My cortisol saliva tests both showed below range DHEA. The endocrinologist did a blood test for DHEA-S which was in range.
Could someone please explain the difference and which is more accurate? I have symptoms of lack of DHEA and am curious whether my excellent GP may prescribe pregnenalone for this. Pregnenalone is the preferred treatment by Dr Myhill and she said on her recent YouTube video that it’s available over the counter. I’m not sure if it actually is? Anyone know please?
Thank you 😊
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A saliva test shows the unbound levels and circadian patterns over 24 hours. A blood test shows a snap shot measure of what that bound and unbound hormone was at that one time. As those hormones have a circadian rhythm the blood draw time will dictate the result.
DHEA-S is the inactive form metabolised from DHEA that switches back and forth (like cortisol to cortisone) so you can’t compare like for like. These act as storage hormones to help keep equilibrium of tissue glucocorticoid levels.
Pregnenlone is good for sleep, but if supplemented you will need to monitor hormone levels to ensure too much doesn’t turn to DHEA (male hormone) without the opposing cortisol (I assume you have low cortisol too?) as too much DHEA/testosterone can cause acne, unwanted hair, etc. Also I can’t remember how old you are but be careful if you already have high levels of oestrogen (peri-menopausal).
You seem to know a bit about these hormones, which is interesting but also confusing since like Cornish Chick I am researching online about how to intervene if you suspect adrenal related complications linked to poor thyroid medication over decades. There is much online to suggest dosing with pregnenalone / DHEA (if you have low DHEA) can help support an overworked adrenal gland, bring down high cortisol levels and medicate the associated symptoms of high blood pressure, heart palpitations, stress and anxiety. I have just had a blood test for early morning cortisol, DHEA sulphate, testosterone (female) and progesterone - results still awaited. On the back of these results I was also thinking of a regime of pregnenalone 50mg/day. I am post menopausal, have Hashis and was recently referred to a cardiologist for as yet unspecified worrying blips on my ECG. I was wondering if you have any experience of the usefulness or not of using some of these hormones to support an overworked adrenal gland?
If you are short of an adrenal hormone and supplement it there is a small chance it will reach the right areas and improve levels but remember these hormones have many layers/stages to go through, and there is no guarantee that taking one hormone higher in the cascade will replenish a deficiency further down the line. All steroid hormones come from cholesterol and pregnenolone but the thought of ‘cortisol steal’ or ‘pregnenolone steal’ now don’t exist because proven biochemically impossible.
Hormone research has come on in leaps and bounds. HRT is being offered to younger women and research shows body identical oestrogen-only replacement to actually reduce breast cancer risk! We now know RT3 doesn’t block receptors but a deactivating enzyme can stop T3 in other ways from entering the cell nucleus. We know adrenal fatigue isn’t worn out cortisol but changed mechanisms and HPA signalling possibly exacerbated by nutrient deficiencies and inflammation.
These hormones are stored within the mitochondria in different areas (zones) of the adrenal gland and can not cross into another zone. For instance, the enzymes required to convert progesterone into DHEA and oestrogen are only present in the reteticulus zone, and no known mechanism has been found that facilitates the transfer between the mitochondria of different cells (in the case of pregnenolone - form mitochondria of cells within the zona reticularis to those within the zona fasciculata).
Now a days better enzymic behaviours are encouraged to raise adrenals hormones and get things working as they should, as opposed to plonking more hormone onto what already isn’t working and may not be used appropriately. Basic support is optimising thyroid hormones and nutrients that adrenals love such as Vitamin C, Vit B’s, minerals such as zinc and magnesium and salt. Then glycemic-supporting nutrients and possibly adaptogens.
I had deficiencies in cortisol, DHEA and aldosterone when I came onto this forum in 2011. It has all reversed since starting T3 and sex hormones have been topped up with O & P HRT. Because I feel I have done the basics over several years I’m now just about to start testosterone and possibly DHEA if it doesn’t rise inline with everything else, but I wouldn’t have started with this approach because you can not direct the supplemented hormone to go where it should in a dysregulating system.
