Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLinked ConditionsSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Linked Conditions
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Hypothyroidismandadrenal insufficiencyare both conditions that involve theendocrine organsand glands in the body. They share symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, weight fluctuation, and hair changes. Studies have found potential links between thyroid and adrenal disorders and how they can co-occur together.
Read on to learn more about hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency, including their symptoms, diagnosis, and management.
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Hypothyroidism and Adrenal Insufficiency
Thethyroid glandis a hormone-secreting (endocrine) organ located at the base of the neck. It is responsible for making the thyroid hormonesthyroxine(T4) andtriiodothyronine(T3).
Thyroid hormones are extremely important in regulating metabolism and temperature. When there is a deficiency, the body has trouble using energy and staying warm.
Theadrenal glandsare endocrine organs that sit above the kidneys. They are responsible for secreting several hormones, including:
Adrenal insufficiency is a condition where the adrenal glands do not make enough cortisol. Cortisol, like thyroid hormone, is involved in metabolism, but it also plays a role in blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation.
Linking Hypothyroidism and Adrenal Insufficiency
Hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency are different conditions, but they can share a common cause.Autoimmune disordersoften affect several organs and can be responsible for causing autoimmune thyroid disease and adrenal insufficiency.
Some small studies and case reports have demonstrated a possible link between these conditions:
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism and Adrenal Insufficiency
Hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency share some common symptoms. Low levels of thyroid hormones or of cortisol can lead to:
Other symptoms unique to low cortisol levels include:
Diagnosing Hypothyroidism and Adrenal Insufficiency
Both hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency can be diagnosed using laboratory tests.
The first step to check for adrenal insufficiency is doing acortisol blood test. If cortisol levels are low, the next step is anadrenocorticotropichormone (ACTH) stimulation test.
If primary adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed, other hormone levels likerenin and aldosteroneare measured.Imaging studies, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be done to look for abnormalities in the adrenal glands.
Adrenal Insufficiency vs. Adrenal Fatigue
These are uncommon conditions and are not the same as “adrenal fatigue.” Adrenal fatigue is a controversial idea that relative adrenal insufficiency from chronic stress leads to various symptoms. According to the Endocrine Society, there is currently no scientific basis for the concept of adrenal fatigue. Along with other major medical societies, the Endocrine Society does not recognize it as a condition.
Treating Hypothyroidism and Adrenal Insufficiency
Both hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency are treated with hormone supplementation.
In hypothyroidism,artificial T4 thyroid hormone, calledlevothyroxine, is administered to normalize levels. Alternatively, desiccated thyroid (Armour thyroid) derived from pig thyroid glands can be prescribed. Levels of thyroid hormones are monitored over time to ensure the dosage is appropriate.
Adrenal insufficiency is also treated with hormone supplementation. The adrenal glands are responsible for making several hormones, and low levels are replaced with:
Summary
Hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency are endocrine disorders that cause low levels of specific hormones. They have similar symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and changes in weight, mood, and menstrual cycle
While hypothyroidism is a fairly common disorder, adrenal insufficiency is much less common. Laboratory tests can diagnose both conditions and treatment involves hormone supplementation.
A Word From Verywell
Frequently Asked QuestionsHypothyroidism and cortisol levels appear to be linked. Studies have shown hypothyroidism is associated with higher cortisol levels, which is believed to be from decreased clearance of cortisol from the body. On the other hand, high cortisol levels have been associated with lowered TSH levels.The exact reasons are not yet understood.Symptoms of hypothyroidism, like fatigue, low energy, and changes in appetite, mood, and weight, can occur in many other conditions. Sleep disorders, low blood counts, adrenal insufficiency, and mood disorders like depression can cause similar symptoms.The first step in diagnosing adrenal insufficiency is testing cortisol levels. If the levels are low, the next step is to determine whether there is a problem with the adrenal glands (primary adrenal insufficiency) or a problem in the brain (secondary or tertiary adrenal insufficiency). The ACTH stimulation test is done to differentiate between these problems. If the problem is localized to the brain, a corticotrophin-releasing test can be done to localize the problem to the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus.Lab tests for renin and aldosterone are also done to look for mineralocorticoid deficiency.
Hypothyroidism and cortisol levels appear to be linked. Studies have shown hypothyroidism is associated with higher cortisol levels, which is believed to be from decreased clearance of cortisol from the body. On the other hand, high cortisol levels have been associated with lowered TSH levels.The exact reasons are not yet understood.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism, like fatigue, low energy, and changes in appetite, mood, and weight, can occur in many other conditions. Sleep disorders, low blood counts, adrenal insufficiency, and mood disorders like depression can cause similar symptoms.
