Adrenal Fatigue vs Hypothyroidism

Contact us to speak to a pharmacist for more information on these conditions (0800 HORMONE).

Differences between Hypothyroidism & Adrenal Fatigue:

Hypothyroidism

• Fatigue- all day long
• Feels relatively same all day long
• Foods- prefers sugary foods with caffeine
• Low basal body temperature
• Intolerance to cold
• Hair loss- scalp, brows
• Dry skin
• Stubborn constipation
• Loss of outer 1/3 of eyebrows
• Can't increase stamina
• Depression mores constant
• Hypoglycaemia not as marked
• Energy more constantly low
• Cravings for sweets, refined CHO's or high energy food that don't require digestion. (adding protein often decreases sweet cravings)
• Addition of salt doesn't change symptoms
• Crashes by 9.30pm at night
• No second wind at 11pm
• Time they get up makes no difference
• Cardiac- bradycardia most common sign
• Weight gain (not always present & not related to calorie intake)
• Weight distribution- hips & thighs
• Weight loss-very difficult without treatment
• Menstruation- heavy & longer
• Estrogen/progesterone therapy may increase symptoms if thyroid is not treated

Adrenal Fatigue

• Fatigue- early morning & mid-afternoon
• Feels worse in the morning & best after 6pm
• Foods- prefer fats & protein with caffeine
• Body temperature low if severe
• Not as extreme
• Yes in men on lateral calf
• Dry skin
• Mild constipation, often alternates with diarrhoea
• Normal eyebrows
• Stamina varies, often within day
• Depression more intermittent
• Hypoglycaemia-especially under stress
• Diurnal energy patterns
• Cravings for salt or salty foods, or high fats, with protein & caffeine
• Addition of salt improves symptoms
• Frequently tired at 9.30pm, but can push themselves through
• Second wind at 11pm is frequent
• Often feels better if can sleep until 9am
• Cardiac- can have lower volume & weaker contraction if severe
• Weight gain- not always present could be loss instead can be calorie related
• Weight distribution- abdominal apron
• Weight loss-usually decreases gradually with exercise, decreased stress & Carbohydrate intake
• Menstruation- heavy onset, often lighter by 3-4th day or may skip 3-4th & return on 5th day
• Estrogen/ progesterone therapy may help some but doesn't change AF symptoms