Bloods give you a snap shot measure not always representative of the whole picture with upside down circadian patterns. Saliva only represents the unbound (free) hormone but what if you have high levels of protein binders eg SHBG or albumin holding high amount of DHEA that's just not available for use? Is it a mine field and better to encourage improved utilisation of existing hormones first rather than plonking more excess on top. You can not know a true deficiency unless looked at over several years or testing blood, saliva and urine as many practitioners are now doing.
This chart is complicated but ignore the small type (which I don't understand either 😁) and look at the adrenals glands three zones all headed by cholesterol and pregneolone.
This information is amazing, thank you! May I ask if your testosterone is nhs prescribed or privately sourced please? If my testosterone is at the very bottom of the range, would you say that’s a good thing to try, or should we all start with progesterone and oestrogen (I’m 49 with no menopause signs). Thank you.
The testosterone private prescription has been organised but in spite of it being an unlicensed product I’ve approached my GP to ask if he’ll take over prescribing as I consider it a part of my HRT regime recommended by endocrinologist.
I didn’t suggest testosterone. It was suggested by endo that it would help my fatigue since my TIA. I’m not so sure but my levels are very low so it’s only going to be beneficial. Louise Newman says it can/should be part of the HRT package if low as can help increase/maintain muscle mass, etc.
As I’ve just spent an absolute fortune on tests I also asked for follow-up testing/labs with the theory that if he says no to the prescribing, he might say yes to the necessary later labs.
If you approach your GP/specialist the key words are ‘low libido’ as this gives them some authority to prescribe. I have never heard of testosterone being prescribed before O & P. All hormones start naturally declining with age and its usually progesterone that decreases first, followed by oestrogen and then testosterone.
I am just re reading all your posts as I have an appointment with my GP next month.
To save you raking over my history, in short I have below range testosterone, low cortisol (220 ish) and have been taking Lenzetto and Utrogestan for 6 months (no menopause symptoms but suggested to help my low testosterone). I have had chronic insomnia for 20 years.
I just wondered at what point I can ask for testosterone if required? How long do you need to try HRT for first please?
I think I read somewhere that you sometimes take adaptagens. This is something I’ve not yet tried. Would you recommend something for low cortisol please?
I have found some adaptogens to be beneficial but they are very individual and as your cortisol is so low, if I was you I would be showing extreme caution.
Re T, I have been supplementing for 6 months and noticed a difference in muscle mass and strength, and general stamina. I would say it has been a positive move even though I use less than than the prescribed amount. It’s powerful stuff!
As you are considering some sort of pituitary/hypothalamus dysfunction (indicated in your other post), it might be better to push investigations for this first rather than risk muddying the waters with the addition of further hormones or adaptogens.
Thank you Radd. My GP told me on my recent consultation that she’d try and find a suitable endo to refer me to- I said I’d like one who has an interest in adrenals rather than diabetes- that’s what my GP friend suggested.
I am quite shocked to today get a text from the GP saying she’s heard back from an endo who has advised to reduce my levo as that contributes to insomnia, anxiety and fatigue! I am still in shock tbh, not least because I have never even had anxiety! Also I need to dig out old records but I know my TSH was always acceptable to my previous GPs, it’s only since I trialled T3 it became suppressed. Also, my insomnia started overnight when a relationship broke down. I’m sure if it was due to too much levothyroxine it would’ve been a gradual thing.
Who would you suggest I contact to help- is your private endo any good? I might be able to convince hubby to treat me!
I have no idea where to start with adaptogens tbh so yes it sounds sensible to get some professional advice.
Hey radd, I've been also prescribed testosterone cream 2mg/g by my endo to help with fatigue. He says a lot of people with Hashimoto's need it. Just need to get it compounded in Germany, as in Poland they don't do it and have only big doses for men.
