Cortisol Levels, Thyroid Function, and PCOS: Assessing My Health Concerns
I want to clarify that I'm not attempting to self-diagnose, but I find myself confused by the overlapping symptoms of various conditions, making it challenging to identify my actual health issue. Here are some key details regarding my situation: - I am a 25-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 1 inch and weighing 125 pounds. - The last time I had my period was in June 2024. Up until then, my menstrual cycle had been consistently regular since I was about 12, with no significant PMS symptoms, heavy flow, or irregularities. - Blood tests conducted multiple times have shown normal results for all hormones except for estradiol, which has ranged between 10 and 20, and progesterone, which has consistently been below 0.2. - While some test results were deemed "normal," they have raised a slight concern for me (though not for my doctors). My cortisol measurements were 13.4 in the morning and 9.49 in the afternoon. My TSH levels were 2.35 in one test and increased to 3.93 a few months later. My fasting glucose has regularly been around 80, while my random glucose measurement was 68, and the postprandial glucose was 65. - An MRI indicated a "deviation of the pituitary stalk, potentially linked to a small pituitary adenoma." - An ultrasound examination revealed "multiple well-defined, oval-shaped images that were anechoic with posterior acoustic enhancement, measuring several millimeters, and located around the peripheral stroma." - I have been experiencing several symptoms: difficulties staying asleep (frequently waking up, especially around 3 AM and unable to drift back to sleep), persistent fatigue, challenges with weight loss, heightened hunger, increased anxiety, and noticeable hair thinning. - The birth control I tried (which contained drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) exacerbated almost all of these symptoms, leading me to stop taking it after just two weeks, although I did experience withdrawal bleeding afterward. - My lifestyle is generally healthy, as I focus on whole foods and engage in weight lifting and running. I was given a diagnosis of PCOS. Does this seem accurate? If it is, what steps can I take considering that birth control did not alleviate my symptoms, and I also appear to have indicators of potential thyroid, pituitary, or cortisol-related issues?
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 3:30:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're navigating a complex situation with numerous overlapping symptoms that could be linked to several conditions, including PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, and potentially hormone imbalances related to cortisol or pituitary function. Let’s break down your concerns and focus on immediate steps.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms and test results suggest possible hormonal imbalances, notably related to PCOS and potential thyroid issues.
- The MRI finding of a pituitary stalk deviation could indicate hormonal regulation issues worth monitoring.
- Specific lifestyle adjustments and symptom management strategies may help you feel better.
Explanation:
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly presents with irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic concerns like weight management and insulin sensitivity. Your consistently low progesterone and estradiol levels, along with the irregular menstrual cycle, align with PCOS symptoms. The thyroid results and MRI findings require attention as they could be interacting with your reproductive hormones.
Your experience of persistent fatigue, mood changes, and sleep disturbances can also be influenced by elevated cortisol levels or other hormonal imbalances. The previous birth control method you tried seemed to worsen your symptoms, indicating that you may need a different strategy.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, mood changes, sleep patterns, and diet. This information can be invaluable when discussing further management options with a healthcare provider.
-
Observe Menstrual Cycle: Monitor any changes in your menstrual cycle over the next few months; note the frequency and any other related symptoms.
-
Stress Management: Implement stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or breathwork, which may help lower cortisol levels and improve sleep.
-
Dietary Focus: Ensure your diet supports hormonal health. Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high fiber foods, and protein while limiting refined sugars and processed carbohydrates to help manage insulin sensitivity.
-
Physical Activity: Continuing your routine of weight lifting and running can be beneficial. Consider integrating exercises that promote relaxation and recovery, like yoga or swimming, as well.
-
Revisit Healthcare Providers: Schedule follow-up consultations with an endocrinologist or a reproductive endocrinologist. Discuss your complete hormonal picture, including the pituitary findings and any potential impacts of your elevated cortisol and thyroid levels.
-
Explore Alternative Management: Since birth control exacerbated symptoms, discuss with a healthcare provider other management options specific to PCOS symptoms, which could include lifestyle modifications, targeted supplementation, or other medications.
-
Community Support: Consider connecting with support groups for people with PCOS or hormonal issues. Sharing experiences can provide emotional support and additional strategies.
Taking these steps can potentially improve your symptoms and provide clearer insights into your health. You're on the right path by seeking clarity, and your commitment to understanding your health is an essential part of managing it effectively. Let me know if you need more detailed information on any specific aspect!
Related Questions
Privacy in Health Records for Alberta Teens: Navigating Birth Control Access
I am a 15-year-old girl, seeking guidance on how to obtain birth control without involving my parents. I created this new account for privacy reasons since my regular profile includes my personal details. I have some questions regarding the process of acquiring the pill in Alberta. I apologize if I am posting in the wrong forum, but it appears that r/Alberta restricts new users from posting. For a while, I've been considering starting birth control. Thankfully, I haven’t taken the step yet, but being 15 years old, I want to ensure I handle this correctly. My plan was to visit a local clinic after school to obtain a prescription and then fill it at a nearby pharmacy. Now, I’m anxious that if I receive this prescription, it will appear in my Alberta health account, potentially alerting my parents since they could see it just like my other prescriptions. Does anyone have suggestions on how I might discreetly approach this? Alternatively, I'm considering an IUD since it could provide a longer-term solution if I can find a way to get it inserted. Is it possible to order it online or perhaps ask a friend to help me, even if it's not entirely secure? I don’t mean to delve into a political discussion here, but it seems unfair that confidentiality can be compromised so easily!
