RE: ....adrenal question

[Guest guest]

,

Luckily, I have no problem with elevated glucose. I used to have severe problems with hypogycemia, but as long as I keep my hydrocortisone dose stable my glucose is good. I have a Freestyle meter and take my measurements occasionally. Usually, when I have a lab fasting glucose to check for accuracy or during the day if I feel bad just to see if it COULD be my blood sugar. Almost always, it's 90-105. My doc did a fasting insulin in January and it was 15.3 (ref. 1.9-23.00). She said it was fine, but I honestly don't know how to interpret the test.

Having dealt with failing adrenals for the past 6 years, and eventually getting to the point of being diagnosed with 's (when they got to the point where they were about 1/3 rd speed) , I can tell you that unless there is something dire wrong a 24 hour urine cortisol test is next to useless. It only tells you the TOTAL volume amount being produced during the day.

Adrenals function is a 'curve'. You have the most in your system in the early morning, declining throughout the day. It bottoms out during the night then starts production around 2 a.m. in the morning, slowly ramping up.

It's better to start with a blood 'snapshot' in the morning and another in mid-afternoon, if your doc will run one. Better yet, saliva tests, which unfortunately you have to arrange for through a 'forward thinking' doc, alternative doc, or go through one of the on-line laboratories on your own. These are the SAME labs doctors use, like Diagnostechs.

These measure 4 samples (or more if you want to chart them, I've done up to 6 a day). Don't let an ill-informed doctor tell you they aren't accurate. Done correctly, they are. I've had at least a dozen in the past 6 years.

The Mayo Clinic, Vanderbilt University and Oxford University ALL use saliva tests for cortisol measurement and in fact Oxford did a study, called a 'day curve' where they measure cortisol at hour intervals with blood AND saliva and done correctly, found the saliva to be as accurate as blood tests.

I honestly don't know how adrenals impact HIGH blood sugar, but I know that low or non-functional adrenals can cause low blood sugar issues. There are others on this chat site who have low adrenal function so if you get test done, post your results.

Also you may want to go to the Diagnostechs site at http://www.diagnostects.com. . They have quite of information on what the saliva test is, how to interpret, and other valuable info.

Steph S.

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups From: patriciafayereynolds@...Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:17:26 -0700Subject: ....adrenal question

,

Did you ever have any problems with your glucose being elevated? I know there is a common term called "adrenal diabetes" but can't quite figure out if it's too little or too much output from the adrenals...nor what, from the adrenals, causes it.

I've always had a very low Free T3, however, when on thyroid meds it drops lower than when I'm not on meds. One of my "best" labs was a TSH .84 and Free T4 of 1.6 (with high range of 1.8) however, my Free T3 dropped to 2.5 (low range 2.3)

Four months after I started thyroid meds, my glucose was up from 112 to 129. About a year ago, my doctor agreed to try Armour to see if we could get the Free T3 up. Granted, I think we started on too high of a dose (at my request) but within 6 or 7 weeks, I was having fluid retention (which I've never had) but we only checked my thyroid labs.

About 6 weeks later, we also did a metabolic panel when we did the thyroid ck. My glucose was 319! I've apparently done some serious damage because, even now, without taking any thyroid meds, my glucose will not go down without meds...officially, I'm now Type II diabetic. However, now that there is no involvement of thyroid meds, while both my Free levels are low, the Free T3 is actually above the Free T4....which it never was on meds.

I know that adrenals can "control" the T4 to T3 conversion, if they are not functioning correctly....so I suspect that, as long as I was on T4 (Unithroid) only, they may have simply shut most of the converstion to T3 down. However, when I dumped a good size dose of Armour on them, they couldn't control the T3....and did I ever pay for that!

Does any of this make sense or are you aware of anything that would cause this that might be adrenal related? I'm doing a 24hr urine cortisol test this week, but don't know what is "normal" and what is considered "abnormal". I've been dealing with the thyroid many years now, within my entire family, so I already know not to buy into the old "you're within the range, so your normal".

