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4274823 tn?1388529098

Adrenal & thyroid function

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I suspect I may also have undiagnosed adrenal issue. I have only had an am cortisol test done once through my conventional doctor (GP) which came back within the reference range. Has anyone had a 4 point saliva test done through a naturopathic doctor? Has anyone as a result been successfully treated for both hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency? If so, how? Please note I am due for bloodwork for my thyroid (TSH, Free T4, Free T3) early July. Thanks.
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4274823 tn?1388529098
NP Laura is willing do repeat bloodwork for my thyroid and ferretin in 3 months.
My TSH usually varies in the range of 4.03 - 10.79. I have figures from 2011 to present.

I just found out through the Nurse Practitioner (NP) Laura at my doctor's office
that I am not getting enough elemental iron from my Floravit liquid iron supplement! She said I need 30 - 35 mg/day. I was only getting up to 20 mg/day. So, I will have to do some research and discuss options with my Naturopathic Doctor (ND) Lisa to increase my intake.
I see my ND on July 9.

July 2, 2015 Canadian bloodwork lab results received July 7, 2015.
TSH 10.53  Reference range 0.35 – 5.00 miU/L
Free T4 12  Reference range 12 – 22 pmol/L
Free T3 4.2  Reference range 2.6 – 5.7 pmol/L
Vitamin B12 645  Reference range >220 pmol/L
Ferretin 27  Reference range 12 – 125 ug/L
Folate 2822  Reference range >=1200 nmol/L
Calcium 2.25  Reference range 2.20 – 2.65 mmol/L
Albumin 42  Reference range 35 – 52 g/L
Helpful - 0
4274823 tn?1388529098
Thank you for your wishes. I will call from work this morning and hope I can get in this afternoon. If not it won't be until next week due to other appointments.
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Avatar universal
Good.  I hope he has insight. Let us know what he says of you like. Good luck.
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4274823 tn?1388529098
The doctor's office called July 6 requesting I make an appointment to discuss my lab results re: recent bloodwork.
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4274823 tn?1388529098
Thank you for your note. I need to find out what my TSH, Free T4, and Free T3 levels are. I plan to go to the lab for bloodwork on July 2 (tomorrow).
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Avatar universal
You could use cytomel - which is a synthetic T3 and has no animal product.

I used that and T4 in my case levoxyl to help my thyroid.
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4274823 tn?1388529098
I am going for bloodwork on July 2. I've been using a Canadian product called Strest  (adrenal tonic) and prior to that I was drinking an adrenal tea from my naturopathic doctor. I don't feel as cold as I did before so I am hopeful that there is some improvement.
I learned through a previous ND quite some time ago that iodine isn't the answer for me. It made my hypothyroidism worse!
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4274823 tn?1388529098
Please note this is not an option for me as I am a vegetarian. Thanks.
The only thing my doctor (GP) has experience with is conventional medication (Synthroid). I continue to work to support my system without a drug.
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9197017 tn?1429016816
Hi VitaminB12,
Do you have a doctor who has experience prescribing dessicated thyroid (Armour)?
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9197017 tn?1429016816
Hi Rumpled, My cortisol is very low, but my potassium and sodium numbers are within standard range. They're even within the range that functional medicine practitioners recommend. Interesting...
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4274823 tn?1388529098
I asked for magnesium, potassium, and sodium, but the doctor and nurse practitioner said my results were OK 6 months ago so they will not repeat the tests at this time! Things can change. I did get the NP to add a few though. So when I go in early July these tests will be included calcium, albumin, and folic acid. The nurse practitioner seems to think the nocturnal calf cramps could be related to low iron stores or dehydration. I drink water/tea (mostly herbal) & eat foods full of water (fruits and vegies). I do not drink coffee or alcohol. The NP recommended I do stretches before bed and also consider a warm bath.
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Avatar universal
What about magnesium? That can cause cramps too.
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4274823 tn?1388529098
I saw the nurse practitioner at the doctor's office yesterday. She added the following tests to the lab req for early July: folic acid, calcium, and albumin. It already included TSH, Free T4, Free T3, vitamin B12, and ferretin (iron stores).
I have been having nocturnal calf cramps again recently.
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4274823 tn?1388529098
Thank you for your reply. Please note I don't think I have adrenal insufficiency, but I do believe my adrenals are not functioning optimally. I know for a fact that I do have hypothyroidism. I am still trying to support my system without conventional thyroid medication. I am curious to learn what my thyroid levels are in early July.
Just pondering what other tests might be good to have done.
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Avatar universal
I don't know if those are effected directly by the adrenals.

Chloride no.. That is often low when you are fasting.

Sodium and potassium are regulated by the adrenals.
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4274823 tn?1388529098
Do you know if magnesium and chloride also important to adrenal function?
You mentioned potassium and sodium. Thanks.
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4274823 tn?1388529098
OK, thanks. You do know those tests are not recent.
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Avatar universal
Your tests looked normal.  If it was adrenal your sodium and potassium would be higher or lower..
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4274823 tn?1388529098
I wonder if I ought to request to have my potassium and sodium tested again. Right now the lab requisition is for TSH, Free T4, Free T3, ferretin, vitamin B12, and CBC.
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4274823 tn?1388529098
I wonder if it is possible to improve thyroid function if the adrenals are properly supported since both are part of the same system (endocrine).
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4274823 tn?1388529098
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACTH_stimulation_test
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4274823 tn?1388529098
Thanks for your reply. What was the measurement and reference range for your cortisol test result? I highly doubt my GP would order an ultrasound given he seems unconcerned about my adrenals even though they are part of the endocrine system along with my thyroid ... I will have to look up what a ACTH stim test is.
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4274823 tn?1388529098
Thanks for your reply. I am unfamiliar with all of those tests you mention.
How do I get this testing if my GP doesn't believe I have an adrenal issue based on one AM cortisol test 487 reference range 170 – 540 nmol/L. This was the result after a 1/2 hour walk to the lab. He knows I have hypothyroidism, but he seems to have no interest in whether it is primary or secondary.

January 31, 2014
Sodium 141 Reference range 135 – 145 mmol/L
Potassium 4.2 Reference range 3.3 – 5.1 mmol/L
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Do you have abnormal sodium and potassium readings - or low/high end readings? That is indicative of a low adrenal issue. If normal, it may be normal.

As it is, you need many tests (acth, renin, aldosterone etc) and I would suggest not only the free type but also serum to get a baseline on if you have an adrenal issue. Then a stim test to finalize it.
Helpful - 0
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