Hypothyroid Cortisone Treatment

Hypothyroid occurs when the body does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone. The thyroid hormone's purpose is to regulate and maintain the body's metabolism. As many as 10 percent of women are thyroid hormone deficient. The disorder is fairly common, and many people may not even know that they have it.

If you have hypothyroidism, it's important to check for related conditions, so that you can approach treatment in the right manner.

Treatment Options

• Once a diagnosis of hypothyroid has been made, usually by a blood test, treatment will be implemented. A simple thyroid hormone pill taken once a day, preferably in the morning, has been shown to be effective. The hormone pill, known as Levothyroxine, is a synthetic replica of the natural hormone, and it is available in multiple strengths. In some instances, cortisone treatment may be recommended.

The Connection Between Hypothyroid and Cortisone

• Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid, but it can have long-reaching effects. Hypothyroidism causes a slowing of the body's functions, including the function of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are triangular in shape and are located on top of the kidneys. Their purpose is to produce several steroid hormones, including aldosterone, testosterone and cortisol.

  Cortisol (cortisone) is a hormone that regulates the immune system's response. It also has a an effect on the muscle breakdown of tissue, and is associated with the decrease of muscle growth hormones. Cortisol can also impact mood, sleep, libido, bone, ligament and cardiovascular health, and even athletic performance. However, its primary functions are to increase the breakdown of fats and proteins, and inhibit glucose uptake.

  Disorders of the thyroid and cortisol can go hand in hand. The American Thyroid Association reports a study that found patients with adrenal insufficiencies may also have hypothyroidism, and when the first issue was addressed, the latter improved. The study goes on to say that when three patients with adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism were treated with cortisol, thyroid function returned to normal.

  Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce a sufficient amount of hormones, cortisol in particular. Common symptoms include chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss. Treating the insufficiency requires replacing the hormones that the glands are not producing. Since cortisol is most often the hormone that is not being produced, synthetically made glucocorticoid (hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone) is used in its place.

  If you or your physician suspects that your continued symptoms are caused not only by hypothyroid but by adrenal insufficiency as well, the treatment plan should involve replacing the hormones that the adrenal glands aren't producing. Before adding any additional medications to your regime, however, your physician should conduct a blood test to confirm the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency.