Adrenal hormones high
Posted , 3 users are following.
Morning cortisol --25.9-- range--4-22
ACTH--53---range--6-50
i have hashis and diabetes 2 low estrogen am 69 yrs female do I have an adrenal problem? My vit D level is 44 my vit B-12 is 358 doc is doing vit deficiency labs. I am worried because when I try to raise my thyroid meds they don't seem to help and I get more fatigued.
Tsh2.38
ft3--2.7
ft4--1.1
i know I need more than the 68.5 synthyroid that I am on because of fatigue. Some help needed for the high cortisol and ACTH is it a adrenal problem?? Called docs office and they never get back to me. Need to know now please help .
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shellyC19 jean97781
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I am an RN - Nurse and live in the USA. Our blood cortisol reference range in USA is 7-28. So you would not be considered High here. You are slightly over in your UK ref. range of 4-22. I am ssuming this is blood level and not a 24 hour urine collection sample.
Your T4 is low and should be 4.5 to 11.2 and maybe you are not able to take LEVO and make T3 enough. Ask your MD for another type of thyroid med. Are you taking it an hour before meals? Maybe you should try Armour Thyroid. It is NDH. Your TSH is okay but I willrely on your symptoms.
As long as your estrogen is low you should not see cortisol levels go haywire. How about your mineral panel, potassium, iron, magnesium, etc...that all has to be okay for Levo (synthroid), to work well.
Meds like Dilantin, or epilepsy drugs can spike your cortisol levels. Try a different thyroid med, as our bodies are complex sometimes a pill stops working well, and I had to go through a bunch of them. I suffer with Hashimoto's and was on Armour for years. I was unable to take LEVO. I was not converting T4 into T3 well.
I hope this helps Be well - Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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jean97781
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shellyC19 jean97781
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Yes, 24 hour urine is to see the amount of cortisol put out in a 24 hour period. It is a very good test to see how much is in your urine in that time period. The Dexamethasone tablet you take allows them to 'shut off " the adrenal gland and then check by a few blood level draws for your cortisol level. They sometimes need to check and draw blood at different times of the day.
Some people may have a tumor on the gland and it can secrete the hormone also, so it tells the doctor if you have a problem.
I had this done when they were testing me for Cushing's syndrome. It is a good test and will help the doctor rule out any adrenal problems.
I hope this helps, Shelly
shellyC19 jean97781
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Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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jean97781
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jean97781
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jean97781 shellyC19
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jean97781
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shellyC19 jean97781
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The ANA test is good for Lupus, Hashimoto's, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Sjogren's. It is looking for antibodies only.
The Cushing's Test is a blood draw test over a period of 24 hours with you taking the Dexamethasone tablet to "shut off" your adrenal gland. It also can be detected from the 24 hour urine test. They can tell by that and it is easier. I hope this helps.
shellyC19 jean97781
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Normally DHEA levels decrease around age 30 or so in women. Your level is a little high for your age, and I wonder if you have an adrenal tumor that is making extra hormone. They can see that on a CAT with dye and I would ask for that test. have you had that done?
Keep me posted, sorry for the delay in answering. Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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I have an adrenal tumor and did the above tests you are going to do. My tumor is not making any extra hormone and was less than 1 inch big.
The problem with these tumors is if they are in an area like the adrenal cortex of the gland and then they would have to remove the whole gland! you can live with one gland but since I was not having any symptoms I decided not to have it removed. Mine was found by accident when they were doing a CAT scan for a kidney stone.
Yes, they can remove it -depending where it is as a single tumor. If your cortisol is high, it would be wise to remove it and yes, it can cause problems like Cushing's Syndrome. It can make you feel awful and fatgue goes along with that syndrome. There is a related link to thyroid disease and adrenal gland problems. Yes, extra cortisol is going to interfere with your thyroid meds.
Ask your doctor to order a CAT scan with dye, to see what is going on. Let me know how the Dex test came out. I guess the next step would be to image it after your blood work. I had an endocrine surgeon who ordered my imaging.
Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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Yes, the Dexa tablet and 24 hour urine collection test are very good tests to see what your TRUE cortisol level is. Since the tablet will "Shut off" for a short time your adrenal gland and if you are making too much it will be in your urine. I did it also. You must get all your urine in the time period. If it comes back high, you may have a tumor there. Let me know how it goes.
Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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Okay, I hope all goes okay. Thinking of you,
Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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jean
jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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Shaking can come from a myriad of things. You could have low blood sugar episodes or it could be related to your medication for thyroid as it is absorbed in your body, or your adrenal gland maybe producing too much cortisol and the bodies reaction.
It is hard to say, but keep a log of it and at what times it happens, since it may be helpful to your doctor to know.
Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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When I was in my mid 20's I was on synthroid that was 1987. However I was on a small dose and my TSH was still low. I woud get heavy cramps and loose bowels maybe 7 times in a day from Synthroid. Doc put me on Thyrolar and still TSH T3 & T4 would be bad. So he switched me to Armour Thyroid and it was good until it was hard to get at my local pharmacy, so I am on just T3 - Cytomel. It made me feel the best, and I was not tired anymore and my T3 level was good and so was TSH. I have hardly any T4. I just can't absorb it well and convert it to useable T3.
It really was years for me playing around with different ones to see what works. I have a good GP and he looks at my symptoms and not just blood levels. He was the one who figured it out, for me. Endo's just wanted Synthroid....LOL.
Armour is a good drug, and some say you can find it over the Internet. Check and see if your local pharmacy carries it. I liked it, and it may work better on you. It is natural dessicated hormone.
I hope this helps. Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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I am sorry to hear this! Hang in there! I am glad you will have an MRI though. It sounds to me, like a tumor on your adrenal gland and it is making extra hormone in your body. It is common to have a tumor but it is not good when the tumor acts like the gland and makes extra cortisol.
Please let me know what the MRI finds out. Sorry for the delay in answering. Be well, Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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I have a tumor also on my adrenal gland. When they did a CAT scan on my kidney, looking for a stone, they saw the tumor on my left adrenal gland. I did the 24 hour urine and it was a little high for cortisol. Blood was okay. My tumor was under an inch and so far not functioning.
It is common to get a tumor on the gland, the problem is where on the gland it is the tumor, and if it is "functioning" and making extra hormone. Mine was very small and not yet functioning.
Yes, most of the time they have to remove the whole gland which sits on top of your kidney. The good news is you have 2 of them, bad news is, you may or may not make enough of your adrenal hormones if one is removed. However, if the tumor is doing it, it would be best to remove it. I believe it is a tumor, more than Pituitary Gland. We grow things in our bodies as we age. You will know for sure after your MRI and I hope it all goes well.
Keep me posted. Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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thanks for explaining this info to me so fast really helps. I hate feeling so sick. Between the thyroid and now the high cortisol this is not fun! Need to get rid of this fatigue. Ty again jean
shellyC19 jean97781
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No problem, we all are in the same boat. I am so glad to be able to help in any way I can. It is nice to have this forum and to reach out and hear from people who have our conditions. When I first got Hashimoto's thyroid disease there was no Internet and no support groups.
If you need to have it out, I think you will feel better in the future. Thank God for modern medicine and having good imaging. Be well, Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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jean97781
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shellyC19 jean97781
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Any doctor can order an MRI or CAT scan. Please see an Endocrine Surgeon. I saw one because they are the doctors who can operate if needed. This doctor is both a Endo and a surgeon.
Have your GP refer you to an Endocrine Surgeon. Also call your Endocrinologist up and ask to be placed on a wait list in case anyone cancels an appt. with him, you would like to see him earlier.
Please tell the receptionist you are not well and have high levels of cortisol and would like to have an earlier appt. and to be put on a wait list or can they fit you in earlier than August 21.
If needed see if you can see another Endo in your area. You really need the Endo-surgeon. Keep me posted. Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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Yes, a CAT scan with dye can show it but an MRI is much, much better! They need to see the way a tumor is orientated on your adrenal and a clearer picture is gained from an MRI. I had both. My CAT scan found the tumor by accident, looking for a kidney stone. I later did an MRI of it.
The better the picture the more accurate the diagnosis will be. They need to measure the length and see how it is attached, etc...
