Confused

[Pa1965]

Dr. Lupo,

My TSH level just came back from my doctor as 1.25.  I'm assuming this is normal, yet I have all of the symptoms of hypothyroidism.  I am extremely intolerant to cold, hoarse voice that I get often, very lethargic lately, very low body temperature, etc.  I just did an iodine patch test on the skin where if the stain goes away after 24 hours, your thyroid may be low.  If it stays, thyroid is supposed to be normal.  It's been almost 24 hours and the stain is there, but very slight, so I don't know what to make of that.

I'm wondering if this could have anything to do with adrenal fatigue or perimenopause (I'm almost 43) mimicking low thyroid, or if it sounds to you like low thyroid even though my TSH is 1.25.  I'm currently getting my adrenal hormones tested since I also wake up through the night every night unable to get back to sleep.  I hear high cortisol levels can do this as well as mimic low thyroid.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Pam

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Your TSH is normal.  To complete the thyroid tests, T4, T3 and TPO antibodies can be done.  

Adrenal fatigue is a complicated question -- currently traditional endocrinologists do not endorse this concept, and even those who believe in it state it really boils down to lifestyle modification -- stress, sleep, alcohol, diet, exercise -- etc, etc.  But they will sell you several supplements to aid the "recovery" of the adrenal glands.  I don't know if this helps or hurts, but many people are doing it.

The iodine patch test has no research to back it -- even those who use it state this.  

[Pa1965]

Dr. Lupo,

Thank you very much for your response.

Pam