
Have Thyroiditis And High Cortisol Levels In Blood, Taking Levothyroxine. Thyroglobab And Thyroid Peroxidase Are High. Suggest?

Thanks!!
Need pituitary and adrenal work up.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
As you have specified that you have Hashimotos thyroiditis for which you are taking levothryoxine and you are feeling good with it, so we will not discuss that part much, though I would have liked to know your present thyroid balance.
High cortisol levels can have three important reasons, 1. coming from pituitary, 2. coming from adrenals and 3. steroids being given from outside.
High cortisol have its implications like obesity, purple stretch marks, hypertension, high blood sugars, osteoporosis etc., but you have not mentioned anything other than having trouble losing weight. You are also on HRT which also contributes to weight gain.
So now coming to your query, you need to know the source of your high cortisol. For this you need MRI brain for pituitary with contrast, if that is normal, MRI abdomen for adrenals. But before that check your ACTH levels to see if the source is pituitary or not. Check all the medicines you are taking, to find out if you are taking steroids from outside.
Regards!


My OB/GYN has treated me with hydrocortisone 10 mg, (once daily) a compound oil, which she has said is to try to reduce cortisol level. I was on it for 3 months before the May blood test. I am still on it. Is it a steroid that you are referring to, which could be making cortisol level worse??
I am also on Progesterone 300 mg, and Estradiol 1 mg. (partially to remedy severe constipation, which it did well.) (Do these inhibit weight loss/ I thought menopause, and lack of female hormones inhibits weight loss??)
I have severe anxiety (cortisol related?) to the point where I had a panic attack when I was driving on an unfamiliar highway, and found myself driving up a high hill, and having to cross a bridge high over a wide river. (Heart pounding, feeling weak, desperate to find a way to get off highway.) I have been very concerned/anxious over smaller bridges since then.
I assume that I should find a good endocrinologist. Any recommendations as to how to do that? I live near Milwaukee (WI.)
Thanks for your help!!
Iatrogenic hypercortisolism
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX , I have already answered this follow up query, twice before. once from my i phone then from my desktop. why it did not reach you i don't know. anyways, the reason for your high cortisol is drug induced. and your weight gain is also drug induced. Your TSH is normal.
As to your endocrinologist in Miwaukee, you could try this link.
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Thanks!


Are both Estradiol and Progesterone making it hard to lose weight? Are either contributing to high cortisol level in blood? Or is the hydrocortisone also a contributor to weight gain?
What does "lactrogenic hypercortisolism" mean? (any lactose/milk reference? I am indeed lactose intolerant, and have to take lactase pills when I eat milk products.)
Thanks again.
hormone replacement therapy is what you are on.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX yes you got it right.
Hydrocortisone that you are taking, whether it is oil formulation or tablet, taken orally will raise your blood cortisol levels. Drug induced high cortisol is known as "iatrogenic hypercortisolism".
Cortisol or Hydrocortisone does make you gain weight as well.
Estradiol and progesterone do make you gain weight but they do not contribute to high cortisol levels. I think I have answered most of your queries.
Regards!

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