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

Faye-

RE: Re: Vertigo Question... autoimmune diseases

Imelda, I just wanted to add something about the vertigo symptoms. It most certainly can be thyroid related, although I used to have vertigo and a feeling of fullness in my ears before I was tested and it was discovered I had a milk sensitivity. Once I stopped milk products that kind of dizzy/veritgo stopped. HOWEVER, I just recently started feeling severe vertigo again....and the same kind of vertigo some of the other gals described, like it was in your head and vision, not just balance or in your ears. I just got a call a few minutes ago from my primary care physician and she said my tests from Quest were back and my FREE T4 is now below range at .5 (range .6-1.7) I am beyond irritated at my other consulting female doctor in Houston. I kept telling her since we started on T3 only therapy in May (now up to 15 mcg. a day in timed release) that initially I felt somewhat better then started to feel MARKEDLY worse. My FREE T4 started out at 1.4 in May then dropped about .1 point every six weeks. The last test 6 weeks ago was .9,,,,now it's at .5, now BELOW range!!!!!! My FREE T3, measured in the a.m. prior to meds is still round mid-range at 2.43 and TSH is now 1.72. After my primary care physican did my blood tests a week ago Monday, I had just had ENOUGH and on my own I started taking some Armour every morning. Just 7.5 mg. and now I'm going to increase it. I have to go slow because I have 's, which means non-functioning adrenals. My full replacement hydrocortisone has to be balanced with my thyroid meds or I have all kinds of nasty side effects. But suffice to say that the only thing that has changed in the past couple of months is that I've become more and more severely hypothyroid and with that has come increasing vertigo, increasing heart palpitations, hardly able to move fatigue, increased resting heart rate and off-the-scale anxiety and sleep disorder. But,,,,,,it's one of those 'thank God' moments!!!! Half the time I don't KNOW what's wrong, this time I do. Now, I have to either wrangle with my consulting doc or jettison her and find someone else. Luckily for me I have lots of prescriptions on hand for all my meds to cover the next six months, so hopefully I can just talk my primary care doc into treating me. Steph S.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

, 105 FBS?? That is too high, as the top end is 100 on so many tests. And the blood sugar problems, from what I've read, with adrenal problems, is that the mitochondria of the cells won't "open up" to accept any of the substances they need. Low blood sugar, high blood sugar, insulin resistance, etc.....the list goes on and on with the cortisol "prepping cells" for certain chemical activities.

RE: ....adrenal question

, Luckily, I have no problem with elevated glucose. I used to have severe problems with hypogycemia, but as long as I keep my hydrocortisone dose stable my glucose is good. I have a Freestyle meter and take my measurements occasionally. Usually, when I have a lab fasting glucose to check for accuracy or during the day if I feel bad just to see if it COULD be my blood sugar. Almost always, it's 90-105. My doc did a fasting insulin in January and it was 15.3 (ref. 1.9-23.00). She said it was fine, but I honestly don't know how to interpret the test. Having dealt with failing adrenals for the past 6 years, and eventually getting to the point of being diagnosed with 's (when they got to the point where they were about 1/3 rd speed) , I can tell you that unless there is something dire wrong a 24 hour urine cortisol test is next to useless. It only tells you the TOTAL volume amount being produced during the day. Adrenals function is a 'curve'. You have the most in your system in the early morning, declining throughout the day. It bottoms out during the night then starts production around 2 a.m. in the morning, slowly ramping up. It's better to start with a blood 'snapshot' in the morning and another in mid-afternoon, if your doc will run one. Better yet, saliva tests, which unfortunately you have to arrange for through a 'forward thinking' doc, alternative doc, or go through one of the on-line laboratories on your own. These are the SAME labs doctors use, like Diagnostechs. These measure 4 samples (or more if you want to chart them, I've done up to 6 a day). Don't let an ill-informed doctor tell you they aren't accurate. Done correctly, they are. I've had at least a dozen in the past 6 years. The Mayo Clinic, Vanderbilt University and Oxford University ALL use saliva tests for cortisol measurement and in fact Oxford did a study, called a 'day curve' where they measure cortisol at hour intervals with blood AND saliva and done correctly, found the saliva to be as accurate as blood tests. I honestly don't know how adrenals impact HIGH blood sugar, but I know that low or non-functional adrenals can cause low blood sugar issues. There are others on this chat site who have low adrenal function so if you get test done, post your results.Also you may want to go to the Diagnostechs site at http://www.diagnostects.com. . They have quite of information on what the saliva test is, how to interpret, and other valuable info. Steph S.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

