Adrenal fatigue.

[Jonet]

I have been treated for adrenal fatigue for years to no avail by naturalpaths. I have bad dizzy spells and continual rapid heartbeat. Seen cardiologist, had Ct scan and MRI. Blood test, everything is good. I am at the end of my road. Should I see an endocrinologist? I don't know what else to do.

[mischa]

Hi Jonet.

To be honest I doubt very much an endo or a cardiologist will help unless you have Addisons or Cushings which are the extreme ends of adrenal fatigue. Anything in between they do not recognise. But more information is needed from you in order for someone to help you.

What are you taking the for fatigue and how was it diagnosed? Have you had a cortisol saliva test done recently to see what is going on? This will show you your cortisol output over the course of a day and whether it is high or low - two different ways to treat. Was your blood test for cortisol? Have you had a 9 a.m. blood test for cortisol? Sorry for all of the questions. Are you hypothyroid?

If you have had the saliva test done could you put the results including ranges in another post on here. If you haven't you can get this done through Thyroid UK.

Depending on the test results, there are several ways to treat adrenal fatigue.

Someone may come along and give you some more advice.

[Jonet in reply to mischa]

I have had saliva test done numerous times. I don't have the numbers with right now but all 3 doctors have agreed with blood and saliva results. The supplements I've taken have all been from them. I am currently taking Kavinace, Adaptocrine, Cataplexy G and using AdrenaCalm cream. I have been on this regime for almost 4 months with no changes. Also take all vitamins and supplements including all the B's.

[humanbean]

How do you know you have adrenal fatigue?

How are you treating your adrenal fatigue?

What supplements and prescribed meds do you take regularly?

Saying blood test results are good is not helpful. For example, many doctors will tell people that a Vitamin B12 level of 202 with a reference range of 200 - 700 is absolutely fine because it is in range. But it only just scrapes into the range, the person is likely to be very deficient, and they ought to be tested for Penicious Anaemia. Then they should supplement in the appropriate fashion once the results are known.

So - saying results are good is not informative. We need numbers and reference ranges.

[Jonet in reply to humanbean]

I don't have the numbers with me right now.

[Hidden]

Yes, see an Endocrinologist but be sure he believes there is such a thing as adrenal fatigue and is willing to do ALL the tests not just the basic common ones. I have been dealing with adrenal issues including a cyst for years with no one taking enough interest to explore further. Finally saw a new endo in April (referred by a doctor I trust and has steered me to the right doctors in the past.) He has worked me up, done tests I didn't even know existed and told me depending on the test results my cyst may have to be removed. Wasn't happy but willing to take his recommendations. Fortunately the surgery isn't necessary at this time though might be down the road. He is keeping a close eye on the situation. I was a nurse and thought I knew what to ask for with previous docs but this guy is impressive. And I'm very cynical about healthcare. I am also angry that I have had this cyst-picked up accidentally on a gallbladder MRI 15 years ago and no doctor thought to investigate until now. Again there are thorough endos and the others. Be sure you see one who will listen to your history and take your symptoms seriously. Take care. irina

[CornishChick in reply to Hidden]

Hi Irina could you let me know the tests you had for adrenals please? Aside from vitamins etc, I have only had synacthen and adrenal saliva. What else do you recommend please?

Many thanks.

[Hidden in reply to CornishChick]

Hi CC. Here are the tests I had. I won't bore you with the results as your lab may have different numbers. The reason he did such an extensive workup was because the results would dictate whether or not the cyst needed to be removed right away. Fortunately, all my values were good and now he will reevaluate every year or so. Some of the tests have explanations too lengthy to include. I had to google them to understand what was done and why.

Cortisol

Dexamethasone serum

ACTH

Metanephrines fractionated plasma

Normetanephrine plasma

Total free Metanephrine and Normetanephrine

Aldosterone/plasma renin activity

Aldosterone/renin activity ratio

To be honest I don't understand 100% of what these tests mean as he sent me the results online and I don't see him til next month. I'm just happy they say 'no surgery for now'. Hope this is helpful. BTW, all tests were drawn early in the am (by 8am) and the evening before I was given a 1 mg dexamethasone pill to take. I also had nothing by mouth from midnight after taking my pill.Take care. irina 😊

[Barrister]

I have a rapid heartbeat - the lowest is 90 and the highest it’s been has been over 130. I’ve had lots of tests and it just seems that my heart beats fast. There’s nothing wrong, that’s just the way it is.

