Are adrenal/thyroid problems are caused by a pituitary problem?

[Liz118]

Is there a way to tell if hashimoto's thyroiditis plus adrenal fatigue indicates a serious problem with the pituitary?

[Liz118]

Hi EL
I had a saliva test a few months ao, and very recently had an adrenal stimulation test, both said I had low cortisol (a.m. especially, normal at night)
I don't know if they can measure the ACTH level on the stim test since that is what they give as the stimulation, right?

[enzymelover]

  Yes.  How was your cortisol deficiency discovered?  AM cortisol blood test, saliva, or adrenal stim. test?
If it's from a pituitary problem, they will need to measure your adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level. This should be done more than one time, as levels vary on different days. This is the pituitary hormone that signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol.

[Liz118]

Hi Enzymelover
I wonder if there is anything in all of the tests I have gotten recently which would definitely show whether or not this came from a pituitary problem or now. Are there certain markers to look for?

[enzymelover]

Possibly, but not necessarily.  If you are taking a high dose of thyroid replacement, it will cause adrenal fatigue eventually for many people. Thyroid and adrenal hormones must maintain a specific balance in the body.