The 90-105 is the reading I get DURING the day, usually 1-2 hours after meals. My FBS (fasting blood sugar) runs around 56-70 on average. And, you're so right about the cortisol in the system prepping cells for acceptance of other chemical activities. I'm finding that because my a.m. cortisol is pretty much non-existant (less than 1 before meds) I can't take any thyroid meds too early in the morning until I get some hydrocortisone circulating in my system.

Just wanted to mention, I just finished praying for your family before I sent this e-mail; that the Lord would send comfort, healing, guidance and wisdom to your family in this health crisis.

Regards,

Steph S.

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups From: marin@...Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:01:25 -0500Subject: Re: ....adrenal question

, 105 FBS?? That is too high, as the top end is 100 on so many tests. And the blood sugar problems, from what I've read, with adrenal problems, is that the mitochondria of the cells won't "open up" to accept any of the substances they need. Low blood sugar, high blood sugar, insulin resistance, etc.....the list goes on and on with the cortisol "prepping cells" for certain chemical activities.

RE: ....adrenal question

, Luckily, I have no problem with elevated glucose. I used to have severe problems with hypogycemia, but as long as I keep my hydrocortisone dose stable my glucose is good. I have a Freestyle meter and take my measurements occasionally. Usually, when I have a lab fasting glucose to check for accuracy or during the day if I feel bad just to see if it COULD be my blood sugar. Almost always, it's 90-105. My doc did a fasting insulin in January and it was 15.3 (ref. 1.9-23.00). She said it was fine, but I honestly don't know how to interpret the test. Having dealt with failing adrenals for the past 6 years, and eventually getting to the point of being diagnosed with 's (when they got to the point where they were about 1/3 rd speed) , I can tell you that unless there is something dire wrong a 24 hour urine cortisol test is next to useless. It only tells you the TOTAL volume amount being produced during the day. Adrenals function is a 'curve'. You have the most in your system in the early morning, declining throughout the day. It bottoms out during the night then starts production around 2 a.m. in the morning, slowly ramping up. It's better to start with a blood 'snapshot' in the morning and another in mid-afternoon, if your doc will run one. Better yet, saliva tests, which unfortunately you have to arrange for through a 'forward thinking' doc, alternative doc, or go through one of the on-line laboratories on your own. These are the SAME labs doctors use, like Diagnostechs. These measure 4 samples (or more if you want to chart them, I've done up to 6 a day). Don't let an ill-informed doctor tell you they aren't accurate. Done correctly, they are. I've had at least a dozen in the past 6 years. The Mayo Clinic, Vanderbilt University and Oxford University ALL use saliva tests for cortisol measurement and in fact Oxford did a study, called a 'day curve' where they measure cortisol at hour intervals with blood AND saliva and done correctly, found the saliva to be as accurate as blood tests. I honestly don't know how adrenals impact HIGH blood sugar, but I know that low or non-functional adrenals can cause low blood sugar issues. There are others on this chat site who have low adrenal function so if you get test done, post your results.Also you may want to go to the Diagnostechs site at http://www.diagnostects.com. . They have quite of information on what the saliva test is, how to interpret, and other valuable info. Steph S.

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[Guest guest]

Thank you so much , and God bless all of you for praying for my family. I love all of you!

The blood sugar-----Why did I think that was a fasting sugar, not a 2 or 3 hr one? Anyway, yes, I suppose that is normal for that time frame, right? The 56, however, sounds really low to me.