Clemmie

[Hidden in reply to Barrister]

Just my opinion but if it were me I wouldn't be happy with a heart range between 90 and 130. That is not a healthy range. How did your doctor arrive at his/her conclusion that there's no problem and that is just normal for you? Don't mean to scare but I would want a second opinion specifically from a cardiologist or an Electrophysiologist. .Since you've posted in the thyroid forum are you aware that there are many of us who eventually develop atrial fibrillation. My root cause was mismanaged thyroid care after neck radiation years ago. Have you had a complete thyroid workup? Your post worries me. Take care and let us know what transpires. Also, can you provide more info? age, past labs with ranges, etc. There are many knowledgeable people here who can offer suggestions but I think they need more specific information. I would also include symptoms however vague they may seem to you. Please take care of yourself and investigate your pulse situation further. Also, let us know what other tests besides labwork you've had-with results. Take care. irina

[Barrister in reply to Hidden]

I’m not scared, I’m an ex nurse. I’ve seen a cardiologist, had an ECG, an echocardiogram and as many blood tests as you could shake a big stick at. Also had an angiogram in the past. My heart is healthy just beats fast. And has done for many many years. I was diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency late last year but that has nothing to do with my heart beating fast.

Clemmie

[momindenver in reply to Barrister]

Perhaps there is a link between adrenal insufficiency and fast heart rate. When do you notice the fast heart rate? If it is mostly in the morning, or when you are dehydrated, it could be you are volume depleted from a lack of ACTH. Besides cortisol, the adrenals put out aldosterone, which helps regulate sodium and water balance. If your ACTH doesn't respond appropriately (which can happen when the ACTH is suppressed due to exogenous steroids) the aldosterone could also be insufficient. For me, I had to take in a lot of extra sodium chloride and water to keep my blood pressure high enough, which also decreased my heart rate to within normal range. It's been 1.5 y since my last epidural steroid injection, and my adrenals have finally almost recovered. (Median time is 20 mos, can be up to 5 years for recovery!) Now I"m working on optimizing my thyroid meds, including T3, which is helping the adrenal response. Just something to consider. Best wishes!

[Hidden in reply to momindenver]

Did another series of rounds of pain management injections from April 2017 to April 2018. Everything in me did NOT want any more, now I will be steadfast in my denial of them. I was concerned they would make Degenerative Disk Disease worse, but didn't consider systemic, further ramifications. THANK YOU!

[momindenver in reply to Hidden]

Let us know how things go. I wonder how many people are being harmed by steroid injections?

[Hidden in reply to Barrister]

Good. You're on top of everything. Hope you get to the bottom of things and feel better soon. I'm a retired nurse also in the states. The older I get the more cynical I seem to get about our healthcare system. I do have several wonderful docs who I really trust. Take care. irina

[momindenver in reply to Hidden]

I agree. Have you read "Undoctored: why health care has failed you and how you can become smarter than your doctor" by William Davis? I highly recommend it.

[Hidden in reply to momindenver]

I see we're on the same page. I've read it-actually bought a copy. I like William Davis ever since I read his first book "Wheat Belly". My problem is sometimes I do know more than some doctors especially about my own medical problems. Probably because I'm more motivated to find the best care for myself. I think we all are-that's why there is such good information to find on this forum. Judging from everyone's input on my forums here there are many knowledgeable people that have learned how to manage their care when not getting proper care. My big problem is I disagree with them when I think they are dismissing me or don't want my input and sometimes my delivery leaves a lot to be desired. If I don't agree I tell them I'm not going to take their advice and move on- esp when I think their suggestions are money-driven. The doctors I have now are wonderful. I was a nurse for 40 years and have no problem standing up to the healthcare profession. Here in the states I don't think we're going to see many positive changes in my lifetime especially with our current administration. Sorry to be so negative about healthcare here. Take care. irina

[Hidden]

Edit: When getting medications ready for today, recalled your post when I picked up the bottle containing the ones for hypertension, aka High Blood Pressure. Kidney damage can occur due to untreated HBP. Used to see rapid heart rate when BP was very high. Coming and going chronic kidney disease, stage 2 or 3 for me, too, but it comes and goes. Believe ONE of my doctors should regulate diuretic, but what do I know? LOL Do you have asthma and use an inhaler? Lots of caffeine? Albuterol or Proventil Inhaler for asthma used to make my heart race and flutter/palpitate. After those inhalers were replaced and was aware of skipped beats, Dr. had me wear a Holter Monitor. Results were Sinus Tachycardia, Intraventricular Conduction Delay, Hiss Bundle Branch Block, Aortic Regurgitation and Insufficiency. Did they do a CMP, Complete Metabolic Panel? Or test mineral/vitamin levels to see if you are deficient? Many things can cause rapid heartbeat - which tends to tire one out. Best thing I ever learned was how to control and slow my breathing, i.e. "Deep, cleansing breaths" - breathing properly helps me to deal with a lot of pain. Other than adrenal glands are on kidneys, kidneys are integral for red blood cell production (Edit, above.) - oh yeah, anemia can cause rapid heartbeat and fatigue too. I once had a blood count of 6. BEST WISHES and Positive Energy to you...feel Better!

[mrcav]

the best is the cardiologist, if not the next best be the neurologist because if the brain is getting exhausted you may get tired heart beating and results in weakness and thus heartbeat.

[Fox78]

What are your symptoms if this?

[Hidden in reply to Fox78]

I have to go to Nih.gov and research Adrenal Fatigue. Had never heard of it before last night/early this morning.

