And yet ANOTHER adrenal/thyroid thread! :) Specific question:

[OneGrassRoot]

I just returned from the consultation to review my salivary test results. Cortisol was part of the lab test but not thyroid; it was primarily reproductive hormone levels I was having tested.

Not surprisingly -- which is the case for so many of us -- my primary problem is most definitely extreme adrenal fatigue according to lab results. I learned two decades ago that I'm very susceptible to this even more so than the average person, so this is very much my underlying problem. I feel confident of that and it's nice to have it confirmed. The adrenal depletion is affecting everything else, of course, as it controls the endocrine system, to my understanding. So, even though I'm not menopausal, the adrenals are affecting those levels and almost without question my thyroid as well.

Here is my question: I really don't want to pay for another test, and the thyroid test is quite expensive. Does it make sense to you guys that I replenish the adrenals with the regimen I've been put on, as my thyroid and other hormone levels are likely to change as my adrenal levels adjust?

If my adrenal function improves, the thyroid function has a good chance of improving on its own, without direct supplementation. Is that a true statement in your experience or based on your understanding?

If after a few months of the adrenal supplementation I don't start noticing a difference, then maybe I can get my thyroid levels tested. It just seems unnecessary at this point as, to me, replenishing the source of these imbalances -- my adrenals -- could lead to other issues becoming balanced naturally.

Thanks! :hi:

:grouphug:

[Sanity Claws]

1. Any dieteary suggestions?

Just wondering whether the doctor talked to you about dietary or lifestyle changes, besides issuing a prescription.

Good luck in your treatment.

[OneGrassRoot]

2. Yes, yes. Diet and exercise (lifestyle) changes...

were part of what we discussed.

And it's a natural approach. He is a compounding pharmacist -- a traditional pharmacist -- but promotes a natural, "whole" approach. I was so excited to walk in and see Nature's Sunshine and tons of other natural approaches.

They put me on NutriPlenish Adrenal (Natural Creations..never heard of it before, but they focus on synergistic blends) and a few other things.

We'll see. :)

[Sanity Claws]

3. Would you mind sharing some of these recommendations?

I would love to know non-drug methods of improving adrenal function.
Thanks!

[OneGrassRoot]

4. Not at all! In a bit I'll type some things out, but basically...

it's the Mediterranean Diet -- 80% fruits and veggies, 20% meats.

More importantly, it's staying away from things that deplete adrenal function: prescription meds, processed/refined foods, alcohol, caffeine and carbonated beverages.

The basics we already know.

In glancing at the sheet I was given, the recommended diet seems rather common sensical: fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, high-protein snacks (nuts, nut butters).

I'll type the intro paragraph here:

"For proper adrenal function, stress must be avoided (lol...sorry, couldn't resist laughing at that). Continuous and prolonged stress causes adrenals to work harder, leading to impaired functioning. Many hormones are produced by the adrenal glands, and when they function insufficiently it can lead to impaired functioning of the bodily processes regulated by these hormones. Medications can also create adrenal insufficiency. Long-term cortisone therapy can shrink adrenal glands. Insufficient adrenal function can create symptoms of fatigue, depression, irritability, poor motivation, lethargy, blood sugar irregularities, headaches, food cravings, weakness, allergies, weight gain and more. Other factors that contribute to adrenal insufficiency include poor nutrition, smoking, drug and alcohol use."

:hi:

[Sanity Claws]

5. Thanks

I still have a glass of wine about once a week. I really should eliminate it entirely. Same for coffee. I have it once every week or two.

BTW, what percentage of your diet should be grains?

[OneGrassRoot]

6. Your wine is fine -- unless you know your body doesn't react well...

to even that small amount. A few glasses of red wine a week, from just about any source I've ever read, is fine.

I told him coffee is my biggest problem (2-3 cups a morning and I really don't want to cut it out) and he didn't push me getting rid of it. My diet is essentially fine; incorporating MOVEMENT is my problem. Of course, having no energy to do so is that Catch-22 situation.

The sheet they gave me seems to be very similar to what is shown at this site:

http://www.mediterraneanbook.com/the-mediterranean-diet/


:hug:

[Sanity Claws]

7. Energy

I have to leave but this evening I'll send you a link to a Donna Eden video on something you can do when you are out of energy. It involves thumping or massaging a point on a meridian, IIRC.

[Sanity Claws]

11. OGR - link to Donna Eden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrgujSXftao

This is the first video in which she gives the names of the thumps, etc. to do. What she is referring to is in the videos that follow. The linked video is numbered 4 so go to 5, 6, etc. to see the routine.

These techniques will require five or ten minutes a day but are much easier to start off than running a mile.

Sorry about the delay in posting the link. I forgot about it.

[OneGrassRoot]

12. Oh, great! Thank you. :)

:hug:

[OneGrassRoot]

8. An update

I know so many of us struggle with thyroid-related issues that I wanted to keep this discussion going.

:)

I would still appreciate thoughts as to whether or not you feel I do need a thyroid test, or if it makes sense to others that I treat the adrenals first and go from there....

I am continuing with Raw Thyroid as I also take the adrenal formulation (natural, but prescribed via compounding pharmacy); I'm almost out and may get their over-the-counter desiccated thyroid formulation. I just can't afford the thyroid test and don't see the need for it (or I'm trying to convince myself there is no need. ;) )

ANYWAY, I've been taking this adrenal preparation, which is a three-part approach, since Wednesday. I've also been taking a compounded progesterone topical cream (stronger than the over-the-counter yam-based cream I had been using) since Thursday.

The only thing so far that I can tell a difference in are two symptoms.

In recent weeks, I started getting REALLY cold extremities. That is unusual for me, as is being cold in general.

I also have been having fairly significant palpitations, mainly upon lying down.

I knew both were potentially thyroid/adrenal/hormone related.

Sure enough, both of those have resolved. :)

The fatigue level hasn't been affected as yet, unfortunately. I really thought I'd see a significant difference immediately, like a huge BOOST to my system, but not so much.

Then again, I haven't started exercising or incorporating movement into the mix yet either. I MUST do that starting today. I simply must...... :banghead:

So, I'm hoping that with two rather prominent symptoms already resolved, the fatigue and other symptoms (diffuse alopecia) will also start to resolve soon.

:hug:

edit for typo

[OneGrassRoot]

9. Oh, another thing has resolved....

constipation.

I've NEVER had that problem until the last month or so.

That resolved right away, without any other changes in my regimen.

:)

[Manifestor_of_Light]

10. Read up at this website:

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

Also go to http://thyroid.about.com and read everything by Mary Shomon. She is the person to ask about thyroid problems. I have been taking Armour Thyroid for forty-something years, since I was pre adolescent. I have the autoimmune kind of hypothyroid.

I saw Dr. Oz on TV talking about thyroid and how the Armour might be better for some people than Synthroid. I was amazed! Most drs. think synthroid is better, and it isn't.

Good luck.