Adrenal support

[PMRpixie]

After 3 years I have reduced pred very slowly from 15mg after diagnosis down to 5. The side effects have been a losing battle and I don't feel close to "normal" yet. I fight that overall hurt and heaviness, and fatigue. I bought a product called Adrenal support which many users rave about the boost of energy level. I'd like to get an opinion on how it would work with still being on 5mg and the waking up of adrenals.

[SheffieldJane]

What’s in it PMRpixie?

This is your 3rd winter and that is a hard time for us and it’s been a bad one.

[SnazzyD]

Hang in there, it’ll be warm soon.

Just a quick thought, do you still take Vit D and/or get your levels tested? Low levels won’t help you one bit especially at this time of year when most people are rock bottom by now.

[PMRpixie in reply to SnazzyD]

Yes, Snazzy D, I take vit D plus have been here on a 2 month vacation in the warmth of Hawaii. Hardly have energy to put on a swimming suit.

[Hidden]

Hi PMRpixie

I have PMR I’m on 5mg (well l was) but have had another episode with being over exhausted, l had one in September (l call it hitting the ‘steroid wall’ where I just can’t function, exhausted, tired beyond any kind of ‘normal’ tiredness) and had another episode two weeks ago, I doubled my steroids on the day to 10mg, saw my GP & I’m now on 7mg as still feeling well below par.

I’m due to have a Short Synacthen Test at the end of the month to see how my adrenal response is.

But meanwhile l would be interested in the ‘Adrenal Support’ is it Vitamins?

Many Thanks

Mrs N x

[ConventCassie]

I started (after all these years) taking a multi vitamin. Seems to help.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are no "supplements" that will make adrenal glands work when they aren't able to. Companies selling "adrenal boosters" make a great deal of money out of people buying them for a non-existent "illness".

[kate1978]

It's taken me 4 years to get down from 15 m to 3 , really tried getting down to 2 and a half but however slowly I do it I end up getting ill

Fortunately I don't seem to get the exhaustion that you and others have mentioned

[Asbeck]

Dear PMRpixie. I am not an expert. Interestingly, I lost my body hair!!!!! Have some on my face (luckily it's very blond), and a few eye brow hairs, and hair on my head--that's about it. But it's coming baaaaack. I re-acquired some on my arms and legs, and maybe the under arms are getting ready to sprout. I started heavy duty Prednisone in November of 2013. I seem to be able to function on 6 mg. now. (I'm in the middle of the slow method of reduction from 6.25 to 6.00. Yes I know 25 mg.--big deal.) The re-acquisition of hair seems to accompany my having more energy. I think that loss of body hair is a symptom with regard to the adrenal gland and the hpa endocrine system. Anyway with the hair coming back, I notice that I feel more energetic as well. I think that it's related. Maybe you want to look at your arms, legs etc. as a back up to your wondering about your adrenal gland.

[PMRpixie in reply to Asbeck]

Thanks Asbeck.

I haven't lost body hair which has always been thin but my head has become very thin from nearly the first week of pred. My energy level has me scared. Have seen several doctors who have no answers. I thought adrenal function would improve after reducing to 5mg but after so much time I'm feeling no energy return at all.😕

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PMRpixie]

Have you had a synacthen test to see if your adrenal glands are still CAPABLE of producing cortisol. In some people they are not able to do so after a long time on pred - and however slowly you reduce or whatever supplements or diet you try they won't recover. In that case you need an adequate dose of steroid to replace the cortisol or you can become very ill. Continuing lack of energy and fatigue are indicators that may be the case. Even if the adrenal glands could produce cortisol they may not be doing so due to a hiccup with another part of the the very complex feedback system that governs it.

I know doctors who aren't aware of it - and others who have told me it is VERY rare. Since I know of at least half a dozen people on the various forums who are on life-time pred because their adrenal function has not returned - I'd say it isn't as rare as they think. So start pushing your doctor to check your adrenal function.

[PMRpixie in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks so much! When I get home next month I'll ask about it.

[Asbeck in reply to PMRpixie]

As usual PMRpro has the ultimate answer. I am so sorry that you are feeling scared and without energy. I hope that you can get the synacthen test.

[PMRpixie in reply to Asbeck]

Thanks Asbeck.