Adrenal Glands functioning test?

[Pr0jection]

Has anyone had a blood test to determine whether or not their adrenal glands are functioning while tapering off prednisolone?

[SheffieldJane]

Yes I have had the Synacthen Test that measures your Adrenal System’s potential to function and produce the Cortisol that has been hitherto provided by Pred. I had the blood test twice, having failed the first one whilst on 5 mgs of Pred. The second one showed a normal ability to function, I was taking 3 mgs of Pred at that time.

[Pr0jection in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you for replying

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Just a note - it doesn't show they ARE functioning, just that they are capable of doing so. It only tests one factor in a very complex system - like a full fuel tank won't mean the car will start if the battery is flat!

[Pr0jection in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, even showing they are capable of functioning is something. I'll ask my doctor about it later this week.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pr0jection]

What dose are you on? There is little point doing the synacthen test until you are down to 5mg and many endocrinologists say 3mg.

[Pr0jection in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your reply.

[diana1998]

Yes I did last year at 5mg. Results said capable of working. Not much help though as had to go up to 7mg and am tapering back down again. On 5.5mg at present. Soooo Slow for me. The idea of ever reaching 3mg seems inconceivable!

[Thelmarina in reply to diana1998]

You will do it! Take your time, watch stuff that makes you laugh on telly 😅. This too will pass..❤️

[Pr0jection]

Thanks for your reply. I've got down to 7.5mg having been on 15mg two months ago. I know I'm nowhere near the 3mg but I wanted to do some research into this before my next appointment with the rheumatologist so I can ask the right questions.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pr0jection]

IF you are able to taper further at that sort of speed the likelihood of adrenal problems does recede. HOWEVER, it is PMR that holds all the cards and while 7.5mg may be plenty, 5mg may be well below what you need. Patience ...

[tangocharlie]

I wrote a long detailed post about adrenals and how you know if you have problems and what you do about it. Basically you would probably feel VERY unwell, super fatigued, dizzy. Here is the link

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...