Any doctor can order an MRI or CAT scan. Tell your GP, what is going on. Keep me posted. Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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The Dexa Tablet can "Shut off" the gland and it's hormone in a temporary timed period. I guess you could ask your GP if you could take it, (maybe every other day), to help reduce your high levels. It is not used that way normally. It is normally used for a blood test to get the so called true level. It is really hard to stop the gland on a long term basis. They do surgery as a permanent solve. Ask your GP, if anything can be done in the short term. Let me know, Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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Try and post a new post under Adrenal Gland on this forum. Right now you are on the Thyroid forum. This is a British web forum and we both are in the USA. I know some of the ladies talk about Adrenal issues but go look under "A" on the index. I am sure there are others on here just maybe not on this thyroid forum. I hope this helps, Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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did you have any reactions to contrast dye after your MRI?
shellyC19 jean97781
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No I had no reaction to the dye. When they are going to do the dye, it feels warm from Head to Toe. It goes very quickly in your IV port or IV line, and it is painless other than the warmth. It is short lasting and well worth it. After the MRI you should drink lot's of water to flush your system. You do have to stay still while the MRI is going. I hope this helps. Did you see if you can be on the wait list for the Endo? Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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I knew it was not your pituitary gland....LOL. I think your doctor wants to make sure the first 24 urine was not a fluke. Doctors like to have 2 blood tests that are abnormal. It helps them prove to your insurance company, that you have a real problem! Sometimes they have to show your file to your insurance company for approval of an MRI or for futher diagnostic work. Do it again, I am sure it will be high.
She should order a CAT scan or MRI of your adrenal glands. Keep pushing for that! I am sure she will.
I only had to do the 24 hour test twice, blood once. I am sure you have a growth on the adrenal gland. I think the growth is creating extra hormone (cortisol) in you.
It is common for thyroid people to have cysts or tumors on our adrenal glands. keep me posted on what happens. Don't worry it will be solved soon.
XO, Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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I am sure your MD will order CAT or MRI of adrenal glands. If you can send a fax or e-mail to your doctor requesting it. That way it gets in your file. They have to keep a copy of any requests or letters etc...Kindly say "you believe the problem is with your adrenal gland and it needs to be imaged."
Any MD can order an MRI or CAT in the USA. I hope this helps. Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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jean97781 shellyC19
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Still waiting to see doc on Friday going to ask for a cat scan of adrenals. Redid 24 hour urine and dexa pill test came back high normal lower than the overrange last month. Why do you think it did that? Still having bad fatigue spells.
barbara98940 jean97781
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shellyC19 jean97781
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I am so glad you have a CAT scan scheduled. Well, the 24 hour test still was high. Glad it was "high Normal" but it still is coming out on the high side, so I still think you have a tumor or a growth that is producing extra cortisol. I am hoping the CAT scan shows something, so you can know for sure. The fatigue is related to this. Let me know when it comes back or what the doctor thinks when you see him on Friday.
I was thinking about you today. XO Shelly
jean97781 barbara98940
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jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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Make sure to let the doctor know this. I am sure you told them. Thank God for imaging today, and I know it will show what is going on with the gland. Keep us posted. XO Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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jean97781 shellyC19
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1-- she wants me to get MRI disc to look at it.
2-- wants me to have a PET scan full body.
Do pet instead of cat to rule out any cancer . Then maybe a nasal tube thing to look at pituary don't know it's called.
Shelly I just found out the ACTH test wasn't done right at lab. They were supposed to use a chilled tube then spin and freeze the blood draw. Should I have it done again?
shellyC19 jean97781
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Yes, that is a good idea to get your imaging and make sure you keep the disc and let them "burn" one - if they need to keep it. Most hospitals will give you first one for free, then they charge up to $25.00 or more for extra's. So make sure you get it back in case you need to see a surgeon.
PET scan is a good test and will tell if the growth is cancerous, and yes, do it, since you need to know that! It could be cancerous and it is very important to know early so it cna be treated correctly. The scan does not hurt but they have a special contrast.