The first step in diagnosing adrenal insufficiency is testing cortisol levels. If the levels are low, the next step is to determine whether there is a problem with the adrenal glands (primary adrenal insufficiency) or a problem in the brain (secondary or tertiary adrenal insufficiency). The ACTH stimulation test is done to differentiate between these problems. If the problem is localized to the brain, a corticotrophin-releasing test can be done to localize the problem to the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus.Lab tests for renin and aldosterone are also done to look for mineralocorticoid deficiency.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Adrenal gland disorders.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts of adrenal insufficiency & Addison’s disease.Yamamoto T.Comorbid latent adrenal insufficiency with autoimmune thyroid disease.Eur Thyroid J. 2015;4(3):201-6. doi:10.1159/000433532Martina M. Erichsen, Kristian Løvås, Beate Skinningsrud, et al.Clinical, immunological, and genetic features of autoimmune primary adrenal insufficiency: Observations from a Norwegian registry.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.2009;94(12):4882–4890. doi:10.1210/jc.2009-1368Ho HC, Chapital AD, Yu M.Hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency in sepsis and hemorrhagic shock.Arch Surg.2004;139(11):1199–1203. doi:10.1001/archsurg.139.11.1199National Organization for Rare Disorders.Addison’s disease.American Thyroid Association.Hypothyroidism.National Institutes of Health.What are the symptoms of adrenal gland disorders?.MedlinePlus.Adrenocorticotropic hormone.MedlinePlus.ACTH stimulation test.Endocrine Society.Primary adrenal insufficiency guideline resources.Endocrine Society.Adrenal fatigue.Walter KN, Corwin EJ, Ulbrecht J, et al.Elevated thyroid stimulating hormone is associated with elevated cortisol in healthy young men and women.Thyroid Res. 2012;5(1):13. doi:10.1186/1756-6614-5-13National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency and Addison’s disease.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Adrenal gland disorders.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts of adrenal insufficiency & Addison’s disease.Yamamoto T.Comorbid latent adrenal insufficiency with autoimmune thyroid disease.Eur Thyroid J. 2015;4(3):201-6. doi:10.1159/000433532Martina M. Erichsen, Kristian Løvås, Beate Skinningsrud, et al.Clinical, immunological, and genetic features of autoimmune primary adrenal insufficiency: Observations from a Norwegian registry.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.2009;94(12):4882–4890. doi:10.1210/jc.2009-1368Ho HC, Chapital AD, Yu M.Hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency in sepsis and hemorrhagic shock.Arch Surg.2004;139(11):1199–1203. doi:10.1001/archsurg.139.11.1199National Organization for Rare Disorders.Addison’s disease.American Thyroid Association.Hypothyroidism.National Institutes of Health.What are the symptoms of adrenal gland disorders?.MedlinePlus.Adrenocorticotropic hormone.MedlinePlus.ACTH stimulation test.Endocrine Society.Primary adrenal insufficiency guideline resources.Endocrine Society.Adrenal fatigue.Walter KN, Corwin EJ, Ulbrecht J, et al.Elevated thyroid stimulating hormone is associated with elevated cortisol in healthy young men and women.Thyroid Res. 2012;5(1):13. doi:10.1186/1756-6614-5-13National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency and Addison’s disease.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Adrenal gland disorders.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts of adrenal insufficiency & Addison’s disease.Yamamoto T.Comorbid latent adrenal insufficiency with autoimmune thyroid disease.Eur Thyroid J. 2015;4(3):201-6. doi:10.1159/000433532Martina M. Erichsen, Kristian Løvås, Beate Skinningsrud, et al.Clinical, immunological, and genetic features of autoimmune primary adrenal insufficiency: Observations from a Norwegian registry.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.2009;94(12):4882–4890. doi:10.1210/jc.2009-1368Ho HC, Chapital AD, Yu M.Hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency in sepsis and hemorrhagic shock.Arch Surg.2004;139(11):1199–1203. doi:10.1001/archsurg.139.11.1199National Organization for Rare Disorders.Addison’s disease.American Thyroid Association.Hypothyroidism.National Institutes of Health.What are the symptoms of adrenal gland disorders?.MedlinePlus.Adrenocorticotropic hormone.MedlinePlus.ACTH stimulation test.Endocrine Society.Primary adrenal insufficiency guideline resources.Endocrine Society.Adrenal fatigue.Walter KN, Corwin EJ, Ulbrecht J, et al.Elevated thyroid stimulating hormone is associated with elevated cortisol in healthy young men and women.Thyroid Res. 2012;5(1):13. doi:10.1186/1756-6614-5-13National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency and Addison’s disease.
MedlinePlus.Adrenal gland disorders.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts of adrenal insufficiency & Addison’s disease.
Yamamoto T.Comorbid latent adrenal insufficiency with autoimmune thyroid disease.Eur Thyroid J. 2015;4(3):201-6. doi:10.1159/000433532
Martina M. Erichsen, Kristian Løvås, Beate Skinningsrud, et al.Clinical, immunological, and genetic features of autoimmune primary adrenal insufficiency: Observations from a Norwegian registry.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.2009;94(12):4882–4890. doi:10.1210/jc.2009-1368
Ho HC, Chapital AD, Yu M.Hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency in sepsis and hemorrhagic shock.Arch Surg.2004;139(11):1199–1203. doi:10.1001/archsurg.139.11.1199
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Addison’s disease.
American Thyroid Association.Hypothyroidism.
National Institutes of Health.What are the symptoms of adrenal gland disorders?.
MedlinePlus.Adrenocorticotropic hormone.
MedlinePlus.ACTH stimulation test.
Endocrine Society.Primary adrenal insufficiency guideline resources.
Endocrine Society.Adrenal fatigue.
Walter KN, Corwin EJ, Ulbrecht J, et al.Elevated thyroid stimulating hormone is associated with elevated cortisol in healthy young men and women.Thyroid Res. 2012;5(1):13. doi:10.1186/1756-6614-5-13
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency and Addison’s disease.
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