Adrenal Function

[Daffodilia]

Should I ask gp for adrenal function test at lower dose of pred? If so what dose? 3 mg?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Only if you think you might be suffering from Adrenal issues. 3mg would be an appropriate dose

[Daffodilia in reply to DorsetLady]

Are the issues fatigue?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Daffodilia]

That is the most common one - but I found it was just a matter of reducing slowly - and waiting until Adrenals spark.

I had random bouts of fatigue for about 8-9 months whilst reducing slowly from 6-3mg - nothing else, so didn’t bother with test.

[Arflane97G in reply to Daffodilia]

My rheumatologist told me that any adrenal issues would make me feel very unwell - fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells and to ring straight away if I experienced any of these. All ok so far but have just dropped to 2.5mg and was advised during last phone consultation not to drop any further until I can get a face to face appt. she said a drop to 2mg could trigger issues but I know every one has different experiences

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Depends. Most endocrinologists won't do it before you get to 3mg because they say the results are more reliable then though some will try sooner, 5mg for example, just to see if the adrenal glands are ABLE to produce more cortisol.