Hi Mia,
I’m glad to read you are on DHEA & did I read Testosterone too?
I have been on DHEA for over 8 years. I also was on Testosterone more recently but no longer need it as I found DHEA Troches were being absorbed well & I was converting to Testosterone well.
For me maintaining DHEAS & Testosterone at optimal YOUTHFULL levels has always played a SIGNIFICANT part in how well I feel & on my energy levels, Libido etc. It was only AFTER menopause that the Adrenal issues got so much worse that DHEA no longer was enough for me. I didnt know for a long time that DHEA was supporting my Adrenals. I have read too that DHEA may reduce Cortisol. I also read that many dont recommend DHEA for Women at all. Others say treat Adrenals then Thyroid & Sex hormones last. I dont agree when levels are as bad as you & I have that it is right to wait as it is such a BIG stressor. Certainly DHEA did help me and for a long time was the only Adrenal support I had. I also strongly believe DHEA & Testosterone are BOTH very important for Women as well as Men.
I’m not saying your Androgens & Sex Hormones are the cause or the main problem to explain all your symptoms. But having been nearly Zero on DHEAS & Testosterone AND very low on Estrogen & Progesterone too I am all too familiar with ALL the symptoms that deficiencies & imbalances cause.
Because I’ve had to educate myself & learn how to read & interpret Lab Results it was pretty easy for me to see how your results were likely affecting you symptomatically.
I think your problems are Thyroid & Adrenal related. This also affects Androgens which are Adrenal Hormones too. The Endocrine system is all inter-related it is a mistake to try to artificially segregate treating certain sections. Thats the problem with the current medical system. No one sees the WHOLE picture & do not fully appreciate the interdependancy.
Note issues with Androgens & Sex Hormones are more common with Secondary AI which I definitely am & from your ACTH Stim you are too. Note I am Menopausal (51) too while you are Perimenopausal (36).
Note too steroids suppress ACTH which also supresses DHEA, Testosterone, Progesterone & Estradiol. Mine became worse once HC/Pred started and had to find best delivery method & adjust dosages. Follow up testing 6 weeks after starting or adjusting meds is important too. Your Asthma meds no doubt would be suppressing your hormones too. High Dose Pred tapers especially.
So I would keep fighting for Adrenal treatment. With your Asthma & Allergies history adequate Adrenal meds is going to be very important for you. And I do believe that the Allergies & Asthma will reduce and many maybe disappear altogether. I dont have Asthma but I had a LOT of Allergies, sensitivities & intolerances that have mostly GONE with Adrenal meds . I was heading for a Multiple Chemical Sensitivy (MCS label too before Adrenal & Thyroid treatment.. My acute Fibromyalgia is also 99% gone & I am also off my ADD meds.
I would strongly push for PREDNISOLONE for you it has less side effects than Prednisone, can be taken 2-3 times a day as has longer action than HC & is better than HC for Asthma conditions. (better anti-inflammatory).
As to what will work for reduction of your Androgens & Sex Hormones you might be interested in what I use.
Estradiol Liprosomal Gel – important to get SOY/LECITHIN free
Estriol Vaginal Cream
DHEA Gelatin Troches- important to get flavour & sweetener free
Progesterone – I use sublingual Progest-E no script required
Here is a link to threads in which I discuss my results & HRT
Ray Peat’s Kenogen Progest-E Complex
forums.realthyroidhelp.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7573&p=59632%23p59632Dr Peats Progest E Oil
forums.realthyroidhelp.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8783&p=68907&hilit=progest+e#p68907This might be of interest too, scroll down to The Truth About Troches
Are you taking Rubbish Supplements
forums.realthyroidhelp.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=8853&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=Truth+about+TrochesAs far as Aldosterone & Renin goes I STRONGLY disagree with your Doc there. Aldosterone is another Adrenal Hormone & with all your other Hormones low it is important to test that too. Potassium & Sodium should be tested at same time as well.