(This post combines all information I previously published in many, much smaller posts, condensed in to one.)
Adrenal dysfunction. Yep. I not only have hypothyroidism, but I also have adrenal issues. Ahh, it’s never-ending is it?!
I was kept not properly treated for my hypothyroidism for so long, because I was put on a thyroid medication that didn’t work for me, Levothyroxine, a T4- only medicine, which contributed to my adrenals struggling. You can read more about how this occurs here.
I confirmed I had adrenal issues by doing a 24 hour saliva cortisol test. I had elevated cortisol 24/7.
I am currently reading about the things I can do to recover from adrenal issues, such as changes in diet, supplements, reducing stress etc.
Once my adrenal issues are fixed, or close to, I am hopeful I may start to see my last hypothyroid symptom go – the fatigue and poor stamina. Although it has gotten better on NDT, it’s not fully fixed, but I will find a way.
My thyroid test results still read well, and I am on 2 grains of NDT a day. I feel pretty good. NDT has given me my life back, that’s for sure. I am continuing to make lifestyle changes to support my adrenal health, such as improving my diet, sleep, changing exercise to more restorative and reducing my stress levels.
I’m looking at taking some vitamin C supplements as many sources say Vitamin C levels being topped up is also important when healing your adrenals.
I’ll keep you posted.
I am going to start the format of these ‘General Update’ blogs now, to differentiate them from my more informational articles, and give updates on my personal health journey.
Also remember that you can keep up to date with my personal health journey via Instagram, too. My Instagram is updated with realtime updates and you’ll be able to follow along as and when everything happens over there!
You can click on the hyperlinks in the above post to learn more and see references to information given.
Read the next blog in this series.
2 Comments
Ashley
January 30, 2017 at 5:52 pmDid these supplements help bring your cortisol down? Wondering if you have had any luck x
kerrylouise81
March 20, 2016 at 8:05 amI’ve spent the morning reading your blog a d it is such a shame that you get no help and support from your doctor or endocrinologist! Also we have an NHS service which is great (I can’t fault it after comparing it with health care abroad) but like anything sometimes it fails and in the case of thyroid diseases it fails. Most people will go untreated because they do not want to pay out for medication like you are doing, but at the end of the day you cannot put a price on health right??? I really hope that by monitoring yourself and getting everything back in order your GP will eventually subscribe ndt for you. I am also keeping notes for my gp and so far he’s been good doing the tests I’ve asked for so hoping when the results are back and my adrenal tests are back I can gather all the evidence with my gp and go from there. A lot of people I have spoken to have said their endocrinologist hasn’t been helpful and also with friends who are hypothyroid have same symptoms as me and they like me are told it’s a hypothyroid symptom. I am glad I found your page on Facebook you have given me so much hope, and I may even tell my doctor to read your blog if I don’t get help. He was happy that I joined thyroid uk though so I’m hoping I am one of the lucky ones! Good luck on your journey and we’ll done on your blog it’s brilliant!