Same in UK. Only mens Testogel available to women so we have to split a sachet into 8 doses 🙄, about the size of pea, or else risk a deep voice and a hairy bum! My private endo suggested Androfemme which is a female specific low dose cream but only licensed in Australia and flipping expensive so I went with the mens!
I love all my HRT. Have you found benefits to supplementing T?
Oh yeah Testogel, hey but at least that should work out cheaper, but no, no hair bum, thanks, enough problems going at the moment 😂How much do you pay for Testogel out of curiosity? Never heard of Androfemme!
Oh nice! I tried estrogen and prog, dreadful, but now I know that it's hypo making my estrogen low as confirmed by my gyno, so it doesn't help. Testosterone I haven't ordered yet, just got it prescribed in Poland, because my prescription was American, and they wouldn't accept in the EU. I love jumping through the hoops lol
It costs 53 euro excluding taxes and shipping, it's 100 doses.
Ours is free 😁. We get all prescriptions for free in England when diagnosed with certain conditions, with hypo being one of them.
People without hypo (or other defined conditions) not eligible for free prescriptions can buy an annual ‘HRT PPC’ certificate for £19.30, but unfortunately testosterone is not included within the specified HRT products, so each script is then £9.65.
In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all prescriptions, including HRT are free.
I used to take 2000 mg of vit C daily and think it helped reduce symptoms of adrenal fatigue, but then I read that it can cause cancer…fact or fiction?
That's a tricky one and at this stage before further research can supply better info I’ll assume it applies to certain cancers in people with certain life styles and are genetically predisposed.
Oxidative stress refers to disturbance of the antioxidant/pro-oxidant balance which can increase risk of not just cancers but autoimmune issues, neuro-cognitive diseases, etc.
The benefit of mega dose Vit C is the discovery it acts as a pro-oxidant (like chemo drugs) and there are people having IV Vit C in huge amounts to successfully suppress cancer cell growth. Also literally thousands & thousands of studies showing Vit C’s merits as a anti-cancer prevention, and especially in lower doses regarding those cancers such as lung caused by oxidant carcinogens.
I would always suggest Vit C to support adrenal issues and my health is far more robust now a days. However, I have stopped Vit C for a while as am detoxing mould and so risk oxalate issues 🙄😁
Thank you, that’s reassuring! Both adrenal cortex and whole adrenal caused unpleasant symptoms like racing heart and increase in blood glucose and insulin levels. Adaptogens and vits B and C have been much more beneficial.
Thank you, that is so useful. My saliva DHEA was just below range.
The endos DHEA-S blood draw was in range.
When you say without the opposing cortisol, could you further explain please? I have previously posted saliva test results, I believe my cortisol was a little on the low side, followed the correct pattern and was in range. The cortiso to DHEA ratio was flagged, although I’m not sure what that means?
I’m not sure if Oestrogen test is serum oestradiol? If so, mine was 155 day 23, which I think is luteal phase range <1145.
Testosterone was at the very bottom of the range.
I am 49, but show no signs of menopause- I’ve had insomnia for 20 years, so feel sure it is not menopause related.
Yes, estradiol is the most active and potent form, so usually tested. Estrone is an inactive storage form and estriol the weaker but thought to be most protective.
The cortisol and DHEA are opposing hormones and their effectiveness is dependant upon the cortisol:DHEA ratio. Dr P talks about the ratio in his book, and also how ‘DHEA is needed at cellular level to ensure normal receptor uptake of thyroid hormone’.
I still think you would so much benefit from having A DUTCH but if you can't then learning about these hormones from books, Youtube and podcasts. There is so much info available now.
I'm into the podcasts atm - Liz Earle for short bites or Dr Carrie Jones (from DUTCH) for more in-depth.
Thank you so much. So maybe my thyroid hormone uptake isn’t great, with below range DHEA? That would explain a lot.