Understanding Bilateral Adrenalectomy
Hello! I’m a 30-year-old female who has recently been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease after a thorough evaluation. My diagnosis followed a series of tests, including morning cortisol levels, ACTH testing, late-night saliva tests, a 24-hour urine analysis, IPSS, and a desmopressin stimulation assessment, all conducted by my endocrinologist. Despite undergoing two surgeries on my pituitary gland, my cortisol levels continue to be elevated. Unfortunately, due to other underlying health conditions, I cannot take medication, which leaves me with the option of a bilateral adrenalectomy. I have an appointment with a surgeon coming up soon. What should I anticipate regarding the procedure? Are there specific questions I should pose to my surgeon or ways to prepare myself? I am feeling quite anxious about this surgery, but I realize that I cannot continue to endure this situation. I feel exhausted, and Cushing's disease has severely impacted my overall well-being. I appreciate any insights you may offer.
Examining the Safe Use of Narcan in Healthy Individuals
As someone with red hair, I’ve come across studies suggesting that individuals with this hair color may have a higher tolerance for pain. I recently stumbled upon research discussing how an eccentric scientist administered naltrexone to some red mice, resulting in a reduction of their pain threshold to what is considered typical. This seemed to correlate with a gene that influences the body's opioid receptors. I'm curious about trying Narcan to determine if it has any noticeable effects—I'm not concerned about the placebo effect—but I'm uncertain if it would have adverse effects on me since I don’t have any opioid dependency. To give you an overview of my health profile: I’m a 27-year-old male, weigh 160 pounds, stand 6 feet tall, and I’m currently not on any medication nor do I have any history of medical issues. I appreciate any insights!
Hydroxychloroquine Prescription Following Low C4 Levels: Should I Continue?
Demographic Information: 19 years old, Assigned Female at Birth. Medical History: Diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), reactive gastropathy of unknown origin, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). Some of my healthcare professionals suspect mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), though I have not been formally diagnosed. Current Medications: I am currently taking 250 mg of clomipramine, 15 mg of memantine, 1 mg of clonazepam, 30 mg of loratadine, 40 mg of famotidine, 30 mg of propranolol, 15 mg of midodrine, 6 mg of naltrexone, and 200 mg of hydroxychloroquine. Additionally, I use iron and vitamin C supplements to address low ferritin levels and take 3 mg of melatonin as needed for sleep. Several months back, I consulted a rheumatologist upon recommendation due to unexplained rashes, joint swelling, and discomfort that couldn't be attributed to my current conditions (I initially believed they were linked to ME/CFS, but my ME specialist had doubts). Despite blood work showing no indicators of autoimmune disorders—such as normal levels for ESR, CRP, ANA, and RF—I was still referred to rheumatology. The rheumatologist conducted further extensive blood testing and subsequently prescribed hydroxychloroquine. He suggested I may have undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) but did not formally diagnose me. While I value his expertise, I want to ensure that I am only taking necessary medications. My apprehension stems from the fact that, among 18 blood tests performed, complement C4 was the only abnormality, which was recorded as slightly low. The battery of tests included assessments such as creatine kinase, a myomarker panel, HLA association panel (including celiac screening), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), complete blood count (CBC), ESR, CRP, anti-CCP, ANA, anti-dsDNA antibodies, anti-RNP antibodies, anti-Scl70 antibodies, anti-centromere antibodies, anti-Sm antibodies, anti-Ro antibodies, anti-La antibodies, and complement C3, alongside C4. I have been on hydroxychloroquine for three months and have noticed some improvements: although my fatigue persists, the rashes on my hands and wrists appear less severe, my fingers look slimmer, and joint pain has diminished. This does lend some reassurance about continuing the medication; however, I am concerned that these benefits could be attributed to either a placebo effect or the low-dose naltrexone rather than the hydroxychloroquine itself. My primary worry is the potential adverse effects of using hydroxychloroquine if it is not warranted for my condition. Are there specific signs I should monitor or indications suggesting that this medication might not be necessary? Should I alleviate my concerns, or is there reason to be cautious? Any insights would be immensely helpful, thank you!
Seeking Guidance on Hormonal Treatment as a Trans Man
I am a 21-year-old transgender man (FTM). About a year ago, I began receiving testosterone injections using a product called Testoviron, administered at a dosage of 125mg biweekly. During my most recent appointment with my endocrinologist, we chose to switch to an alternative injection called Nebido, which is a 250mg dose given every 12 weeks. My concern is whether extending the interval between these injections will slow my overall progress. Additionally, I've heard it may be necessary to have a second shot six weeks after the initial one to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. After reading some online, I noticed that this advice is common; however, I feel uncertain as my endocrinologist appears to have limited experience working with transgender patients. This has left me anxious about the potential effects of the hormonal therapy. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on this matter.