BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Thyroid Health Intro & questions about Adrenal fatigue

Hi, my name is Jen & I am new to this forum- it seems very informative here and I hope to learn some things. I was diagnosed with Hypo by my PCP in 2/09 thru the TSH test and given low dose generic synthroid. I didn't get any better during the 2 months I was on it, and after doing lots of research and realizing that many people have had issues getting proper medication, dosages, blood tests, etc, I found an endocrinologist who seemed good from some reviews I read. He put me on Thyrolar 1/4 Strength (I was allergic to Armour), and having trouble 'upping' the dose. From what I am reading and been told, this could be due to adrenal problems. I mentioned it to my new doc but he seems to think I just need to adjust to this medication. I've left him some more messages, and he's unresponsive, I feel like I am almost bothering him- I've only called 3 times in 2 weeks with no answer complaining about feeling funny on the Thyrolar. I wonder, since I don't have lots of money for tests, and until I can find a doc who really will listen, would it be safe for me to try some non prescription Adrenal fatigue supplements? I've found some links to a couple that look really good, created by physicians and pharmacists. Is it safe for me to take something like CortiTrophin with my medication? I've tried Licorice supplements but I haven't noticed much of a difference- I also know that you can't take too much of it. I feel very overwhelmed and aching and tired and quite moody with severe pms- I feel like I seriously need to get this (whatever it is) under control, because I cannot work as I mentioned and it is hard having a life living this way. Sorry for rambling, and I'd appreciate any feedback. Thank you! Jen

Hi Jen,

And welcome!

You are struggling with something common in thyroid patients and that is related adrenal fatigue. There are still doctors who don't see the obvious connection but during the hypothyroid period people go through before being treated, the entire body-metabolism slows. That obviously means every organ is functioning sub-normally or even below normal. Many hypothyroid patients see adrenal fatigue improve with thyroid hormone replacement alone because it restores normal body metabolism. Others, myself included, have continuing struggles with adrenal fatigue even after reaching adequate or optimal thyroid levels, especially with extra stress or added physical activity. Despite this, many doctors do not recognize the condition even though other subclinical endocrine gland (hormone) disorders are recognized. The reason they don't is due to there not being a recognized medical treatment. Some doctors who do recognize the condition and treatments, are some Osteopath MDs and Naturopaths. I just mention these things to warn you that your doctor may not give it much credence.
This is my layopinion but I don't feel hyper and anxiety type reactions to starting thyroid hormone replacement are always adrenal fatigue caused. Many times it's simply bodily adjustment to the dose, especially with brands containing T3 (I'm on Armmour). A dose can take eight weeks to adjust in the body. Afterward, if you still can't adjust or take an adequate dose due to hyper type symptoms, I would order some saliva adrenal hormone tests, which many pharmacies now carry (usually the ZRT brand). They also offer them at their website> "ww.salivatest.com".
If you can get the testing done and results show consistently low-normal cortisol or flagged low levels, I would then take adrenal support supplements. CortiTrophin is a brand I too have confidence in and take it myself as needed. I do suggest always abiding by the label-recommendations and letting your doctor know about it as well. It just feels better to have your doctor know about it. Most won't disagree with you taking a supplement if it contains no questionable ingredients, they just don't usually have a lot of confidence in their effectiveness. I've even had doctors tell me that vitamin supplements are near useless!
As I say, that's my layopinion but wanted to offer it and hope is was helpful.

Also if you'll notice I have a full-length audio listed on my homepage of Thyroid Health on Adrenal Fatigue. It's a download that plays on your computer. It's offered by Amazon and only .99cents, which was purposeful, so that anyone can afford it. I put lots of search and heart behind it, so wanted to let you know about it as well.
Please post as often as you like, we're glad to have you aboard!

Jim, Thank you very much! I really like this forum, and you are very kind and thorough in answering questions- I will take your advice (it's the first real & thorough advice I have gotten asking about this) and wait another month on the Thyrolar, and then try the supplement. I just wanted to thank you very, very much for your time, I am sure others can relate to how trying it is to have symptoms that lots of the medical community do not recognize, and how awesome it is to have someone just listen and who understands. For something that my pcp first said was so simple, it really doesn't feel that way sometimes and its great that there are such good & informative sites and forums such as these. Have a great day, Jen

You are very welcome, I'm thrilled to have been of help!

Keep us posted as you go along, if you can.