Hi bethbreed. I'm glad to hear that you've seen an Endocrinologist and had blood tests. Your symptoms sound like you may be hypothyroid. When you get your results, post them here (with the lab's normal ranges) if you want any help interpreting them.
One of the main problems with thyroid issues is that the symptoms are so easy to disregard -- we think that there's something wrong with <B>US</B> if we feel depressed, fatigued, can't think clearly, have a lack of sex drive, are unable to lose weight, etc. The symptoms seem so "minor" that we think it's too embarassing to trouble a physician about them. It takes a while to realize that, as a group, the symptoms are actually your body telling you it's a physical condition.
About.com has some good articles regarding how we shouldn't ignore our symptoms:
<A HREF="http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa090500a.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa090500a.htm</A>
They've also got a treasure trove of articles you may find helpful: <A HREF="http://thyroid.about.com/cs/basics_starthere/" TARGET=_blank>http://thyroid.about.com/cs/basics_starthere/</A>
If thyroid disease is causing your weight problem, it may be easier to lose weight when your levels are properly adjusted. In the meantime, I'm glad you don't have nodules.
Your elevated cortisol level indicates that your adrenals are stressed. This may or may not be related to thyroid disease. Our Information Archive thread has some links to websites that compare the symptoms of adrenal fatigue with those of thyroid disease. And, on Page 2 of the Info Archive, there's some explanation about Maca, a Peruvian herb that supports both adrenal and thyroid problems and helps bring the body back into balance.
<A HREF="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/Forum118/HTML/000005.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/Forum118/HTML/000005.html</A>
Hang in there, don't blame yourself, and keep us informed.
