Hydrocortisone

[loobyloo1975]

Hi

I have been struggling for around 8 years after coming of the combined pill for on and off 20 years. I cannot seem to shake the feeling of exhaustion when I am just still no matter what I try. I have very low bp but it doesnt drop on standing I just feel giddy, I struggle with a low body weight despite eating alot and I had what felt like an overactive nervous system for a while but seem to have that under control. My blood sugar is low so I eat little and often. I feel better after i have got into excercise or had a stressful event but only at the time, I then crash with feelings of nausea, headache shortly afterwards. My body feels physically tired all the time like I have run a marathon after hoovering! However I dont feel the need to sleep, I get good sleep of 7 hours most nights. I have had 3 SST test all subliminal. My last 9am cortisol was 185nmol but the subsequent SST test showed a 9am of 318nmol rising to 428nmol. I have seen the consultant today who was reasonably helpful and suggested a two week trial of Hydrocortisone. he has ruled out Addisons as no antibodys and my ACTH was ok i think. I am a bit nervous of jumping onto the HC and wondered if anyone else has had any luck with the adrenal glandulars? I long to feel better but apart from the above am pretty well, I just seem to have weak adrenals, (I think only right side as this is where the pain is, I can almost feel it throbbing but told this wouldn't be possible!) Any advice would be much appreciated.

[greygoose]

Well, to be honest, it depends how low your cortisol is in the morning. Did you do an 8 am blood test, or a 24 hour saliva test? If so, what were the results and ranges?

HC works - can work wonders - there's no doubt. But it's not something to take unless you really, really need it. It can lower potassium, and cause water retention.

I've taken HC - and hope I never need to take it again! But, I've never tried adrenal glandulars. Some people do well on them, some don't. You have to try them to know if they work for you.

But, good adrenals need good levels of nutrients. Have you had your vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin tested? Adrenals need lots of B vits and vit C. They also need good protein - a high protein meal as soon as you get up - and a good level of salt intake.

But, if you do go the HC route, make sure you never take it after 1 pm. Just in the morning, when the adrenals are working their hardest. It's just to give them a little helping hand, during their busiest time of the day.

[loobyloo1975 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks my 8am was 185nmol blood test then the sst did 9am 318nmol rising to 428nmol all blood tests. I am a little nervous with the hc as it's not clear cut that I need them just a trial to see if my symptoms improve!

[greygoose in reply to loobyloo1975]

The SST only tells you if you have Addison's. If you don't, it doesn't give any useful information. Your 8 am looks low, but difficult to tell without a range.

As long as you don't take HC after 1 pm, it's not going to do you any harm. But, whilst it might clear up some symptoms, it might cause others. So, be aware that water-retention is a side-effect of the HC, not a symptom of anything else. Make sure your doctor tests your potassium frequently whilst taking HC.

Very few things are ever clear-cut where the endocrine system is concerned. We just have to try things and see what happens.

[loobyloo1975 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you, their low range was 150 and then a rise to over 480 after acth which I obviously didn't reach. I guess I have to give it a go I feel so exhausted it may just help and I really have tried everything else. I have seen so many alternative practioners and given everything a go! Some helps for a short while but nothing has worked. I feel for people with full blown Addisons they must be on their knees!

[greygoose in reply to loobyloo1975]

I expect they are. Yes. If it doesn't suit you, you can always stop it, no harm done. But, don't go cold turkey. Come off it slowly.

[loobyloo1975 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks, good to get some advice.

[greygoose in reply to loobyloo1975]

You're welcome.