Addison’s and hypo!

[Cazzalouise]

I have had the cortisol tests at Addenbrookes. Got a phone call from a doctor Friday night at 7pm! Asking could I come in first thing Monday morning he said my cortisol was low,?the opposite to cushings which is Addison’s. I’m even more confused and frightened now have never heard of Addison’s.

Anybody have any knowledge or the same condition? I’m waiting for a thyroid test to come back from Medichecks so I can post my results. I wish I had them for tomm but I think this weather has delayed things.

Thank you in advance

[Angel_of_the_North]

Addisons is an autoimmune disease (as is Hashis) which destroys the adrenal cortex (I think) and stops the adrenals from producing enough cortisol. You'd get similar blood results from secondary hypoadrenalism. If you have it, you usually need to have cortisol replaced (as with thyroid hormones) often hydocortisone tablets. Very low cortisol can be very serious so it's a good idea to have a pendant or bracelet so people know what is wrong with you. But try not to worry as stress makes it worse. Just having a diagnosis doesn't make your health any different from the day before the diagnosis. I know someone with Addisons who has managed to run a successful bathroom showroom and fitting business for years.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Addison's today, in Europe, is most often autoimmune in origin. However, the term can equally be applied to severe adrenal insufficiency caused by, for example, tuberculosis - which is what Addison himself observed.