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Adrenal Fatigue vs. Hypothyroidism

Michael Lam, MD, MPH
www.DrLam.com

Before You Begin

Information presented here is for general educational purposes only. Each one of us is biochemically and metabolically different. If you have a specific health concern and wish my personalized nutritional recommendation, write to me by clicking here.




The following table outlines the key signs and symptoms' differences between adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism.

Note that it is not unusual to have concurrent presenting symptoms of both low adrenal and low thyroid function. Those who have poor body temperature regulation are more prone to have mixed presentation. This group of people may present a steady low body temperature from low 90's to a little below 98.6. They may also present a slight exaggerated response of body temperature compared to the environmental temperature characterized by a sensation of hot when it is warm, and cold when it is cool.

Those who have mixed type presentations are the most challenging. Resolving the adrenal component should take precedence and is the key to a total healing process.

 

Characteristics Adrenal Fatigue Hypothyroidism
Body Measurements
Weight Early: gain weight; severe - cannot gain weight Generalize weight gain
Body Temp 97.8 or lower Low 90s to 98.6
Temp regulation fluctuating and exaggerated Steady
     
Mental Function
Mental Function Brain Fog Slow thinking
Depression Sometimes Frequent
     
Physical Looks
Eyebrows Full sparse outer 1/3
Hair Thin, sparse on extremities Coarse and sparse
Hair loss Sometimes Common
Nails Thin, brittle Normal to thick
Peri-orbital Tissue Sunken Puffy
Skin Thin Normal
Skin tone Dry Oily or moist
     
Internal feeling
Ligaments Flexibility Good Poor
Fluid retention No Yes
Pain Headache, muscular, migraines Joints, muscles
Reactivity Heightened and hyper-reactive Hypo-reactive
     
Medical condition
History of Infections Common Occasional
Chronic Fatigue Yes Yes
Orthostatic Hypotension Frequent No
Blood Sugar Tendency toward hypoglycemia Normal to hyperglycemia
Heart Palpitation Frequent No
GI function Irritable or hyperactive Constipation and hypoactive
Malabsorption Yes No
Sensitive to Medications Frequent Normal
     
Personality Trait
Personality Traits Type A Type A or B
Obsessive Compulsive Frequent Mixed
     
Habits
Sleep Pattern Wake up 2-4 am Sleepy
Temperature Tolerance Intolerance to Cold Intolerance to Heat
Food Craving Craving for sweet and salty Craving for Fat



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I hope you have enjoyed reading this article. If you have areas you don’t understand, comments (good or bad), or if you have a specific health concern, feel free to write to me by clicking here.

 

About The Author

Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certification in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. He has authored numerous articles and the following books: The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity, How to Stay Young and Live Longer, Estrogen Dominance - Hormonal Imbalance of the 21st Century, and Beating Cancer with Natural Medicine.

For More Information

For the latest anti-aging related health issues, visit Dr. Lam at www.DrLam.com. Feel free to email Dr. Lam by clicking here if you have any questions.

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©2009  Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.

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