RE: ....adrenal question

Hi , The 90-105 is the reading I get DURING the day, usually 1-2 hours after meals. My FBS (fasting blood sugar) runs around 56-70 on average. And, you're so right about the cortisol in the system prepping cells for acceptance of other chemical activities. I'm finding that because my a.m. cortisol is pretty much non-existant (less than 1 before meds) I can't take any thyroid meds too early in the morning until I get some hydrocortisone circulating in my system. Just wanted to mention, I just finished praying for your family before I sent this e-mail; that the Lord would send comfort, healing, guidance and wisdom to your family in this health crisis. Regards,Steph S.

[Guest guest]

Steph’s comment about HC and thyroid made me curious…If my

adrenal tests show just below normal cortisol in the morning but a lot lower

the rest of the day, would that mean my body might do better with more thyroid in

the am instead of spreading it out or taking a larger dose in the afternoon?

(Since I am not on any HC.) I’m going to try taking a larger dose in the morning,

but what symptoms would help me realize this? I don’t know how it is related,

but I feel like I have been getting more and more hypoglycemic, yet food doesn’t

sound appetizing at all.

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

[mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Stultz

Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 10:18 AM

Hi ,

The 90-105 is the reading I get DURING the day, usually 1-2 hours after

meals. My FBS (fasting blood sugar) runs around 56-70 on average. And,

you're so right about the cortisol in the system prepping cells for acceptance

of other chemical activities. I'm finding that because my a.m. cortisol is

pretty much non-existant (less than 1 before meds) I can't take any thyroid

meds too early in the morning until I get some hydrocortisone circulating in my

system.

Just wanted to mention, I just finished praying for your family before I sent

this e-mail; that the Lord would send comfort, healing, guidance and

wisdom to your family in this health crisis.

Regards,

Steph S.

[Guest guest]

Grace,

I can only speak from personal experience, but with cortisol measurements it's all relative to what the normal values are. They are supposed to be lower during the day as the day progresses, but if they are at the very low end of the range or lower than the range, that's a red flag. In my case, 6 years ago it was obvious I was in gradual failure. Stage 1 was adrenal alarm where I measured 'normal' levels in the morning but was extremely ill because my adrenals were pushing to complete exhaustion.l

Then as the months/years went by they went down, down, down until there was hardly no production in a.m. and then practically non-existant the rest of the day. This was after NUMEROUS herbal type/vitamin/adrenal extracts, you name it, I paid for it protocols. All to no avail. Then a doctor at Clymer Institute put me on Isocort, which helped some, but in the end I had to go on real hydrocortisone once we realized the adrenals were not going to 'regenerate'. Some people have success with that, some don't.

As my adrenal's started failing, so increased the hypoglycemia as well. My fasting glucose in the morning before 's was usually around 90, now as I mentioned in another post it's around 56-70...and yes, that lower number is too low. That's why I'm very careful about making sure I eat protein; both meat, nuts, beans and powdered type proteins. I can't have whey but I do have some soy protein powder (in moderation) and Swanson Vitamins makes a powdered yellow pea protein that is palatable in drinks. I also HAVE to eat a small morning snack and afternoon snack.

Cortisol and thyroid hormones work in tandem in the body. THAT'S why if you have undiagnosed 's or severe adrenal fatigue you have to be so careful increasing thyroid meds. This is mentioned in the 'contraindications' of most ALL thyroid meds in general and was the initial cause of my physical collapse 6 years ago.

The more thyroid meds you put in the body, the greater the stress on the adrenals. Forrest Pharmaceuticals basically saved my life by telling my husband when he called them (I was going downhill fast at that point) to immediately stop the thyroid meds and test the adrenals and that they only saw these violent reactions to thyroid meds in patients with this particular problem.

If you have adrenal problems, and you're NOT on HC, IMHO it may actually be better to space the thyroid meds out to put less stress on the adrenals. I KNOW it's a hard decision, whether to go on HC or not. In almost all cases, the adrenals re-set to lower production once you start HC, then usually shut down. I resisted going on HC for a long time but then it became a moot point.