I tried to find a Dutch practitioner, I understand Regenerus process these, I contacted them to ask for Dutch practitioners, but they said they’re unable to tell me due to Data protection 🙈!
I have those podcasts in my reminders and will definitely be listening to them when I get a window (not often with two little ones!) Thank you so much. Your knowledge astounds me and I am extremely grateful that you take the time to share it and help others. 🙏
radd I am re reading your previous posts. Not sure if you’d rather I didn’t comment on an old post if so I can start a new thread?
I was considering trying pregnenalone or DHEA again. I didn’t feel any different when I tried them before, but note I should’ve been testing. Would that be a saliva test for DHEA and what about pregnenalone please?
Yes I have daily low cortisol, was 220 at 9am. SST passed twice. Previous saliva tests show a bit lower than ideal, but following the correct pattern DHEA was very bottom of range on tests or just below I can’t remember.
I was below range testosterone so I was put on HRT (in May 23 3 sprays of Lenzetto) and Utrogestan. It initially went up, but my recent blood test shows it reducing to 0.1 above the lowest range.
You mention about oestrogen levels, I’m aware they fluctuate, mine were quite low 92 in my recent bloods (was 155 when I started HRT). So they haven’t improved with HRT but I’m not allowed more than 3 sprays per GP. They tried me on the gel briefly but my headaches returned so I switched back to the spray.
My main problem is chronic insomnia waking at 1-2am and often not getting back off. Had it for 20 years, I’m now 50 and had children at 41 so am sure it isn’t menopause related. Didn’t have any menopause symptoms although with hindsight my headaches probably were as they finally cleared up with Lenzetto.
You have been very helpful in the past and if you’re able to offer some advice please on how I might be able to tackle this insomnia. I live in Cornwall and there’s no funding for help with insomnia. My GP said to try the sleep station, but as expected I was told my problem isn’t psychological so they can’t help. I feel like I need to be rigged up to a machine to see what happens at 1am. I am aware of the adrenaline rush with low cortisol and I definitely suddenly wake from a deep sleep and am wide awake but tied, although don’t have a racing heart.
Sorry to waffle on, just trying to get any relevant information noted for you. I have obviously tried all the usual things such a protein snack, melatonin, time release melatonin, immaculate sleep hygiene etc but absolutely nothing works. I’ve been taking antihistamine for several years which does help but I don’t want to take that indefinitely as the long term risks seem as bad as insomnia risks.
Oh, poor you, and with young children to look after in your fifties, it really can’t be easy 🤗.
I have relatively good knowledge on the workings of healthy hormones but am not so sure about supplementing pregnenlone. I know Dr Myhill advocates it but the later research I read indicates thought has moved on from there and it is more complicated than just supplementing the higher hormone in the cascade.
As I see it the problem with adding more exogenous hormone when what you are already taking isn’t working is it can go either way. I haven’t taken DHEA or pregnelone. My DHEA was under-range in line with cortisol when first diagnosed with Hashi but has risen without adding exogenous supply (although taken several years). I’m not against supplementing at all but you might be better linking with Eeyore 100 or a member who has successfully taken DHEA and HC too.
If you do supplement, you will need a blood test. Saliva is good to see how much is 'free' but doesn't give you the 'total' and given your HRT 'frees' remains low, it may be your DHEA is following the same pattern, (eg enough hormone but remaining bound). Most DHEA is as DHEA-S (sulphured form) and your levels were within range 10 months ago.
When too much gets bound it can be for reasons such as another hormone that uses the same transporter proteins has sudden changes but it can also be because your cells aren't utilising it correctly and the binding is the bodies protection by controlling excess frees.
To get the cells uptake improved we are back to nutrients but more micro-stuff. I also ways think in terms of microchondria supports - the minerals and vits such A & E, as well as the other hormones.
