Hypothyroid... or Low Cortisol and Adrenal Fatigue

[amdiegelman]

Hi -

Is this a popular area of confusion? I went to my PCP today and presented him with a lot of information. List of symptoms, comparisons of blood work and even this article (http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html) to explain my push for a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

In review my labs are:
TSH: .68 (.50-5.0)
FT3: 1.0 (.8-1.7)
FT4: 2.7 (range 2.3 – 4.2 )

List of symptoms:
WEIGHT GAIN (20lbs in 2 years - and I'm active)
Very brittle nails
Occasional constipation
Shortness in breath during exercise  (noticed Dec 2012, increasing)
Depressed/crying (Began Jan 2012)
Irritability
Decreased libido
Tightness in throat
Lightheaded when I stand up too fast
2 week period of body temp 96.2-97 degrees, with occasional 97.9. – ongoing, see notes
Waking up with thick white coating in mouth
Dry eyes (I do wear contacts, but drier then normal, age?)
Fatigue
Dry skin
Cold hands and feet
Next day effects after a few drinks

AND he believes that these are symptoms of low cortisol and adrenal fatigue rather then Hypo. He also stated he isn't a big fan of the doctor who wrote the article, because he has no evidence to back statements up. So, I have a huge battery of bloodwork to be done tomorrow morning, first thing.

What does the community think here? Any thoughts on how to proceed?

[amdiegelman]

I'm here for a new work up of blood work now. Including TSH, FT3 and FT4 as well as Hashi tests, low cortisol and adrenal.

Good catch on noticing my flip in numbers!!! I've looked at numbers so many times they all blend together now!

Has anyone had experience with calling a new doctor and they saying they won't take a patient without an "on paper diagnosis" from their PCP??

[firefly7]

Hell yeah!   Beautiful post.

[Jackie419]

I knew that was how you veterans saw it, lol- I thought for the sake of future info seekers, I'd mention it :)

[goolarra]

You're right.  FT3 and FT4 are obviously flipped.  Autocorrect!  The old mind just flipped them right back!

[Jackie419]

Interesting thread indeed...I am still learning so no great info from me, but for future researching purposes, I have to ask: did you by chance get your FT3 and FT4 results flipped around? Just noticed your numbers and ranges.

[goolarra]

My neighbor had a TT a number of years ago for thyroid cancer.  After the TT, her ENT continued to manage her meds.  When I was looking for a new thyroid doctor, I contacted her because my neighbor had been so happy with her.  As it turned out, she told me I should see an endo.  She said that when she first started practicing here (rural area), there were no endos, so the ENTs treated thyroid.  However, since we now have several endos, she really felt that I'd be better off with one of them.  OMG, a doctor who recognizes her limitations!

By and large, except in very remote areas, I believe ENTs do the surgery on thyroids then turn the patient over to an endo for continuing care.  However, ANY doctor can be a thyroid specialist if he has the interest in continuing his education on the subject.

I think you posted an interesting question...yes, some good info flying around!