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8256587 tn?1399897506

Adrenal Stress Test Results

Hi I was diagnosed Hashimotos this year.

Here are my adrenal stress test results:

Sample 1 - 3.4 (12-22)
Sample 2 - 6.1 (5.0-9.0)
Sample 3 - 4.8 (3.0-7.0)
Sample 4 - 3.2  (1.0-3.0)

DHEA:Cortisol Ratio - 2.62 (within range)

Latest thyroid function test results:

TSH - 2.50 (0.2-4.2)
Free T3 - 4.6 (3.9-6.7)
Free T4 - 15.7 (12-22)

Apparently my doctor says these are normal, yet when I am taking the Levothyroxine my Free T3 drops and my hypothyroid symptoms return. Am I missing something or am I the only one in the world with this problem? I presume the latter.

I am currently dairy and gluten free and my fatigue and constipation have cleared up since on the diet, however I retook my Levothyroxine and within 2 hours I was constipated. The only change I had made was retaking the Levothyroxine but I did increase my fluid intake, too. The reaction I had from the medication is making me doubt the benefits of it. Or could I be undermedicated at 125mcg? The nurse taking my blood last time said 125mcg is a lot for a little person like me to be taking!

So, in order to wipe the slate clean and start afresh with my care, I have since changed doctors and will be asking for the following at my first appointment:

Sex hormone profile - not just the testosterone, FSH, LH and prolactin my endocrinologist carried out but I would like to include the ones she has *missed* - the oestrogen, estradiol and progesterone. I am sure there are others in there...

Full mineral/vitamin profile - but excluding the folate, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 which were done recently and including a full iron panel.

Repeat thyroid test - why oh why am I experiencing hypothyroid symptoms AFTER I take the Levothyroxine? When I reported this to my previous doctor they have told me they will end my script for Levothyroxine since they are under the impression I get no ill effects without the medication! Are they right?

Thanks :)
4 Responses
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8256587 tn?1399897506
Hi Niko thanks for your reply. I will PM you the ACTH stim test results.
Helpful - 0
1530171 tn?1448129593
Hi Charli.

Can you send me the ACTH stim specific test results, including baseline cortisol before testing and lab ranges/unit measurements.
Coffee/caffeine intake may have influenced the results as it is a stimulant.
You may have to repeat it. Not sure.


The cortisol levels are very delicate to rebalance and the specific approach,  I think should be handled by a knowledgeable practitioner.
I would not recommend  self-treatment if you need supplementation with glandulars and herbals.
It's entirely your call.
Lifestyle changes are certainly helpful, but unsure if enough on their own to achieve what you want.
I can definitely give you some pointers after I receive your response.

Blessings.
Niko
Helpful - 0
8256587 tn?1399897506
Hi there, thanks for replying. :)

If my am cortisol is very very low, why did the baseline cortisol back when I had the ACTH stim test come back very high? Might it be something to do with the coffee I drank before the test? (I wasn't told not to drink coffee/caffeine at the time)

Doctor will not prescribe me Cytomel so I am looking to buy it privately.

Do I rebalance the cortisol levels via diet/supplements/lifestyle changes? I have already gone gluten and dairy free.
Helpful - 0
1530171 tn?1448129593
Hi Charliixo.

What a Saga!

Your am cortisol is alarmingly low!
Your night cortisol is slightly higher than normal range.
The other 2 samples are OK I guess.
So what you have is cortisol dysregulation.

Why Levo DECREASES fT3?
Hmm. It's likely because rT3 (reverse T3 )  comes from T4 only, which is Levothyroixine. You should get your endo to give you a starting dose of
cytomel (t3) as an rt3 challege, if testing for it is not an option for rT3.

But you need to rebalance your cortisol levels.

Cheers!
Niko
Helpful - 0
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