Hypo and adrenal issues-labs

[biznitch]

Hello all,

just looking from opinions!  I was diagnosed with the following levels:
TSH 3.56 (.45-4.0)
FT4 1.2 (.78-1.5)
FT3 3.0 (2.60-4.20)

I was put on Synthroid and over time was up to 75mg and Cytomel of 10mg.  However, I was not tested for
any adrenal problems, etc.  So, I just wasn't getting any better at all.  I had fatigue, hair loss, horrible edema, etc.  

After, 6 months I switched to a PA that specializes in hormone imbalances.  He discovered that I had adrenal hormone deficiencies.  I was low in pregnenolone, DHEA, testosterone, and progesterone.  I had been on birth control for years and went off of it about a year ago.  He had me begin taking supplements and these are the levels after
two months:

pregnenolone was 13 up to 103 now (7-188)
DHEA 61 up to 165 now (45-250)
progesterone <.05 during lutuel phase now 11.4 during lutuel phase; doctor said it should be around 15

So, I am improving taking the sex hormones.  My micronized progesterone was raised from 50 to 100 mgs on my
last visit.  So I am happy with these results.

However, my new thyroid labs are as follows:

TSH .019 (.45-4.0)
FT3 3.48 (2.70-5.7)
FT4 .81 (.78-1.5)

I am currently on two grains of armour.  Additionally, I have low iron and ferritin but am taking 200 mg of elemental iron daily to increase my levels.  These are my labs:

Ferritin 37 (6-137)
Iron total 66 (55-212)
TIBC 270 (250-425)
% Sat 24.4 (15-50)

I am not anemic based on my red blood cell and hemoglobin counts.  But close enough in my opinion!  I have
been borderline before and was able to increase it through taking ferrous sulfate.

I have been told that increasing my iron/ferritin levels will help me convert my thyroid drugs better.  My FT4 is
a little lower now, but I know that is probably due to being on the T4/T3 combo.  I still have fatigue but no
where near as bad.  However, I still have the occasional nagging swollen ankles and my metabolism is nothing.
I work out and eat pretty good but no change in weight.  In fact, I have gained since taking the progesterone.  

My doctor wants to keep me at 2 grains of armour for now; however, I don't think I am being fully medicated.  I believe
I should increase it to 2.5 or possibly 3 grains, well since both my FT4 and FT3 are below mid-range.  He believed my TSH was surpressed enough at this level and with improving adrenals/iron it would correct.

Just looking for some thoughts and suggestions!  I have gained 30 pounds over the past year from this, and I just want to feel better period!

[stella5349]

Those are bad references ranges you are looking at. Should be .3-3.0 so you classically could be still subclinical hypoT

TSH for Armour should be low and Free T3 is to be high/

[stella5349]

I AM exactly in the same boat you are in with the sex hormones and Armour.

I mock you totally

Just started my 50 in progestrone today.


Definately see an increase coming for you on your meds.

Bad news on the cream - I was told I maybe could lose some of the 30 I need off taking it.

If your adrenals are still weak - all the increases in the world won't help much. You need to repair them first