What I can suggest for sleep is Gutology Sleep Complex cherry drink which I take before bed when I go through difficult sleep stages, although since being on optimal hormones, I sleep pretty well now aways.
The other (less expensive) sups I have used are Dr Vegan ‘Vegan Nights’. They also sell a bundle that includes this with a sachet of magnesium and ashwagandha. It may be useful to you to try some adaptogens if you’ve been through the supplemented melototin, etc. There are many other calming (and sleep inducing) adaptogens and you often have to try several to see which work.
The antihistamine is interesting. Some meds have drowsy effects but if it is keeping you asleep at night maybe it is the actual suppression of histamine that is helping? It is known as the brains other sleep-wake neurotransmitter. I'll try and find some research later today. Are you eating high protein/low carb snack before sleep and during the night?
Regarding the STIM, the good thing ‘passing’ (you make it sound like an exam 😁) is this indicates your adrenals are capable of performing. You just need to find how to encourage them to perform in a normalised consistant manner. What is missing, is it a hormone, nutrients, genetics, or a combo, and what can be taken to encourage better HPA axis performance.
I couldn’t find an easy research paper (way above my head) but the linked article below might be helpful and the Youtube vid offer better understanding of the role histamine plays in the different stages of sleep.
As well as serotonin, melatonin, GABA and noradrenaline, histamine is also a regulator of sleep/wake patterns, with histamine neurons being more active when we are awake and then a decreased histamine release promoting sleep. GABA is like the regulator of histamine.
Have you tried GABA? Or just trying to think out the box a bit, I bought a HEPA filter for clearing body-mould 🤮. Been detoxing a while now. Nose & sinuses feeling tons clearer. You could try a low histamine diet as well as taking charcoal tablets at night as an experiment. See if it helps? Be aware charcoal will bind your other nutrients and hormones. This may sound horrifying but your liver will be having a hard time processing all those ‘totals’ and you might find you feel better. Drink lots of water to flush excess histamine.
Thank you. I’d not really thought about the histamine picture. Just used a sleep aid which apparently half of Spain take and it’s an antihistamine. I don’t have any sinus or blocked nose trouble or allergies, just take it purely to sleep. Yes I always drink tons of water, assume I’m always thirsty due to thyroid-diabetes checked out again recently.
I haven’t tried GABA or HEPA but willing to try anything if you think it may help? Thank you for your excellent advice, always great to get a response from you, I really appreciate it.
Thank you for the GABA suggestion. I’ve looked into it a bit more. It seems to dampen nerves and helps with anxiety etc, do you think that could work for me as I don’t have anxiety? I can see it recommended for sleep too. Whilst the antihistamine does a fairly good job, my aim is for natural sleep, and I’m wondering if I’d just be switching one aid for another? I worry about the long term consequences of me taking antihistamines for sleep.
When I tried to stop them before, I had intense itching all over my body, so I would presumably need to wean off them. I know it’s not ideal me taking them for years, but then the long term consequences of no sleep aren’t great either. I’d definitely give them a try if you think it’s worth a shot. If so could I take alongside antihistamine please?
Regarding antihistamines, you might have found a short term answer that if taken long term becomes counterproductive. I don't think they can be good for you long term either.
Antihistamines reduce/block histamines released from mast cells. I guess if you've been suppressing histamine long term then a slower withdrawal from tablets might help prevent the intense itching you experience as histamine levels rebalance to normal levels. High levels of histamine causes the itchiness but normal levels are also essential for other actions such as stimulating gastric acid, influencing BP and also as already said serving as a neurotransmitter (wake/sleep cycle).
If I was you I wouldn’t buy a HEPA filter yet but withdraw from antihistamines and try some different sleep inducers. I have named mine above and I’ve also taken 5- HTP which is the precursor to serotonin, (which in turn is the precursor to the melatonin). Sometimes just taking melatonin is not as effective as taking something further up the cascade because the enzymic actions required for conversion of these neurotransmitters also do other actions. Some people even take tryptophan (amino acid) which is the precursor to 5-HTP and found in foods such as turkey, eggs, nuts.
