrenals yet, I don't know why.
I'm seeing a functional medical doctor, they have a complete different approach to health.
Hi there is a lot of stuff on google but best to get professinal medical advice!
These 9 steps are on google though which might be helpful in the interim?
1. Follow the adrenal diet.
This means getting rid of foods that you are sensitive to and foods that cause inflammation, and eating lots of brightly colored vegetables, lean clean protein, and whole grain gluten-free carbs.
In my patient's case this meant eliminating dairy, which it turned out she was sensitive to, eating more vegetables, and eating more carbs. A strict no-carb diet can stress the body even more, worsening adrenal burnout. Of course, we didn't tell her to eat cookies and cakes, but rather quinoa, lentils and buckwheat.
2. Go to bed early.
Getting to bed before 11pm is a must in any stage of adrenal fatigue. Many people get a second cortisol surge after 11pm, which further disrupts sleep patterns.
3. Flood the adrenals with B vitamins.
B vitamins (B5 and B6 in particular) are food for the adrenals and can be low in a high-fat, low-carb diet. B12 and folate also help with energy production.
4. Cool inflammation.
Using omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and vitamin C supplements we lowered her systemic inflammation levels allowing the adrenals to recover.
5. Replace important nutrients.
Vitamin D, selenium, magnesium and zinc are all important for proper thyroid function and adrenal function.
6. Focus on hydration.
Dehydration is also a hallmark of adrenal fatigue. My patient took a multi trace mineral supplement so she would absorb more water into her cells. You can also add fresh lemon juice or Himalayan sea salt to your water instead.
7. Use adaptogenic herbs.
My patient's formula was designed for stage 3 specifically, and included licorice root, ashwagandha and rehmannia, a Chinese formulation that helps balance and stimulate the adrenals.
8. Build rest into the day.
The last thing my patient needed was high-intensity cardio that would further burn her out. We added Iyengar yoga into her schedule twice a week and taught her to take two 20-minute rest breaks a day; these weren't naps, but time outs alone to breathe and restore.
9. Change your perspective.
Is your definition of success killing you? In many cases, what you perceive as success is driving you into adrenal overload. Helping my patient internalize the idea that "it" doesn't have to be perfect to be great made a huge difference in her stress levels.
We did not start her on any kind of hormone replacement. In some cases hormone therapy can be helpful, and if someone has an autoimmune disease called Addison's, it can be necessary. But for most people who live their way into stage 1, 2 or 3 adrenal fatigue, it's just a matter of living their way right back out of it and into balance with their bodies.
google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.mind...
Thank you so much for replying!
I really appreciate it!
My dilemma with the supplements is that is hard to find those that don't have inactive ingredients that harm me.
I am sensitive to wheat, corn, soy and most of them do have a derivate in them.
On my last dr. visit they gave me a multivitamin that has megadoses of some things and barely nothing of others.
My greatest disappointment was mg. It had only 12%. Maybe because it's a mineral not vitamin.
What's up with this megadoses anyway, I'm going to ask my doctor too.
Thanks again!
Do you recommend a multivitamin or take certain supplements only, that are harder to get from foods?
I've taken out all the foods that I am reacting to, drink plenty of water, and walk but not very fast.
I am trying to go to sleep earlier as well.
Do you ever recommend any adrenal supplements, that come from bovine adrenals?
By the way, are you a physician?
Thanks!
Hi I am not a physician I am just a person posting like you as people seem to be helpful on here as lots of people are going through similar stuff. The only multi vitamin I have ever been prescribed is centrum advance. Hope this helps x
Thank you!
You are welcome just keep preserving you will get there and seems us women need to fight for our health x
Wow it really upsets me to hear your experience as mine was very similar! Please.. I urge you to make a complaint as they can’t hide when exposed in a complaint!! It’s unacceptable how you have been treated!!! You had to suffer for years because of their incompetence!! Even now the female endo tells me there is no research to back up that low testosterone and low DHEA has such an impact for women. This is crap as this site alone is testament to the impact!! I have been persistent and made formal complaints as they won’t want to take responsibility if you drop down or die!! Make sure you complain!!! Best wishes x
Sorry you have had such a bad experience!
Hi I am not sure of the panel? You can just ask for the individual tests! Just say you want to have all your hormone levels checked and you want them to include Free Androgen Index / Testosterone & DHEA!! Let me know how you get on x
I would really recommend for you a functional medical doctor.
They have a whole body approach to health.
But they can be expensive.
Some of the tests they order are not covered by insurance.
As a matter of a fact it is a doctor, his name is Bryon Cocker, and he has a couple of YouTube videos, that you may find interesting. His website is 316 jumpstarte or close enough.
He is a functional medical doctor, and has a whole program in place mainly targeted for thyroid disease, which you may have based on your symptoms.
Even if the numbers are in range, he goes by the symptoms not the numbers.
For me I chose another functional medical doctor here locally.
Her name is Susan Linder.
I'm not sure how it is in UK, but here in USA we don't have too many of those.
Yes, it can get very expensive
I can't explain you better than this doctor. His name is Bryon Cocker.
I posted one of his videos on my Facebook, Gabriela Todor is my name.
He has several others on YouTube.
I bought a ebook that he offered for only 7 dollars.
And probably you can attend his free webinar as well.
Or if you send me your email I can email a link to you for the webinar and you can listen to it anytime, otherwise you have to go by a schedule, that didn't work for me.
His program is a lot cheaper than what I'm paying for this doctor I recently started to see here locally.
You can go to 3:16 health solutions and I noticed that you can get a free consultation.
And with this doctor, I think that you don't even have to see him in person.
He doesn't live in my area, but I really like him.
I really hope that this information will help you.
Let me know how it goes
Hi I'm 46 years old Male my free androgen index very low 24 ( 24-104 ) (normal level )but I know male and female hormones different but I still got low libido my free testosterone very low ! Doesn't Matter female or male We are feel same symptoms Low libido ,stress .low mood .....thanks for sharing...GP and urologist and endocrinologist very ignorant or they don't care about your sex drive or your mental problems....
Sparkle44 in reply to
Hi Borabora,
I am sorry that you are also experiencing this terrible treatment by medical staff!! Have you been prescribed anything for your low levels? They should be able to at least give you a testosterone supplement? If not? You need to make a formal complaint! It’s disgusting that we have to fight for our health but don’t give up and please persevere!!
No they didn't give me anything because NHS blood test results if everything normal level even low level normal they said they can not do anything they don't care how you feel? Thank you have a nice day ....
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
Big girl panties time
ok it's me again but my brain is so confused and foggy right now I just can't think straight in the...
Holy Basil
Hi I want to know, if anyone in this community uses tulsi/holy basil. I drink the tea & have...
Survey of women’s health in the North East and North Cumbria - a chance to share experience of thyroid health care
Hi all, if you live in the North East or North Cumbria our local integrated care system (NENC) is...
Magnesium time! What does everyone do? So many choices - how to decide?
Magnesium has been on my to-do list for a while and I think it’s time I get to it.
Thanks...
Changing beta blockers
Help please
Unraveling the molecular architecture of autoimmune thyroid diseases at spatial resolution
Update on Hyperthyroid depression
