Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Hormonal imbalance?

Hi,
I am a 36 year old female. No health issues other than lower back problems. I have never been overweight other than pregnancy and soon after, with following a lean protein/ low glycemic vegetable way of eating, have lost any unwanted weight quickly. Well, that and moderate cardio/ weight training.
In the last 3 years I have put on 25 lbs with no change in eating habits. I have developed insomnia (which I treat with melatonin and val. root) I have increased my walking/ decreased my calories. Nothing gives. I have been stuck at 180 no matter my efforts. I was also diagnosed with dequervains tendonitis 3 years ago, both wrists and have had 3 non successful surgergies to open those cannals, plus a synovectomy. No relief. The scars made keloids and I burn/ ache/ throb 24 hours a day. The throbbing in my wrists just recently has now moved up both forearms, into the shoulders, across my neck and even my eyes burn and sting constantly! Could all of this inflammation + weight gain + inability to lose weight+ insomnia + acne indicate an increase in cortisol and or a hormonal imbalance? I saw my doctor who is an internist and pediatrician and he ACTUALLY laughed in my face. I am seeing on the internet that seems to be the norm. (insert sarcasm) I am not on any meds that would cause weight gain, am taking fish oil, a probiotic and ginger supplement and avoid caffeine to try and combat the inflammation but im not having a lot of luck. My doc ordered a test for RA, a test for lupus, a full metabolic lipid panel, cortisol test (blood not salivia) he says they are outlawing salivia tests ???!!   and a few other blood tests including thyroid function. I had my thyroid recently tested out of my own pocket and of course the results were normal but I am symptomatic. My doc would only do the blood test for TSH and F3, F4. He said there was absolutely no correlation between corisol and weight gain (huh?) and i need to get off the internet. Am I just doomed to feel horrible (and fat) forever and to live with this wicked inflammation or should I see a doc who specializes in adrenal problems? I will get the results of all of the tests back this week. Thank you so much for any insight. Im desperate.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Cortisol can make weight go up and down if the levels are abnormal. I hope your doctor did the tests at a proper time (8am fasting) so you can get a good set of testing. I think you are right about the norm.

Saliva testing as far as I know is still done and very valid. Many doctors use it for late night testing as most labs are not open at night. Blood tests serum cortisol and saliva and urine test free cortisol which are different forms (the doc should do urine tests too) and more meds and things can interfere like estrogen.

Your lab is using the old ranges for TSH - it should be .3 to 3.0. The thyroid looks fine to me.

Cushing's is a very difficult thing to diagnose (I had it myself) and it may take several doctors and lots of testing to get on the right track. When you get the testing back that you had done, let us know the results. Certainly your symptoms fit but doctors tend to see it as rare (while us patients see it as rarely diagnosed)  so it can be quite a battle with many of us waiting years to get diagnosed.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh and this is the report I got from the lab-

TSH 1.060  (0.450-4.500)
T4  6.5   (4.5-12.0)
T3  33   (24-39)
Free Thyroxine Index 2.1 (1.2- 4.9)
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Adrenal Insufficiency Community

Top Thyroid Answerers
Avatar universal
MI
Avatar universal
Northern, NJ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.