I was reading your article about thyroid and adrenals and have a question for you.
From what I understand, high cortisol levels block the conversion from T4 to T3, and instead it is converted to reverse T3, which slows down the metabolism.
My question is, if this high cortisol levels continue for long periods of time and then your adrenals become exhausted, thus, producing less cortisol, will the thyroid start converting T4 to T3 again normally because the adrenals are already exhausted and can't produce enough cortisol to block the T4-T3 conversion, or will the thyroid still be in a "blocked" state, even though the cortisol levels are not high, because the adrenals have became exhausted?
Thanks and your help is greatly appreciated, Roberto
Great question. When cortisol is TOO HIGH or TOO LOW, it disturbs normal function. When cortisol is first too high it interferes with the coversion, but when it falls to low it continues to interfere with the conversion process.
Dr. Lopez, I think I might have a slight thyroid condition because I did your test and I scored a 9, which seems pretty high, although I do have many of the symptoms. I had the normal blood tests done at my doctor's office but he said the tests were normal. Why, if the tests were normal do I have the symptoms? Thanks, Betty
You sound like many of my patients I work with, they have all the symptoms - yet the standard blood tests don't show it. This is common and it's fairly simple to explain.
Standard blood test are great for measuring certain things, but they are not the best way of measuring hormones. For the last 40 years we have been using blood tests to measure hormones, but in the last decade, research has shown there are much better ways to measure hormones - unfortunately, the people who run all the blood labs don't want to lose a lot of business so they are slow to want to accept saliva test as a better way to measure hormones.
The advantage of measure saliva over blood for hormones - is that saliva measures what is called "free-fractioned" form. Simply stated, it measures the amount of the active hormone.
One the other hand standard blood test for hormones usually measure, serum-bound levels of hormone - essentially meaning they are measuring both the active and inactive hormone. That information isn't as valuable. Plus it is cheaper to measure hormones in their active form (free-fractioned) through a saliva test than a blood test.
I hope this helps, let me know if you would like some help. I also can ask for a thyroid panel when we measure your adrenals. Which takes us to your main problem. As I said, more the 80-90% of all suspected thyroid problems are a result of adrenal exhaustion and fatigue, which is why your doctor can't explain it. He doesn't know the value of the adrenal glands...remember they are typically taught how to treat symptoms...not restore health.
Dr. Lopez, I had thyroid cancer surgery in 2001 and I have never been the same since. My vocal chord was paralyzed and the doctor didn't recognize it and said that I was experiencing anxiety. I couldn't breathe and after every word I made little involuntary gasps. I was sent home that way and after much searching I went to a pulmonologist and he diagnosed the damaged chord. It took 5 months for it to mend, but I am still taking 3/4 of a tablet of Ativan to relieve the sense of tightness in my throat. Ever since the surgery, I have experienced so many weird feelings, especially a sense of being detatched from my surroundings; like I am walking in a dream state. In my research I found the word "depersonalization" and it really describes what I am experiencing. I have managed to adjust to it, but it has really taken its toll on me. I feel like I've lost "me", if that makes any sense. I am taking Armour Thyroid plus my vitamins, calcium, magnesium and flaxseed oil. All my labs come back normal now, but I still have this awful "depersonalization". Is this "out of your field" like I hear from all the other doctors. If it is, can you at least point me to whose field it is? Thank you so much. Carol
It does make sense. Here is the first thing I would think about doing is measure your cortisol, DHEA and thyroid. Many labs who measure hormones often use blood and that's OK if they measure what is called "free fraction" forms. Unfortunately most labs measure hormones using serum-bound protein, which is not as reliable or usable, which is why measuring hormones is best done through saliva.
Remember, cortisol interferes with thyroid horomones, which could explain many things, and even though you are taking Armour, your body still has to convert this inactive hormone T-4 into the active form T-3. Cortisl interferes with this process.
So, lets get those things measured first and that will give us a great starting point to work from. If you want my help, please feel free to contact my office and we will help you. I can't tell you how many times I hear patients tell me there lab work is fine and then we go and test for some things and find out differently and get them headed in the right direction.
There is also some additional information on my BLOG that can help you with thyroid help.
Hello, I am a 57 year old post menopausal woman with what I think my be (not been diagnosed), exhausted adrenals. I fall asleep in chairs, after meals, and need a nap at least twice a day to keep going. I have tingling in my feet and hands and sometimes arms and legs go to sleep and I have to really get moving to wake them up. I have a history of high cholestrol but I can't fight this fatigue. I have mild to acute leg cramps at night and occasionaly my toes cramp as well...(anytime). I also am a survivor of oral cancer (96) and have changed my lifestyle to take better care. I do not take medication of any kind and I try to supplement. I am concerned because my blood tests are normal and I saw that a saliva test was more conclusive. Am I missing something?
I am glad to hear that you are taking better care of yourself, but you should not be that exhausted, especially if you tell me you are using supplements and eating better.
Let me first suggest that we measure your adrenals to determine your cortisol and DHEA and see the impact stress has been having on your life. That would be the best first step.
Listening to your symptoms, I might also include the test to measure your thyroid at the same time, this is and additional expence and you will need to contact my office in order for us to properly administer the test.
Yes, saliva tests are much better than blood when it comes to measuring hormones. I can't tell you how many times, we have uncovered thyroid and adrenal problems that are missed by blood test.
Four weeks ago I was diagnosised with hypothyroidism with a TSH of 256. I was given Synthroid 75. I started having paralyzing spells where I could not talk or move but I was not unconsious they lasted for about 20 minutes. I was placed in the hospital where they upped the synthroid to 100. I continued to have the paralyzing spells. After 5 days inthe hospital undergoing every test they could thinkof They sent me home to convalese with a conversion disorder diagnosis. Im on my own now and need to find answers and treatment. does this sound adrenal to you? chris
It definitely could be an adrenal problem...about 90 percent of all thyroid problems are PRIMARY Adrenal problems...unfortunately mainstream medicine doesn't see that...and i think that is because there is NOT a drug for them to prescribe.
Anyway, check out the latest post I put on my blog about how stress can affect thyroid function and conversion.
secondly, I would definitely get off of the synthetic thyroid hormone they are giving you and get a more natural source like Armour or westroid.
And most importantly I would get your adrenal glands measured to see what is going on....let us know if you need some help or a second opinion....we can setup a consultation to make sure you are headed in the right direction.