When I was under a practitioner for severe adrenal fatigue in 2015 she had me eating a turkey sandwich before bed every night for 6 months and a g/f cracker with peanut butter next to my bed incase I woke up in the night.
Also remember the certain enzymatic reactions that result in these conversions require optimal nutrients and iron.
I haven’t used GABA. Datis Kharrizoan states it doesn’t cross the blood brain barrier so it is best to eat foods rich in (precursor) glutamic acid such as nuts, cheese, rice and beans, etc. However, I came across the Sleep Foundation when researching restless leg syndrome, and they say research has conflicting results and studies have shown GABA supplements to be beneficial for some people regarding sleep (I haven’t checked how credible this info is though). sleepfoundation.org
If you're interested in a simplified read on the neurotransmitter topic, I would highly recommend Datis Kaharrizians book ‘Why Isn’t My Brain Working’.
Thank you radd . May I ask if GABA is safe to take long term? I can wean off antihistamines although I definitely won’t sleep beyond 1-2am, so it will be very difficult for me on a day to day basis, it’s quite a big deal for me, a lifesaver really, although like you say it’s not healthy to take long term. I have to drive the children places after school, drive to yoga etc and so I need to be careful as I can’t drive if I haven’t slept.
I have friends who take antihistamines every day due to allergies, is this also unhealthy and why do GP’s say it’s okay (I’m presuming dumb like with thyroid)? I’m totally not challenging it, I just can’t get my head around it
Sorry I don’t understand the link with eating beans etc as it doesn’t cross the brain barrier, could you explain what that is please?
How long would you take to wean off it? My itching was quite intense last time.
I have tried tryptophan and 5htp years ago and neither did anything. Maybe I should try them again? Neither did melatonin or slow release melatonin. I remember 20 years ago when it started Night Nurse was the only thing that made me sleep and I’d have it occasionally. I subsequently realised it contains antihistamine.
The protein snack doesn’t work for me, I’m sure my insomnia goes way beyond that sadly. I’m thinking if the tryptophan tablets didn’t work, a Turkey sandwich probably won’t either?
I have looked into the sleep foundation, I know it’s free on the nhs in many places although sadly not in Cornwall. I think it was £700 which is a huge amount. I did ring them a while back and they said they can only help psychological conditions and mine isn’t psychological so they couldn’t help. I phone my GP back to tell as as she’d recommended them. She said she’d look into an endo which adrenal interest, but instead I got that text telling me ‘she’d heard from the endo who suggested reducing levo due to my TSH. So I shot myself in the foot asking for sleep help off her. If my insomnia came on overnight, it clearly wasn’t my TSH, that would presumably have phased in? I am convinced it was the stress of my relationship breakdown. My GP argued it is therefore psychological but I said it was 20 years ago, but I also moved on as it wasn’t a big deal. I remain convinced the stress caused my adrenals to be under strain and I now don’t produce enough cortisol and testosterone and if that’s where oestrodial is produced, that too by the looks of it!
Thank you for your advice once again. I’m determined to get to the bottom of it, I’d love to find an endo who specialises in adrenals but I can’t find one on Google searches.
Ps I should have read the GABA link before replying have just read it and it talks about helping people get to sleep. I am initially asleep within minutes, but just can’t stay asleep/get back off if I wake up. Do you think it would continue to work during the night also, as this is when I need help?
Also when you said about optimal nutrients being required for sleep, mine are usually okay bar ferritin. A quick search revealed sleep problems with deficiency. It’s usually 30-40’s although I got it up to 57 in Nov 23 by taking iron, but have to stop that now as it sent my iron levels over range. Could this low level of ferritin be a cause do you think? Interestingly my 12 year old has pathetic ferritin levels 27 on the last test and has trouble sleeping, when at that age you should sleep like a log
Sorry, I have no idea. I've only given my opinions as a sympathetic fellow forum member 🤗. As said I haven’t even supplemented GABA but have come to realise if you can get your micronutrients from your foods, it is better.
