Fatigue Caused by Adrenal and Thyroid Hormones

Adrenal/Thyroid Testing

Lab Tests for Adrenal and Thyroid Function
by Erika Horowitz, ND

If you are struggling with fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, poor sleep, or depression, ask one of our doctors how a functional lab test that quantifies hormone and neurotransmitter levels can uncover your neuro-hormonal imbalances, and how managing these imbalances can alleviate your symptoms. These tests allow the doctor to pinpoint common imbalances that underlie a broad spectrum of chronic illnesses.

The best way to test your adrenal health is to measure your level of free adrenal hormones such as cortisol and DHEA. Saliva testing is preferred as it measures the amount of free and circulating hormones instead of the protein-bound hormone commonly measured in blood test. Also saliva testing is conveniently done at home four times throughout the day in order to map out your body’s rhythm and evaluate your adrenal glands’ function.

A comprehensive thyroid assessment is a thorough analysis of thyroid hormone metabolism, including central thyroid gland regulation and activity (TSH), thyroid production and secretion (free T4), peripheral thyroid conversion (free T3, reverse T3), and thyroid autoimmunity (anti-TG and anti-TPO antibodies).

If you think you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue or hypothyroidism, these self-tests can help you determine if your symptoms are related to these conditions.

Adrenal Fatigue Self-Test

0=Never 1=Sometimes 2=Regularly 3=Often 4=Constantly

Tendency to gain weight and inability to loose it, especially around the waist.		0 1 2 3 4
High frequency of getting cold/flu, symptoms tend to last longer than usual.		0 1 2 3 4
Tendency to tremble when under pressure.		0 1 2 3 4
Reduced sex drive.		0 1 2 3 4
Lightheaded when rising from a lying-down position.		0 1 2 3 4
Unable to remember things.		0 1 2 3 4
Lack of energy in the mornings and also in the afternoon between 3 to 5 pm.		0 1 2 3 4
Feel better suddenly for a brief period after a meal.		0 1 2 3 4
Often feel tired between 9 - 10 pm, but resist going to bed.		0 1 2 3 4
Need coffee or stimulants to get going in the morning.		0 1 2 3 4
Crave salty, fatty, and high protein food such as meat and cheese.		0 1 2 3 4
Increased symptoms of PMS for women		0 1 2 3 4
Pain in the upper back or neck with no apparent reasons.		0 1 2 3 4
Feels better when stress is relieved, such as on a vacation.		0 1 2 3 4
Difficulties in getting up in the morning		0 1 2 3 4

Add up your overall score:
10 or less = satisfactory level
11-20 = possible adrenal fatigue
21 or more = probable adrenal fatigue

Hypothyroid Self-Test

Severe fatigue, loss of energy		0 1 2 3 4
Weight gain, difficulty losing weight		0 1 2 3 4
Depression and depressed mood		0 1 2 3 4
Joint and muscle pain, headaches		0 1 2 3 4
Dry skin, brittle nails		0 1 2 3 4
Brittle hair, itchy scalp, hair loss		0 1 2 3 4
Irregular periods, PMS symptoms, infertility		0 1 2 3 4
Difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature		0 1 2 3 4
Constipation		0 1 2 3 4
Sleeping more than average		0 1 2 3 4
Diminished sex drive		0 1 2 3 4
Puffiness in face and extremities		0 1 2 3 4
Hoarseness		0 1 2 3 4
Bruising/clotting problems		0 1 2 3 4
Elevated levels of LDL (the “bad” cholesterol)		0 1 2 3 4
Allergies that suddenly appear or get worse		0 1 2 3 4
Persistent cold sores, boils, or breakouts		0 1 2 3 4
Tingling sensation in wrists and hands that mimics carpal tunnel syndrome		0 1 2 3 4
Memory loss, fuzzy thinking, difficulty following conversation or train of thought		0 1 2 3 4
Slowness or slurring of speech		0 1 2 3 4

Add up your overall score:
15 or less = satisfactory level
16-25 = possible thyroid hormone deficiency
26 or more = probable thyroid hormone deficiency

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