[monicadanisor]

See a good endocrinologist and a bioenergotherapist,a healer with bioenergy.

[monicadanisor]

Pls also consult dr. Michael Lam.drlam.com His supplements resuscitated me.

[MoonbeamXX1 in reply to monicadanisor]

Hello monicadanisor

Do you mind telling us what supplements you are taking and what they were targeting?

[monicadanisor in reply to MoonbeamXX1]

Moonbeam,I was buying them from supplementsclinic.com They target adrenal fatigue.They were recommended by dr. Michael Lam.He will recommend you various supplements according to your degree of adrenal fatigue.But if you want I can tell you their names.

[MoonbeamXX1 in reply to monicadanisor]

Hello monicadanisor

Would you be okay with me private messaging you regarding Dr Lam?

[monicadanisor in reply to MoonbeamXX1]

Yes,you may.

[Catseyes235]

My daughter's tachycardia was eventually put down to salicylate intolerance ( salicylate is the active ingredient in aspirin and present in many food). Her heart tests showed everything as normal. But so many reasons hormones during menopause, thyroid etc. Hope you find the root of the problem!

[momindenver]

I agree wholeheartedly. I recommend the book "Undoctored: why health care has failed you and how you can become smarter than your doctor," by William Davis. Much about nutrition. He advocates a diet similar to our ancient ancestors, before grain was produced. This diet includes meat and lots of vegetables. I wonder how many of us would feel better and be healthier with this type of diet? I know I feel better having bacon and eggs for breakfast, and very limited sweets.

[MoonbeamXX1]

Hello Jonet

I used to take Nutri Adrenal Extra supplements: I was prescribed them by a private doctor after a saliva test. I can say unequivocally that they are the only supplement I have ever taken which helped me in a way I could easily quantify.

My adrenal symptoms were severe anxiety, body shaking and a really odd, but worrying, feeling as if my neck could no longer support my head.

The 'extra' denotes that this particular version still has the adrenaline extract in them: I'm not sure that that was such a good thing for me as I seemed to produce a lot of the stuff!

I chose to wean myself off them when I heard that they were a steroid but I'm not sure if that was one of my best decisions.....

What I would say is that they are usually best prescribed for you by a knowledgeable private doctor: to my knowledge the NHS does not recognise adrenal problems per se and I have never heard of anyone receiving any treatment from them for adrenal issues.

Not everyone has access to or can afford private treatment however: so some folk definitely self prescribe them. I strongly recommend reading Stop The Thyroid Madness book by Janie Bowthorpe: she covers adrenals and the tests and treatment for them in detail.

I have read reviews for the Nutri ones I took on Amazon: where people were taking them like Smarties and wondering why they were getting some frightening symptoms - if you are considering this route - please take my advice about reading the STTM book.

[Roadrunnergreg]

Take a zinc supplement 30mg a day, plus a B Complex, vitamin c, plus essential amino acids. Your low zinc is allowing high cortisol levels, zinc suppresses Cortisol and increases thyroid function. The B Complex vitamin c are essential cofactor nutrients for the amino acids that feed the adrenals...

[Bramble83]

Hi Joney,

I have primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) so have had all of the tests done and have a pretty reasonable understanding of it.

If you are in the early stages of adrenal insufficiency then no supplements will make a difference.

What was your 9am blood cortisol value? This is the critical piece of information that will determine whether an endocrinologist will have time for you or not.

[StellaRose1]

Get your blood pressure checked while standing next time. Dysautonomia is extremely under diagnosed and it leads to so many side issues. If your pressure drops when you stand you have it. Such an easy illness to test for and yet no doctor ever takes blood pressure with a patient standing. I had dizziness, brain fog, weight gain, extreme fatigue, chemical sensitivities, skin problems, hair loss... I was dehydrated all the time. My body wasn't regulating my salt retention and my blood vessels don't constrict when they should. I take a hormone, salt water, and iron everyday and I am almost back to normal. I still have a few bad days every month when my hormone levels drop but its better then having this every day and the bad days now are better than the best days back then.

[Foxtrot89 in reply to StellaRose1]

Do you mind me asking how much salt you take each day? I have 1/2 tsp twice a day but sometimes feel I may need more but get scared of having too much :/

[ShinyB in reply to StellaRose1]

I'm interested to know more about what you take for this, if you don't mind giving some more detail? Which hormone, for instance? And where does the iron fit in?

When I saw Dr Peatfield he did that test on me, and my BP plummeted. He also got me to do a couple of standing tests with my eyes shut, and I practically fell over

I've not heard the term Dysautonomia before. Just asked Dr Google but it's coming up with loads of stuff that I've had a quick skim through but all seems to be saying 'no cure'. I'd really appreciate any tips you can give. Thank you!

[vitohlth]

Hey Jonet, how is your current condition? Any improvements?

Adrenal fatigue can be as a result of numerous factors such as poor diet, high stress levels, low blood pressure or low hemoglobin.

You mentioned something about natural paths? Can you please tell me what exactly you did?