Adrenal gland insufficiency low cortisol

[Barney1945]

Anyone has adrenal gland insufficiency..and what did they do for you

[Titchyj]

Hi there, I have the same problem, caused by the use of long term prednisolone. I managed to get down to 5mg about 6 years ago, but had to be put back up to a maintenance dose of 7.5mg after having a Short Synachen (spelling) test. I have since moved to a different health authority and I am now reducing again currently down to 6mg over 8 weeks then down to 5mg then another test to see how my adrenal glands are working,You should be monitored closely and if you need surgery or feel unwell you should have your dosage increased.

Hope this is of some help.

Take care

Jan

[Barney1945 in reply to Titchyj]

Thankyou Jan. I dont mind being on steroids it will help my copd hopefully .Yes that's what they are going to for me ..check in 4 weeks.

Are you well in yourself,?

Be glad to get it sorted enough with covid being around without this.xx

Regards sandy

.

[Mooka]

Have you been on prednisone? I was tested for this when I was reducing steroids. I was borderline so carried on reducing very slowly and eventually stopped taking them.

[Barney1945 in reply to Mooka]

Yes started 3 days ago 20mg for week then reduce down 15/10/5 for a week at a time..Then tested for cortisol which was low..(overuse of steroids for copd.)

Endocrine clinic said no use testing previous as I would have failed..my adrenal gland as gone to sleep 💤 and needs waking.

So what will happen .

Hope not on for life x

[Titchyj in reply to Barney1945]

Hopefully being on a high dose to start will awaken the adrenal glands and kick start cortisol. If you feel unwell at all you should seek medical advice as it could cause Addisonian Crisis, which is very serious.

As I have been on pred for such a long time I have to reduce slowly, eg 1 mg every 8 weeks.I have other health problems so not too good at the moment.

Hope all goes well for you.

Take care

Jan

[Barney1945 in reply to Titchyj]

Thanks Jan yes hopefully that happens..Take ❤ care and stay safe xxx

[Mooka in reply to Barney1945]

I have been on steroids long term a couple of times for my autoimmune disease. Both times I have got off them by reducing very slowly especially after 10mg. I was told it’s when you get down to 7/8 mg that the adrenals have to wake up. I certainly wouldn’t drop by 5mg at a time. It was also suggested that I may need to go on hydrocortisone instead but not sure if that would be an option for you. Don’t give up some people live quite happily on a low dose. I’m sure if doctors had been on steroids they would be more sympathetic to the reduction. X

[Barney1945 in reply to Mooka]

Not been tested he said i would fail test

[ninelives]

Bless you.I have been on steroids for 16 years and despite trying have been unable to reduce,despite reducing slowly the side effects were horrendous so hospital have given up and leave me on maintenance of 10 mgs.

Good luck with your reducing schedule ,do exactly what you are advised by medical team,and let us know how you get on.

[Barney1945 in reply to ninelives]

Thankyou hopefully the test will give good results xx