The symptoms of adrenal/stress or alarm are unique to each person. Some produce more adrenaline, increasing heart rate and nausea, which can be the same symptoms of too much thyroid meds. It can be confusing too, because the body will actually produce MORE cortisol for a time while the adrenals are being 'beaten like a tired horse', which is what so confused my doctors for so long until the little things just gave up.

Steph S.

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups From: joyingrace@...Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:58:12 -0500Subject: RE: ....adrenal question

Steph’s comment about HC and thyroid made me curious…If my adrenal tests show just below normal cortisol in the morning but a lot lower the rest of the day, would that mean my body might do better with more thyroid in the am instead of spreading it out or taking a larger dose in the afternoon? (Since I am not on any HC.) I’m going to try taking a larger dose in the morning, but what symptoms would help me realize this? I don’t know how it is related, but I feel like I have been getting more and more hypoglycemic, yet food doesn’t sound appetizing at all.

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of StultzSent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 10:18 AMHi , The 90-105 is the reading I get DURING the day, usually 1-2 hours after meals. My FBS (fasting blood sugar) runs around 56-70 on average. And, you're so right about the cortisol in the system prepping cells for acceptance of other chemical activities. I'm finding that because my a.m. cortisol is pretty much non-existant (less than 1 before meds) I can't take any thyroid meds too early in the morning until I get some hydrocortisone circulating in my system. Just wanted to mention, I just finished praying for your family before I sent this e-mail; that the Lord would send comfort, healing, guidance and wisdom to your family in this health crisis. Regards,Steph S. You live life beyond your PC. So now Windows goes beyond your PC. See how

[Guest guest]

Steph, thanks for this info. That at least gives me some insight on what to research for first, if 's can cause hypoglycemia, then the assumption would be that Cushing's is what could cause the elevated glucose.

Not that I presume that I have Cushing's, however, one has to start somewhere, now doesn't one? LOL Unfortunately, like "sub-clinical" hypothroidism, most doctors won't diagnose or treat you until you have the full blown disease. However, I'm pretty adept in research, once I'm headed in the right direction, and I am nicely "assertive" with doctors...that's how I weed the one out that are worth going back to. LOL I usually go armed with lots of ammo, if I know I'm likely to be hitting brick walls.

Thanks again for you input. I've done a search on this group, for any email that has "adrenal" in it, and it is now sitting in an Adrenal Folder, for me to read up on.

Faye

Subject: Re: ....adrenal questionTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2008, 2:01 PM

, 105 FBS?? That is too high, as the top end is 100 on so many tests. And the blood sugar problems, from what I've read, with adrenal problems, is that the mitochondria of the cells won't "open up" to accept any of the substances they need. Low blood sugar, high blood sugar, insulin resistance, etc.....the list goes on and on with the cortisol "prepping cells" for certain chemical activities.

RE: ....adrenal question

, Luckily, I have no problem with elevated glucose. I used to have severe problems with hypogycemia, but as long as I keep my hydrocortisone dose stable my glucose is good. I have a Freestyle meter and take my measurements occasionally. Usually, when I have a lab fasting glucose to check for accuracy or during the day if I feel bad just to see if it COULD be my blood sugar. Almost always, it's 90-105. My doc did a fasting insulin in January and it was 15.3 (ref. 1.9-23.00). She said it was fine, but I honestly don't know how to interpret the test. Having dealt with failing adrenals for the past 6 years, and eventually getting to the point of being diagnosed with 's (when they got to the point where they were about 1/3 rd speed) , I can tell you that unless there is something dire wrong a 24 hour urine cortisol test is next to useless. It only tells you the TOTAL volume amount being produced

