Understanding test results

[bowler]

I have secondary adrenal insufficiency [ long term use of steroids ] I had a test at the beginning of Oct, and haven't heard anything back from the Endo clinic re the results, so I assume my results are ok, I'm not sure if I understand the results, [ I get them on line from the hospital] ] 86 153

I take 20mgs of hydrocortisone 10mgs 5mgs 5mgs, I am so lethargic and wonder if there is anyone who takes a safe suppliment to boost energy, I am slightly anaemic and take iron tablets.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

As per previous post 6 months ago

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Are you on levothyroxine?

What are your most recent Ft4, Ft3 results

Did you get thyroid antibodies tested

TSH is totally unreliable on steroids

[bowler in reply to SlowDragon]

I'm not on Levothyroxine, I will have to look back on my old blood test results, but I seem to remember that the results were ok, and said "no further action" Things seem to have stood still re the Virus, and not getting regular blood tests, but things getting better now at our surgery, I did ask my surgery re my adrenal results and they wasn't much help they said ask at the Endo clinic when you are next there , I'm sure they don't know much about Addison's disease.

PS You ask about Thyroid results, do they affect the adrenals, and can you have thyroid disease with Addison's ,

Thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to bowler]

Being hypothyroid frequently causes adrenals to burn out/adrenal exhaustion

[bowler in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for your reply, My secondary adrenal insufficiency was caused by long term use of prednisolone for 20 years.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to bowler]

But if you have thyroid testing you need FULL Thyroid and vitamins

Just testing TSH is completely inadequate, especially on steroids as TSH is frequently affected

If you do need thyroid hormones prescribed, has to be introduced extremely carefully, and steroids may need adjustment

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Low vitamin levels common as we get older too

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...