I'm in a tizz! - Self-treating the adrenals

[Guest guest]

I'm starting to really confuse myself!!!.....I hope someone can help calm me

down & point me in the right direction!

I'm running the Levothyroxine down in my system for 10 days (I'm on day 8 today)

& then I'm going to take Nutri's Adrenal Extra for one week before

re-introducing Levothyroxine. I decided to try this approach as I'm concerned I

may have become T4 toxic. I've felt better without the Levothyroxine. I am still

feeling unwell, very tired etc, etc, but I can get out of bed now & am sleeping

better, hurrah! The only odd thing that has happened is I'm getting a bad

pressure pain in the glands either side of my neck ((just under the ears) & this

is worsened when I lean over...not sure if anyone thinks this could be a

withdrawal effect from Levothyroxine or perhaps completely unrelated?!

When I re-introduce the Levothyroxine, Dr. P mentions start off with half your

original dose. Thing is, I take 75 Levothyroxine & it only comes in 50 & 25

tablets so not sure if I should take 50 or 25 to start with?

When is it worth getting my TSH, free T4 & free T3 tested after re-introducing

Levothyroxine? A month down the line? This would work well if this is the case

as I have a test booked in for that time along with a Synacthen test.

I read on another note to a member that you need to run down the NAX in your

system two weeks before a Synacthen test or it will influence the test. I'm not

keen on doing this as I'm worried it will interrupt my recovery rate....The only

reason I am having the Synacthen test is because I hadn't had my Adrenal 24hour

Saliva test results before this was booked & they refuse to 'just do the bloods'

for me on their own at the hospital. Presumably though.....if I feel better

after taken NAX I can keeping taking NAX in the knowledge that I know it will

affect the Synacthen test but don't really mind if I am feeling better

anyway....? My results for the Adrenal saliva test doesn't look as bad as it

does for some people on this forum (see below) so perhaps this is an option for

me?

Sorry to be in such a tizz but I'm terrified of becoming very ill again. I'm

also wondering when it might be optimum to see Dr. S re whether he thinks I

should be on T4 only anyway? i.e. how long should I self treat the adrenals

before I get Dr. S to look at my hypothyroid treatment? I'm already booked into

see Dr. P at the end of May for the holistic picture. My adrenal saliva test

results are below, thanks again for any advice received, it really is very much

appreciated!

Kerry x

Cortisol Levels

Sample 1 - outside range = 4.5 L (12 - 22)

Sample 2 - outside range =14.2 H (5.0 - 9.0)

Sample 3 - outside range = 1.9 L (3.0 - 7.0)

Sample 4 - inside range = 1.6 (1.0 - 3.0)

Total Daily Cortisol = 22.2 (21 -41 nmol/L)

DHEA Levels

Sample 2 (am) = 0.43

Sample 3 (pm) = 0.19 L

DHEA: Cortisol Ratio = 1.40

DHEA Mean = 0.31 (0.30 - 1.00)

DHEA Cortisol Ratio = 1.40 (1.0 - 4.0)

Adrenal Stress Stage

Cyclic Variation: Overall this is an indication or normal adaptation to both

chronic and acute stressors, however there is some variation in the individual

timed readings. (See below for specific indications). In the context of a

patient with very long-standing stressors (years) it can indicate either good

coping/adaptation methods, or represent hormone levels " dropping through " normal

ranges on the way to depleted levels after having been over stimulated for many

years. In such a case a follow up test in 2 - 3 months is recommended.

Deviations from the normal cortisol rhythm

The morning cortisol level is below the normal range. Morning cortisol may be a

good indication of peak adrenal gland function since they represent peak cyclic

activity. Low morning cortisol levels suggest a degree of adrenal hypofunction.

The noon cortisol level is above the normal range. This may be indicative of low

blood sugar levels before lunch, instructing the adrenals to make cortisol so

that stored energy reserves are mobilised to correct the state of low blood

sugar. May also be a indicator of adrenal stress. Action: Keep blood sugar

levels stable.

A low afternoon cortisol is suggestive of suboptimal adrenal functioning.

Deviations in DHEA production

None seen.