during the day. Adrenals function is a 'curve'. You have the most in your system in the early morning, declining throughout the day. It bottoms out during the night then starts production around 2 a.m. in the morning, slowly ramping up. It's better to start with a blood 'snapshot' in the morning and another in mid-afternoon, if your doc will run one. Better yet, saliva tests, which unfortunately you have to arrange for through a 'forward thinking' doc, alternative doc, or go through one of the on-line laboratories on your own. These are the SAME labs doctors use, like Diagnostechs. These measure 4 samples (or more if you want to chart them, I've done up to 6 a day). Don't let an ill-informed doctor tell you they aren't accurate. Done correctly, they are. I've had at least a dozen in the past 6 years. The Mayo Clinic, Vanderbilt University and Oxford University ALL use saliva tests for cortisol

measurement and in fact Oxford did a study, called a 'day curve' where they measure cortisol at hour intervals with blood AND saliva and done correctly, found the saliva to be as accurate as blood tests. I honestly don't know how adrenals impact HIGH blood sugar, but I know that low or non-functional adrenals can cause low blood sugar issues. There are others on this chat site who have low adrenal function so if you get test done, post your results.Also you may want to go to the Diagnostechs site at http://www.diagnostects.com. . They have quite of information on what the saliva test is, how to interpret, and other valuable info. Steph S.

[Guest guest]

Adrenal issues are not cut and dried. Adrenals obey the laws of the "Goldilocks Universe".

Cortisol that is too high can cause elevated blood glucose. Cortisol that is too low can also cause elevated blood glucose. Cortisol levels need to be "just right."

> > Subject: Re: ....adrenal question> To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2008, 2:01 PM> > > > #yiv1892511590 .hmmessage P {> PADDING-RIGHT:0px;PADDING-LEFT:0px;PADDING-BOTTOM:0px;MARGIN:0px;PADDING-TOP:0px;}> #yiv1892511590 {> FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;}> > > , 105 FBS?? That is too high, as the top end is 100 on so many tests. And the blood sugar problems, from what I've read, with adrenal problems, is that the mitochondria of the cells won't "open up" to accept any of the substances they need. Low blood sugar, high blood sugar, insulin resistance, etc.....the list goes on and on with the cortisol "prepping cells" for certain chemical activities.> > > > > RE: ....adrenal question> > ,> > Luckily, I have no problem with elevated glucose. I used to have severe problems with hypogycemia, but as long as I keep my hydrocortisone dose stable my glucose is good. I have a Freestyle meter and take my measurements occasionally. Usually, when I have a lab fasting glucose to check for accuracy or during the day if I feel bad just to see if it COULD be my blood sugar. Almost always, it's 90-105. My doc did a fasting insulin in January and it was 15.3 (ref. 1.9-23.00). She said it was fine, but I honestly don't know how to interpret the test. > > Having dealt with failing adrenals for the past 6 years, and eventually getting to the point of being diagnosed with 's (when they got to the point where they were about 1/3 rd speed) , I can tell you that unless there is something dire wrong a 24 hour urine cortisol test is next to useless. It only tells you the TOTAL volume amount being produced during the day. > > Adrenals function is a 'curve'. You have the most in your system in the early morning, declining throughout the day. It bottoms out during the night then starts production around 2 a.m. in the morning, slowly ramping up. > > It's better to start with a blood 'snapshot' in the morning and another in mid-afternoon, if your doc will run one. Better yet, saliva tests, which unfortunately you have to arrange for through a 'forward thinking' doc, alternative doc, or go through one of the on-line laboratories on your own. These are the SAME labs doctors use, like Diagnostechs. > > These measure 4 samples (or more if you want to chart them, I've done up to 6 a day). Don't let an ill-informed doctor tell you they aren't accurate. Done correctly, they are. I've had at least a dozen in the past 6 years.> > The Mayo Clinic, Vanderbilt University and Oxford University ALL use saliva tests for cortisol measurement and in fact Oxford did a study, called a 'day curve' where they measure cortisol at hour intervals with blood AND saliva and done correctly, found the saliva to be as accurate as blood tests.> > I honestly don't know how adrenals impact HIGH blood sugar, but I know that low or non-functional adrenals can cause low blood sugar issues. There are others on this chat site who have low adrenal function so if you get test done, post your results.> > Also you may want to go to the Diagnostechs site at http://www.diagnostects.com. . They have quite of information on what the saliva test is, how to interpret, and other valuable info.> > Steph S.>

