Underactive Thyroid and Adrenals

Dear Dr. Meletis, I have both underactive thyroid and adrenal glands. I am taking Armour® Thyroid 2 grains/day and 2 capsules of CortiTrophin® per day. My basal temperature is about 97.4 which is still below the minimum threshold of 97.8 F. I’d like to increase the thyroid to 3 grains/day. Can I take the 3 grains in divided doses - one grain at each meal instead of all three gains in the morning? The reason is that I felt a bit out of breath but my pulse is normal (about 70), which is still below 75 which was the guideline in the article on hypothyroidism. Thanking you for your attention. Regards, Mr. L.

Dear Mr. L. It is not advisable to increase your thyroid medication without your personal physician being involved in that decision. The shortness of breath is a concern and warrants a visit with your doctor regardless. If you have not already been advised to take your thyroid away from supplements and food by at least 1 hour, this may be one reason the 2 grains is not having the full effect. So, I would encourage you to visit with your pharmacist and doctor about changing the time of dosing of your thyroid. You may also wish to visit with your doctor about taking an Iodine Sufficiency Test, available at this website. Iodine deficiency is now thought to be a potential cause of hypothyroidism. You may want to read the articles about iodine/Iodoral® on this website. In addition, while working with your doctor, you may want to learn more about AdaptaPhase I as a means to support the health of the adrenal glands. Sincerely; Chris Meletis, ND