No whole food is transported to our brain. The BBB protects but allows certain essentials such as glucose, amino acids , vits and specific hormones, etc but all have to be broken down to a state that is compatible with the transporters of specific vesicular systems. If your beans can’t cross the BBB, it will be converted into other molecules that can, and the glutamic acid be then used within the brain.
Ferritin and iron issues are known to cause sleep issues. I have iron overload and know when I need treatment because restless leg syndrome drives me nuts, and I have exercise a lot or sit on my legs watching TV but of course I can't lie in bed sitting on them.
There often isn't just one answer for these mysterious health problems but a collective of various. Therefore, for your sleep issues it might need more than one approach at a time. For example you might need a whole schedule that includes a diet sheet, a sleep hygiene plan, various testing and supplements for deficiencies (both nutritional and hormonal), a program of natural sleep inducers such as adaptogens, etc. I am not a sleep expert but there must be many more ways of tackling your problems than going from one approach to the next and having none working. I do feel for you.
Thank you for your advice radd. I’ve been doing some GABA research and it seems to say that it is beneficial for the first part of your sleep cycle. I usually sleep really well the first 3-4 hours.
Is this correct and if so might it work if it’s the second half of my sleep cycle that I struggle with?
Thank you for your help, much appreciated as always. 😊
Thank you so much Radd, I’m sorry for the delay in replying, my daughter was sick yesterday so it was manic, but I will have a proper reread and digest later 😊
Would the supplements you suggest be instead of the magnesium I already take at bedtime? Or do I continue with those?
When you say “how to encourage them to perform in a normalised consistant manner. What is missing, is it a hormone, nutrients, genetics, or a combo, and what can be taken to encourage better HPA axis performance”
I’m taking all the correct supplements, just finding ferritin impossible to optimise. Hormones- am on HRT but can’t seem to increase oestrodial. When you say genetics, what do you mean by that bit?
Is there anything else I should be doing to help the hormone/nutrient side of things?
Re the antihistamine, these are ‘sleep aid’ tablets (Kirkmans) which I understand knock everyone out. Does that mean I could still have a histamine issue? I don’t understand it at all, I just know they work for me, but after years taking them, I’m desperate for natural sleep with the knowledge of their long term health implications. I can’t work out which is worse for health though, antihistamines or chronic insomnia? Feels like a no win situation!
Ha ha yes I passed the SST exam, although I actually think life might be easier if I’d failed and been diagnosed with Addisons, at least then you’d get treatment! Why the NHS don’t acknowledge the lead up to it is beyond me. They seem to nip other illnesses in the bud where possible. The health consequences of 20 years of chronic insomnia surely should make them want to help me fix it?!
Just regarding the SST results, I’m sure I read something previously about interpretation of results. If I gave you mine, would you know if it was a decent result or fairly pathetic? I could not obtain my first ones for love nor money, but eventually got my second results after hours of perseverance, but they mean nothing to me.
I've read in Tiredthyroid book before that DHEA test in saliva is not as reliable as in blood. Now why that is I don't know, because I chucked the book out lolBut your blood cortisol is low, and I know you passed the synacthen test, which basically means, you adrenal glands are fine, you don't have Addisons..however, do you know what your blood serum ACTH is first thing? Because if that's low, you can't produce cortisol. My ACTH dropped dramatically when I decreased my thyroid dose. Now I'm struggling to get back on it hence taking hydrocortisone from my endo.
Ok thanks, I must be getting it confused with something else as I thought from reading it’s requested by an endocrinologist and done in a hospital environment, I must be getting confused
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Adrenal cortex and DHEA supplementing