I know they can image your brain area via a nasal scope and my hubby had one done for polyps that were near his brain. I would also agree that it is wise to do that. It is amazing what they can see on imaging and it helps to diagnose you correctly and if a surgeon needs to do surgery they would need it. It may be called stereotatic imaging.
Yes, repeat the ACTH if needed. Lab people make mistakes and if your doctor needs that test, then I would redo it.
I am so sorry that you have this problem. I hope it is not cancer. I do think you have growths that are causing this high cortisol. I am glad you did the CAT and prior MRI. Let me know when you are scheduled for your tests. XO Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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do you think my ACTH level 53 range--6-50 is really that high to be concerned about cancer?? Or is she just covering all bases?
jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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I would say you are a little over the normal ranges. I think it is a "growth" and that it is making extra cortisol. Most adrenal growths are non-cancerous. Cancer is quiet and many people do not even know they have it. How was your other blood work? Sodium & RBC's tend to go off of normal when you have a cancerous tumor. If they are okay, that is a big help.
It is wise to rule out Cancer. Why not? So I agree with looking at it that way.
Any growth could produce or be functioning like your adrenal tissue and give you extra of both Cortisol & ACTH. I do agree with looking at it via the PET Scan, as that will let you know and give yo peace of mind. When is the PET Scan scheduled for? XO Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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jean97781 shellyC19
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does this mean my midnight cortisol is to low?
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jean97781
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shellyC19 jean97781
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The highest ranges tend to be early morning and mid morning times of course without exceeding the so called "Normal Range." It looks that way from your results, that it is too low.
When did you get set up for the PET Scan?
XO, Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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It normally is low-ish during sleep hours, then in early a.m. it builds a higher amount. The next highest should be mid morning.
Maybe the adrenal gland is damaged somehow and it is causing it to not produce enough even during the low hours. The adrenal gland could be intermittenly working, over producing in a.m. and sort of too low at times.
It really needs to be looked at for a growth or for damaged areas.
XO Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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Another problem that can make it too high in morning and maybe too low at night, is a condition called "Cushing's Syndrome". You can also have it as an intermittenly condition. An Endocrinologist would know about this more.
XO, Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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having a PET scan next Tuesday finally. My repeat ACTH test came back normal. Midnight saliva cortisol normal. Will let you know when pet comes back. Jean
shellyC19 jean97781
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Oh that is good news. Please let me know when it comes back. I will send you via a Private message my e-mail. XO Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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had my PET scan this morning. Will hear wed or Thursday. I lost your e-mail address could you send again?
shellyC19 jean97781
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Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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Armour Thyroid is good. Give it a try. Well I used to take it and it does work and it comes in different amts. Your doctor will know the right amount to start at.
I am glad the cortisol came down, that is great news. Let's try the Armour Thyroid out and see how you do.
Keep me updated, Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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i am on arm our 60 is it normal to have ups and downs when first starting? It's day 4 on arm our.
shellyC19 jean97781
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Armour thyroid is a natural made from a pig's gland thyroid med. It can take 6 weeks to see a level stabilize. It takes the body a while to adjust and then if the level is still low, it can be adjusted.
XO, Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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jean97781 shellyC19
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shellyC19 jean97781
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That is wonderful news. Armour is a great thyroid med. Glad to know it is working. Keep us all posted.
XO< shelly> shelly>
jean97781 shellyC19
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i am on armour 60 for 18 days is it to early to look for increased energy?
shellyC19 jean97781
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It normally takes about 6 to 8 weeks to see a new level. Then you should have your blood drawn and from there it may be increased to a larger dose if the blood shows low.
Hang in there, you have a bit more to go.
Shelly
jean97781 shellyC19
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jean97781 shellyC19
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been on the armour for 88 days the 60 bumped to 90 the last 45 days feel so much better on it than the synthyroid and cytomel it's much more stable too.
shellyC19 jean97781
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Happy New Year! Oh that is great news. Armour Thyroid id a wonderful med and has been around way before Levo. I was on it in the early 1990's but since I have a T4 converting problem, I just am on T3 Cytomel. However this is wonderful news!
Keep in touch and if anything comes up just ask. It is good to know you feel much better.
XO, Shelly