Advice on adrenal DHEA test via Thyroid UK

[Peanut31]

Hello

I would be grateful if anyone could offer me some advice on my adrenal/DHEA stress test.

I was seeing a nutritionist when I was originally diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, and my Endocrinologist was as much use as a chocolate fire guard.

However, I’m no longer able to afford to see her again.

I’m self medicating on NDT after being diagnosed with an underactive Thyroid via the NHS and not improving on Levothyroxine.

I’m currently taking 2&1/2 grains of NDT.

6am 1 & 1/4 & 2pm 1 & 1/4.

I’ve noticed that I’m not as cold, I feel a lot more positive, I can think clearer and I definitely have more energy.

I’m still left with some symptoms, weight gain, heavy periods, and I’m getting forgetful, I’ve noticed it’s getting worse, especially when I’m trying to spell a word or remember people’s names. Last week I forgot I was boiling some eggs and to say there were hard boiled is an understatement.

I’ve been on NDT since November and back in January I did a blood tests, just to see where my levels were at.

However, I messed the test up as I as took the test 18 hours after my NDT dosage and I now realise it should be 8-12 hours.

I recently tried to up my dosage by a 1/4 grain, but I feel jittery, spaced out and tearful and my head felt fuzzy. I dropped back to my original dosage as I realised I was maybe increasing too soon. I was increasing every 2 weeks by 1/4 grain.

On greygoose’s advice I dropped back to 2&1/2 grains and I’m staying at that for 6 weeks.

I am then going to test my bloods as well as my vitamin levels. I realise that when on NDT blood tests are not as important, but I would like to see where they are at.

My question is should I be taking anything for adrenal support based on the adrenal results attached

When I turned 40 I had a heath check with my GP and it flagged up my kidney function was out of range. I did another test a few months later and again the same.

When I saw him he said it was because I was on Levothyroxine (I was) but, I pointed out one of the tests was before I was diagnosed with thyroid issues.

He then told me not to worry as the lab ranges were based on patients bigger than me. I know I was being fobbed off, but at the time I had Hashimoto’s and thyroid symptoms to deal with.

I’m experiencing issue with my bladder that I always need to go to the toilet, and I do go, but I always feel I need to go again after 5 minutes. It’s not cystitis as it doesn’t hurt and I actually go.

I also develop thrush just before my period and during and my periods are very heavy.

I’m going to drop off a sample of urine to my GP tomorrow, but I see there is a connection with kidney function and urinating regular.

Best Wishes

Peanut31

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

This Cortisol Awakening Response is a new thing, I've never done that, but from looking at the report then you need your waking cortisol level to increase by greater than 50% after 30 minutes, and yours certainly did - 105%.

With the coloured graph we should be in the green zone for the following 4 samples, and follow that curve, and optimal levels are

• Morning at the top of the range

• Noon approximately 75% of the range

• Evening close to 50% of the range

• Nighttime at the bottom of the range

Your morning one is just over top of range, samples 2 and 3 too high, the drop between samples 3 and 4 is following the right path but bedtime level should be low in the green band.

All in all it looks as though you need to lower your cortisol level.

DHEA level is close to bottom of range so that could possibly do with increasing.

This is how Dr Myhill interprets adrenal tests drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Adrenal... and you could be either 2 or 3.

When my cortisol levels were all at the top of the range (but not over like yours), with low DHEA, the practioner I was seeing at the time suggested Nutri Advanced Adreset. It certainly did the job of lowering my levels, I didn't continue with the practioner but forgot to retest my levels and 2 years later they were all rock bottom so now I am trying to raise them again.

[Peanut31 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks so much for your reply, it’s greatly appreciated.

I wasn’t sure if I needed adrenal support, but, now you have explained it clearly, it appears I do, as my other adrenal test showed similar results but, as said this was when I was under a nutritionist and she told me to take ashwagandha. She mentioned nothing about other adrenal supports.

I did try and get an appointment with Dr Myhill, but I was told she wasn’t taking anymore patients on and I believe it’s still the same.

I have now ordered some adrenal adrenal support from Nutri advanced.

I do know my stress levels will get worse soon as I’ve been picked for jury service. I have already deferred it once and I can’t again.

I’m dreading it, as I’ll been away from work (own business) and I’m the only one in the office that knows where everything is and works, and listening to the most awful crimes.

I’ve just been reading some books and Dr Peatfield recommends stopping Thyroid medication whilst taking adrenal support.

Would I be ok to take adrenal support whilst in NDT, and if so should I delay another increase in NDT?

I’ve spent thousand of pounds already getting advice and to be honest it’s been a waste of time an money. I’m better getting advice off here.

Best Wishes

Peanut31

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Peanut31]

Would I be ok to take adrenal support whilst in NDT, and if so should I delay another increase in NDT?

I honestly don't know. I'm not an expert on adrenals, just have my own sorry experience to go by.

I can't remember from when I read Dr P's book, but does he mention stopping thyroid meds for a short while when starting NAX - that would be for low cortisol. I don't know if he says anything about when taking anything to lower high cortisol.

[Peanut31 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for your reply SeasideSusie as always you have been really helpful.

Best Wishes

Peanut31