What is the effect of hypothyroidism On the adrenal gland production of hormones

[judithmhol]

I hope this question make sense, I will be going to see an endocrinologist for the first time in six years. I have been on levothyroxine since I was first diagnosed with an under active thyroid.  At that time my only symptom was not thinking clearly. I would be very confused and felt like I was in the zone. I have not seen anyone since 2012, because I had no idea that I had an issue until I started looking at this website. And every month I feel physically worse and worse. I have an appointment finally with an  endocrinologist coming up soon. My question is this, the adrenal gland and its production of hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone progesterone, DHEA. Those of the only ones I know of I’m sure there are more. As a woman gets older I love that hormone production is greatly reduced. Does  both thyroidism especially if its Under treated canned that affect the adrenal gland as well or is that completely separate different part of the body different organs not affected by thyroid? I hope that makes sense look forward to hearing from somebody

[gimel]

I have previously answered your posts on another thread, but I thought I would provide some info that might be useful with your doctor.  

Note the following quote about thyroid gland output:   "estimates of average normal secretion for euthyroid humans are 94-110 mcg T4 and 10-22 mcg of T3 daily."   By comparison, you are taking 75 mcg of T4 daily, and some of that is lost due to less than 199% absorption.    If your TSH is suppressed, or very low, then the output from your thyroid gland is going to be very little.  Since your serum thyroid levels of T4 and  T3 are the sum of both natural thyroid hormone and thyroid medication, I am sure that you will find from the tests that  your med dosage is nowhere near enough to supply your needs.  

[gimel]

The dose of 75 mcg of T4 was never enough for you and you have suffered these many years because of it.  I look forward to seeing your current test results and you getting adequately treated.  I think you will be surprised how much difference it will make for you when you get your Free T4 and Free T3 to adequate levels along with optimal Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin.  

When you see the doctor, make sure they test you for Free T4 and Free T3 (not Total T4 and Total T3), cortisol, Vitamin D, B12 and a full iron test panel, including ferritin.  If the doctor resists, insist on the importance of these.  It would also be good to test for Reverse T3 at least initially to determine if that is a concern.   Since important hormone levels go down after menopause, it would be a good idea to get those tested also.

[gimel]

I should have also asked what is your daily dosage of T4 med?

[judithmhol]

75 mcg.  And that’s all I’ve ever been on and I’ve  always been on the same strength.  Diagnosed in 2013 I was seeing a PA in Ann Arbor, and I really liked her when she said you are feeling confused and like your head is in the clouds because your thyroid is barely working and this is what we’re going to prescribe for you.  And a lot of this is my fault due to the fact I did not do any research and She always spends a lot of time with me. I trusted my doctor.   I suspect that I have more knowledge about the ins and outs of this thyroid issue then she did at least at that time. Maybe that’s rather arrogant of me. But the reason that I feel this way though is because I am having a lot of problems now with autoimmune symptoms I know I have a lot of the vitamin deficiencies and I think a lot of the damage that’s been done is not gonna be reversible. I mean I’m hoping I’ll feel better once the labs come through and I am on appropriate medicine but goodness I think there’s been a lot of damage done.  Went to a dentist today and found out I have no problem BMS. It’s very painful it’s closely related to everything else that’s going on with me. And my dental health has crumbled literally I think it’s all tied in together. And yes some of it I have to believe will get better?anyhow this was too long winded .

[gimel]

I wold like to be more helpful, but I am kind of confused about your issues.   Instead of having to go back through your prior messages, can you please tell us the specific issues you are concerned about, starting with thyroid, and all the symptoms you have.  Also, please post your latest couple of sets of tests and reference ranges shown on the lab report.  

[judithmhol]

I will definitely post those tests and reference ranges but it’s not gonna tell you much because I’ve not had a proper work up and what I have is old and I think all I have a CBC differential but I’ll look into it and give you that information thank you

[telus2]

Have a look here for starters:

https://*************************/adrenal-info/

http://recoveringwitht3.com/technical/adrenal-glands-0

[judithmhol]

I am so technically challenged I cannot seem to copy that is that a website I should go to? And thank you for your response