high AM cortisol - slightly elevated TSH

Adrenal problems begin by elevated cortisol levels. This is when the body is in stress. There are some great herbs that can help with that. Once the cortisol has been high for a while, it can begin to deplete. The goal is to fix it before it drops too low.

1. The herb best known for supporting adrenal function is licorice. It has been used to stimulate the adrenal hormones for anti-inflammatory action. It is known to naturally fortify cortisol levels. (So this may be better for raising cortisol levels).

2. Ashwagandha Root and Leaf (Withania somnifera) has direct beneficial effects on adrenal tissue and function. Ashwagandha is considered to be an adaptogen. An adaptogen is any substance that helps the body function more towards its normal level. Studies have shown ashwagandha is capable of normalizing cortisol levels, whether they are too high or too low. However, in very high doses (above 35gms/day) ashwagandha can actually inhibit adrenal function.

3. Siberian Ginseng Root (Eleutherococcus senticosus). This one is good for nearly everything, but it helps your body manage stress and cortisol levels. Although it has been shown to normalize blood pressure, it should not be used if blood pressure is very high. Siberian ginseng is more normalizing than stimulatory in its effects on the adrenals and, as can be seen by its actions, it can be an important aid for anyone trying to recover from adrenal fatigue.

4. Maca (Lepidium peruvianum) - increases stamina, energy and endurance, and improve the ability to withstand stress. This adaptogenic herb helps normalize the body’s response to stress, modulate cortisol levels, reduce the exhaustion that follows a stressful event, and protect the body against the negative effects of stress.

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale) and Ginkgo Leaf (Ginkgo biloba) are two other herbs worth mentioning for their beneficial effects during stressful times. Ginger is another adaptogen for the adrenals that helps modulate cortisol levels. Gingko is a powerful anti-oxidant that helps protect the adrenal glands, the brain and the liver from inflammation and free radical damage that occurs during stress.

I take all these and I went from a state of adrenal crisis and being on meds, to just taking these vitamins. As long as I stay on this regime, I do well. These herbs also help supporting a ton of other things as well.

If you begin, start slowly. Introduce a new pill every 3-4 days. There are some other women on here that have gone by this and found positive results as well.

Good luck! I hope it helps!

The high TSH means you are hypothyroid. That can make you feel really terrible... low energy, foggy mind, weight gain. Though your T3 and T4 are in range, they could both be higher.. Usually people with hypothyroid feel better when their T3 and T4 are more towards the top of the range. Also, if your reverse T3 is high, that could be canceling out some of the T3 that you do have going for you.

It matters which doctor you work with when it comes to hypothyroidism. Endocrinologists tend to be like accountants and not look at symptoms. I've had the best luck with naturopaths. They also usually give you the option of natural desiccated thyroid replacement (like nature thyroid or armour) which can work a lot better than the synthetic synthroid. If I could do it all again, I'd stay away from synthroid altogether.

Apparently high Cholesterol levels are associated with hypothyroidism...