Cortisol help please

[AKatieD]

Been feeling really tired for about 6 months and trying to work out why. The last thing I had added before this was testosterone to existing HRT, so I stopped that again about 4 months ago, so not an effect of that now.

I take T3 only, have not changed dose for some time and my results are towards top/ just over range. Been upping my folate/ B12/ vit D/ magnesium over the last few months to make sure not them causing tiredness.

The above saliva (free) cortisol results are from 2 months ago. At same time I did an 8am blood cortisol, which shows free and bound cortisol, as low at 206 (166-507). Seeing the saliva DHEA was low, saliva cortisol high but blood cortisol low, I added 25mcg DHEA hoping it would help regulate the cortisol ( thanks TiggerMe ).

I have just redone the test (see below) and now DHEA is within range (albeit not high), serum cortisol mid range at 292 ( 166-507) but saliva free cortisol even higher above range.

So confused as to what to do now - more/ less DHEA/ pregnenolone or something else. Feeling a bit better but not right. What do you suggest.

[AKatieD]

Cortisol level 2 months later

Cortisol 2 months later

[TiggerMe in reply to AKatieD]

Hmmm... let's give this a bump up to see who of the high cortisol saliva group can give guidance... mine is still at the low end though DHEA much improved... I did try CBD oil but it dropped my cortisol... so maybe worth a look?

Could it be your T3 dose needs a little tweak now the weather has warmed up, I've just dropped mine by 5mcg ( though I'm on T4 too) and feel much more fired up 🤷‍♀️

[AKatieD in reply to TiggerMe]

Thanks again, TiggerMe .

Perhaps a cut in T3 would help.

I got the Paul Robinson article that suggests high free cortisol and low total cortisol means undertreated thyroid, so I thought he was saying to take more. But that does not sound right as on big dose already.

One thing I have learnt is that my reactions tend to be contrary to the norm, so maybe less T3 is better at this point.

[TiggerMe in reply to AKatieD]

The great thing about T3 is you get pretty quick results so it's easier to see if it's the right move, I've been pretty unstoppable today 😁

[AKatieD]

Yes, t3 is brilliant for that. I could do with some of your energy pls

[TiggerMe in reply to AKatieD]

Seems crazy doesn't it that a little less makes all the difference.... oh the illusive sweet spot 🙃

I noticed the difference within 2 days and still feeling more lively after a week🤞

[Incoguto]

I think you might need to reduce t3 a little. I personally have high blood serum and lowish saliva when hypo and lower blood serum cortisol and higher saliva. Once I was overreplaced, my salivary was off the charts, was tired, losing weight. Maybe tweak a little? What are your thoughts?