I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue and Hashimoto's

I was wondering if adrenal fatigue could be treated solely with herbal supplements and no hydrocortisone drugs?

I have only been on this new regime (desiccated thyroid in place of Synthroid, Lugols Iodine, Cortef, and adrenal herbal support) for less than 3 months. I also have low Ferritin and low Vitamin D levels, which are being treated as well.

The reason I have adrenal fatigue is because my thyroid was not being treated adequately. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 20 years ago, after the birth of my second child. I was prescribed Synthroid to treat the under active thyroid condition.

10 years ago, I developed an allergy to gluten, and have been on a gluten free diet ever since.

Approximately 3 years ago, my TSH levels were constantly changing, I had to have a blood test every 3 months, and the Synthroid dosage was adjusted for too high or too low of TSH readings.

Last fall, I switched doctors. I had a complete physical.This physician said that my TSH was low, and increased my Synthroid from .088 to 1.00 mg. This doctor said that "I was as healthy as a horse", other than my vitamin D levels were low. She knew of my gluten intolerance and refused to check my ferritin levels. I complained of many hypothyroid symptoms. She suggested I see a naturopath.

I did find a medical doctor that also uses alternative medicine. He is the first doctor that asked me "so what do you think is wrong". I knew that my thyroid wasn't functioning properly, as I never felt "right" on Synthroid. We both agreed to start using the desiccated thyroid, which in Canada is just called Thyroid, it is similar to the U.S. Armour. I also had to complete a saliva test, which measured four cortisol readings as well as the four hormones. Additional blood tests revealed Hashimoto's Disease as well as low ferritin, all of which this doctor attributes to the thyroid not being treated sufficiently. I take Lugol's Iodine, Ester C, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin D drops, Magnesium Biglycinate, Ortho Adapt (adrenal support). As well I take Celtic sea salt in water in the morning. I am currently on 2 grains of desiccated thyroid, and 10 mg of Cortef in the morning and 5 mg of Cortef in the afternoon.

My doctor thinks that I probably have had Hashi's for many years, probably when I developed the gluten intolerance, as they do go hand in hand. I never heard of Hashimoto's disease nor did my previous physicians ever suggest getting tested for it.

I have read a couple of books on the thyroid, and in one it states that if an individual had hyper-like symptoms on doses lower than 3 grains of desiccated thyroid, there's a good chance the cause is either from struggling adrenals (i.e. not enough cortisol, or too much) and/or low ferritin/iron. My iron levels are good, but my ferritin is low, and I am taking iron supplements at per the doctor's advice. The books also states that these situations can cause thyroid hormones to build high in the blood without getting to the cells. I did try to raise the Cortef to 5 mg, but that didn't help. I understand that most people do well on 3-5 grains of desiccated thyroid, some individuals need less, some more. I am thinking that I must let the thyroid build for a while, before increasing the Thyroid dosage?? Before being treated, I was very tired, somewhat depressed and had trouble sleeping at night. Since I am on this new regime I am feeling better, but I feel that I am still not where I should be. As I mentioned before I am on a gluten-free diet, I have no caffeine or alcohol. I was told not to have sugar, but I do get some sugar in the G.F. bread that I eat. I have very limited amounts of sugar (no ketchup, etc), and when I do I try to use sucanat, or honey. I drink plenty of water, and am getting more sleep. I do eat fruit, but mainly apples, pears, and berries, and I have limited the amount of them.