Symptoms ?

[Seagu11]

How do you know if your adrenal glands are no functioning?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Theses are the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency-

ongoing fatigue.

muscle weakness.

loss of appetite and weight.

abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea.

low blood pressure.

depression and irritability.

salt cravings.

hypoglycemia.

But what we talk about on here mostly is not adrenal insufficiency (although unfortunately some patients do suffer from that) - but more adrenals not working to their full capacity. That’s seems to manifest itself as fatigue, very often (as in my case) as random and having no particular trigger.

In most cases it does rectify itself, but mine took about 9 months to a year to really start functioning properly once I got below the normal level produced by your own body.

You can request a Synthacen Test, but you won’t get one unless you are below 5mg Pred, sometimes lower depending on local practice.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You don't really unfortunately but an increase in fatigue as you reduce below about 7mg is a warning sign to be watchful. If you have any of the symptoms DL listed, then don't ignore them, ask your GP. And if you suddenly feel unwell, cold, shaky and feel ss if you are going to collapse, call the emergency services and tell them you are a long term corticosteroid patient now at a low dose. They will send a paramedic who will assess you and possibly give you an injection of steroid. But always keep the information handy - that is why you should carry a steroid card with details.