I’ve had a complex journey to say the least! After years of private testing due to unusual symptoms and results I have discovered I have secondary hypothyroidism under investigation currently for a pituitary tumour, but also now primary with hashimotos. I also have the gene SNP DIO2 polymorphism so I don’t convert T4 into T3 and was fortunate to be allowed both on the NHS. I also have PMDD, endometriosis and strong elements of ADHD (I believe the poor thyroid function is potentially root cause of all) I am currently on the T4, T3, chemical menopause and add back HRT. I’m having some improvements in symptoms but still struggling with weight, hunger/ dopamine chasing/ skin problems/ mood swings/ v itchy dry ears … my question is, if anyone has similar issues… what supplements do you take? Im working with a thyroid nutritionist who is supportive but even she is finding me a bit of a challenge!!
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Rach19
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Unfortunately my doc won’t test all those things and having spent thousands I can’t do privately. Yes, they go hand in hand because endometriosis feeds off estrogen and poor thyroid function = poor sex hormone control. Unfortunately I am both estrogen dominant AND low in estrogen, which is challenging - my body wants more estrogen but my brain doesn’t!
I’m whichever one means it’s on both - CC, hence it’s bad! My endocrinologist knows about it, hence he is giving me the T3, but he still thinks there is pituitary involvement due to my ‘normal’ TSH … I’m not so sure, I think the gene could be causing it.
B12 is a tricky one, my Dutch test showed diminished ability to absorb Bs, which I believe is common with thyroid issues… I tried an injection, felt great for about 3 days, then back to normal, so I clearly need it, but now I’m trying liquid form as no way can I keep up with paying every few days!
I have been gluten and dairy free in the past, but it never made a difference - I don’t subscribe to the belief that Hashimoto’s requires a gluten free diet. I don’t have v much gluten at all tho as my husband is gluten free. Dairy I have at a very reduced level, but I need to have some for the calcium as with chemical menopause I have a high risk of osteoporosis… I know I can get it from other sources, but it’s so hard to get the balance right!
Hi Rach19, has your nutritionist said anything about an adrenal saliva panel? If there isn’t an initial good response to T3 sometimes it can be an adrenal issue. My bio has quotes from reputable books that explain it a bit better x
I can’t afford to do anything like that with my current nutritionist but I’ve had it done before - it came back low on Dutch testing, but fine when done twice by 2 separate endocrinologists, so I’m not really sure where I am at with it- I think it’s likely on the lower side of normal. I’ve had an exceptionally stressful job for 20 years and I’m sure my adrenals are struggling, but (unlike most apparently!) my endocrinologist did do a full adrenal panel before starting the thyroid meds as Addisons was a concern, but I don’t have it
Addisons is very rare but adrenal dysfunction is very common in prolonged hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, endos and doctors alike don’t appreciate that there is a spectrum of dysfunction in the adrenals, they seem to think either you have addisons/cushings or you’re totally fine. The Dutch test is much more expensive than an adrenal saliva panel, the saliva is only about £90. Saliva is the greatest marker of cortisol production because that measures what’s available and unbound. Endocrinologists just do serum which is less useful but still helpful to rule out something more serious. If I were you I’d skip a session with the nutritionist and spend it on the adrenal saliva panel x
I’ve done the saliva as well along with the Dutch - that’s what came back low. So I effectively know it probably is low, but the issue is, what do I do about that? Even the person who ordered the saliva and dutch test couldn’t REALLY tell me how to raise it… 😂😂
I see, sorry I assumed you’d done the urine one. How long ago did you do it? I’ve read it need retesting within 3 months. I’d also retest it to see where it is now that you’re on T3, T3 can make cortisol levels rise very quickly. If they still come back low even tho you are now on T3 you have many options -
Paul Robinson’s CT3M
Supplementing adrenal glandular (ACE)
Using steroids (only for very very low cortisol)
Adaptogenic herbs are also quite good, and may help your ADHD symptoms too.
Adrenal cocktails are also a good idea for maintenance
Hopefully you can save up and test for b12, D, folate, and an iron panel so that you can have an idea of what supplements your body needs.
For general wellbeing, I've used a few supplements from a brand called Ancestral Supplements and have benefitted from them. After reading your post, I recalled reading a review that stuck in my mind from last year. I went searching for it and will link it below. It's about a female that has endo and other health issues that benefitted from taking Ancestral Supplements.
The products are a lil pricey and I've had to save up to get them. I'm currently using their beef organs. In the past I've tried and also loved their thymus, bone marrow and beef thyroid.
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