[Guest guest]

Steph,

I really appreciate you taking the time to share all of that

with me. I guess it is somewhat a “time will tell” sort of

thing for me to see if they can regenerate or not. Everyone seems to

think they will, but I can see they thought that with you, too. I seem to

be tolerating my meds okay right now. I am not sure what all was pushing

me over the edge there for awhile. We’ll see how things progress.

Best,

Grace

From:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

[mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Stultz

Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2008 8:58 AM

To: texas_thyroid_groups

Subject: RE: ....adrenal question

Grace,

I can only speak from personal experience, but with cortisol measurements it's

all relative to what the normal values are. They are supposed to be lower

during the day as the day progresses, but if they are at the very low end

of the range or lower than the range, that's a red flag. In my case, 6 years

ago it was obvious I was in gradual failure. Stage 1 was adrenal alarm where I

measured 'normal' levels in the morning but was extremely ill because my

adrenals were pushing to complete exhaustion.l

Then as the months/years went by they went down, down, down until there

was hardly no production in a.m. and then practically non-existant the rest of

the day. This was after NUMEROUS herbal type/vitamin/adrenal extracts, you name

it, I paid for it protocols. All to no avail. Then a doctor at Clymer Institute

put me on Isocort, which helped some, but in the end I had to go on real

hydrocortisone once we realized the adrenals were not going to 'regenerate'. Some

people have success with that, some don't.

As my adrenal's started failing, so increased the hypoglycemia as well. My

fasting glucose in the morning before 's was usually around 90, now as I

mentioned in another post it's around 56-70...and yes, that lower number is too

low. That's why I'm very careful about making sure I eat protein; both meat,

nuts, beans and powdered type proteins. I can't have whey but I do have

some soy protein powder (in moderation) and Swanson Vitamins makes a powdered yellow

pea protein that is palatable in drinks. I also HAVE to eat a small morning

snack and afternoon snack.

Cortisol and thyroid hormones work in tandem in the body. THAT'S why if you

have undiagnosed 's or severe adrenal fatigue you have to be so careful

increasing thyroid meds. This is mentioned in the 'contraindications' of most

ALL thyroid meds in general and was the initial cause of my physical collapse 6

years ago.

The more thyroid meds you put in the body, the greater the stress on the adrenals.

Forrest Pharmaceuticals basically saved my life by telling my husband when he

called them (I was going downhill fast at that point) to immediately stop the

thyroid meds and test the adrenals and that they only saw these violent

reactions to thyroid meds in patients with this particular problem.

If you have adrenal problems, and you're NOT on HC, IMHO it may actually be

better to space the thyroid meds out to put less stress on the adrenals. I KNOW

it's a hard decision, whether to go on HC or not. In almost all cases, the

adrenals re-set to lower production once you start HC, then usually shut down.

I resisted going on HC for a long time but then it became a moot

point.

The symptoms of adrenal/stress or alarm are unique to each person. Some produce

more adrenaline, increasing heart rate and nausea, which can be the same

symptoms of too much thyroid meds. It can be confusing too, because the body

will actually produce MORE cortisol for a time while the adrenals are being

'beaten like a tired horse', which is what so confused my doctors for so long

until the little things just gave up.

Steph S.

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

From: joyingrace@...

Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:58:12 -0500

Subject: RE: ....adrenal question

Steph’s

comment about HC and thyroid made me curious…If my adrenal tests show

just below normal cortisol in the morning but a lot lower the rest of the day,

would that mean my body might do better with more thyroid in the am instead of

spreading it out or taking a larger dose in the afternoon? (Since I am not on

any HC.) I’m going to try taking a larger dose in the morning, but

what

,___