Hi all, I have recently been to see an endocrinologist who has agreed to prescribe t3 on the provision that all other results are ok on my recent blood test as my conversion on t4 to t3 is very low. The results have shown a suspected cortisol deficiency along with high triglycerides. I have also started to experience discomfort around my upper right abdomen and getting a lot of heartburn. Has anyone else experienced low cortisol and high triglycerides due to hashimotos? If so do you have any advice on what I should discuss with regard to further tests and or treatment before I speak to him again on 19 th December?Does anyone know if it is safe to take t3 if my liver isn't working properly? I haven't been diagnosed with NAFLD but suspect that might be on the cards along with treating low cortisol with steroids which I really don't want to take Thank you in advance for any advice
Tracey
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hippy66
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Treatment for adrenal insufficiency is steroids such as hydrocortisone, and treatment has to continue for life.
If your endocrinologist arranges for you to get a Short Synacthen Test, you can find out information on preparation, how they are carried out (if done properly), how to interpret the results from this document known as the Endocrine Bible (see pages 68 - 70):
Note that many Endos don't do the test completely - they don't test ACTH (to save money, naturally), they only test cortisol, which means they can't diagnose Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency even if the patient has that.
While your thyroid and/or adrenals are inadequately treated I think you might struggle to reduce triglycerides. Whatever you do, refuse to take statins if they are suggested.
See this link from the NHS on the subject of statins :
If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), treatment may be delayed until this problem is treated. This is because having an underactive thyroid can lead to an increased cholesterol level, and treating hypothyroidism may cause your cholesterol level to decrease, without the need for statins. Statins are also more likely to cause muscle damage in people with an underactive thyroid.
If you get your thyroid and adrenals properly treated your triglycerides may reduce anyway. But diet has a major impact on triglycerides. You can improve (reduce) your levels of triglycerides by going on a low carb diet, reducing intake of processed food and cooking more from scratch, reducing alcohol intake if you drink, and keeping away from sugar.
Thank for the information human bean. I'll do some more reading and be as prepared for my appointment as I possible. Hashimoto's..the gift that keeps on giving🙄
I had very low (under range) cortisol when I was on levothyroxine only. Tested for Addisons disease but synacthen test was ok. As soon as I was prescribed T3 liothyronine, after it was confirmed I’m a very poor converter of T4 levo to active T3, my cortisol shot up within a few weeks and has stayed at a good level since. For myself adding T3 boosted virtually everything in my body. Previously I could barely walk. Now I feel the best I’ve felt in over a decade. See how you go on the T3.
That's great to hear Pammy. I'm so nervous of the endo not prescribing it due to the other anomalies I'm really glad to have your example to share with him.
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Thank you in advance for any advice
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