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