Aa
Low Free T3
I hope this site will be of help as I try to figure out what to do. Low thyroid for 16 years on Synthroid and occasionally Synthyroid with Cytomel. Current lab results - in range TSH, lots of T4 but low (out of range) free T3. I have a deep fatigue. What should I do? I have an endocrinologist who I see next week. She doesn't give much credence to the adrenal link. I wonder if my adrenals are not working very well. How is this tested? Any help gratefully received. Not doing well in North Vancouver BC Canada.
You might have a problem converting T4 into T3. You could have T3 antibodies. There are tests for these and I suggest asking your doc about them.
A few simple tests for adrenal fatigue are below. You can do them at home. I'm quoting here from a website (which I can't post the link to without getting slapped):
"Temperature test - You simply take your temp 3 times a day, starting three hours after you wake up, and every three hours after that, to equal three temps. (If you have eaten or exercised right before it
A few simple tests for adrenal fatigue are below. You can do them at home. I'm quoting here from a website (which I can't post the link to without getting slapped):
"Temperature test - You simply take your temp 3 times a day, starting three hours after you wake up, and every three hours after that, to equal three temps. (If you have eaten or exercised right before it
OK. Did the pupil test, and by the way, OW that hurt, looked like they were doing some kind of funky dance. Never heard of an adrenal link until this site. Could you explain it to me? I had RAI for Graves 4 1/2 yrs ago and have never come close to what I have a vaque recollection of what "normal" is. Wondering if this could have something to do with it. Am always still so tired have days when I can't hardly function. One really good day and I'll do all I can because I know the next will be lousy.
Dac
Dac
I know you've been doing some research on your own, so here's the quick and dirty version:
The endocrine system tends to self-compensate when one or more glands aren't working up to snuff. In many of our cases, the adrenal glands are busy pumping out cortisol in order to compensate for an underactive thyroid gland. After working so hard for so long they get tired, and can you blame them? That's why it's very common to see someone with long-term untreated or undertreated hypothyroidism having problems with adrenal insufficiency, also called adrenal fatigue.
Now, that being said (or read), how do we know for sure that we have this? Bug your doctor for a 24-hour saliva test or order yourself one online. There are blood tests, but the standard ones only measure your level at a single point. Since the cortisol levels tend to rise and fall at various times during the day, it should really be tested over 24 hours.
You should also note that those in the early stages of adrenal fatigue tend to have really screwed up timing as far as cortisol is concerned. It tends to be higher at night, rather than during the morning when it should be higher. That's why many of us suffer from insomnia or find it difficult to get to sleep at night, even when we're falling-over tired during the day.
The endocrine system tends to self-compensate when one or more glands aren't working up to snuff. In many of our cases, the adrenal glands are busy pumping out cortisol in order to compensate for an underactive thyroid gland. After working so hard for so long they get tired, and can you blame them? That's why it's very common to see someone with long-term untreated or undertreated hypothyroidism having problems with adrenal insufficiency, also called adrenal fatigue.
Now, that being said (or read), how do we know for sure that we have this? Bug your doctor for a 24-hour saliva test or order yourself one online. There are blood tests, but the standard ones only measure your level at a single point. Since the cortisol levels tend to rise and fall at various times during the day, it should really be tested over 24 hours.
You should also note that those in the early stages of adrenal fatigue tend to have really screwed up timing as far as cortisol is concerned. It tends to be higher at night, rather than during the morning when it should be higher. That's why many of us suffer from insomnia or find it difficult to get to sleep at night, even when we're falling-over tired during the day.
OMGosh! My days and nights are soooooo backwards. I would do so much better right now if I could reverse them. Don't think hubbie and little boy would go for it, though. I even had a sleep study done recently to the tune of $3,000!!! To find out basically nothing is wrong with me. Sleep wise, anyway.
Thank you so much for the info. Will be back at my endo soon so will find out then. Think I'll call Monday and see if I can get in sooner.
Dac
Thank you so much for the info. Will be back at my endo soon so will find out then. Think I'll call Monday and see if I can get in sooner.
Dac
$3000! Ack! I'd lose sleep paying that for a sleep study.
Let me know how it goes with the endo. At least you have an idea now of what might be going on.
I'm seeing a potential Dr Wonderful on Monday and going to absolutly dump on him (not in a bad way, just info overload). With any luck, he'll finally be able to tell me what's wrong. He's an MD that also practices alternative medicine. And he takes my insurance! Woot! My job for this weekend: fill out the mountain of paperwork he wants done to take to the appt. Medications, supplements, vaccinations, past illnesses, symptoms (past and present), injuries, 7-day food diary, family medical history (3 generations back, no less), etc. I'm getting dizzy just thinking about it.
Will let folks know how it goes. If he's good, I'm going to be crowing from the rooftops.... and then taking a nap.
Let me know how it goes with the endo. At least you have an idea now of what might be going on.
I'm seeing a potential Dr Wonderful on Monday and going to absolutly dump on him (not in a bad way, just info overload). With any luck, he'll finally be able to tell me what's wrong. He's an MD that also practices alternative medicine. And he takes my insurance! Woot! My job for this weekend: fill out the mountain of paperwork he wants done to take to the appt. Medications, supplements, vaccinations, past illnesses, symptoms (past and present), injuries, 7-day food diary, family medical history (3 generations back, no less), etc. I'm getting dizzy just thinking about it.
Will let folks know how it goes. If he's good, I'm going to be crowing from the rooftops.... and then taking a nap.
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