Should my 37-year-old husband, who has a high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 14 but normal thyroid hormone levels, high cholesterol, extreme tiredness, dizziness, low blood pressure, low vitamin D and B12, and chronic stress, start taking the thyroid medication Thyronorm 25 mg, or should he have his stress hormone (cortisol) levels checked first?
Given his symptoms of extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, dizziness, and chronic stress, it is a very wise approach to have his cortisol (stress hormone) levels checked before starting Thyronorm (levothyroxine). If adrenal function is low, starting thyroid medication first can sometimes worsen fatigue and lower blood pressure further. Additionally, correcting his low vitamin D and B12 levels will be highly beneficial for his energy. I recommend discussing these steps with his doctor to safely coordinate his thyroid treatment, vitamin supplementation, and adrenal health together.