Hydrocortisone for mild adrenal insufficiency

[lm713]

Hi,

Has anyone trialled hydrocortisone for suspected or confirmed mild adrenal insufficiency and if so how did they find it?

[katey]

Hi im713, yep I did. I have very low adrenal function (as shown by adrenal stress index tests). I found it difficult to use because throughout 24hours I would get 'spikes' and then troughs in my cortisol levels which was a little unnerving. I also needed to take it 3-4 times a day. I found prednisolone way better. Just 5mg a day gave a very stable adrenal support. However, I think my experience was unusual...I haven't heard of any complaints with hydrocortisone.

I guess you already know about glandulars? There is another product called 'isocort' which is a punchier glandular with 2.5mg of hydrocortisone per capsule. If I had my journey again, I would try this before going onto HC. Available via drlowe.com.

KInd regards, katey

[lm713 in reply to katey]

Thank you Katey,

That's really helpful.

If you don't mind I have a few questions: Did your doctor order the tests or did you order them yourself? What particular symptoms did you experience? Do you have more energy now that you are on medication?

Thanks,

LM

[katey in reply to katey]

Hi LM, I'm happy to answer your questions. No, the dr didnt order tests. Mainstream gp's do not recognise 'adrenal insuffiency' only full-on Addison's. But you can get your own 'adrenal stress index' saliva test from genova diagnostics (£80ish). My particular symptoms, which I attach to low adrenal performance, is shakey hands esp first thing in am, 'internal shivering' sensation behind breastbone, inabilty to tolerate thryoid replacement meds, or going toxic very easily, nighttime waking feeling scared/anxious/shakey, needing to lie down, fatigue, tight chest, prone to nausea. Can go from feeling ok to unwell in minutes, generally worse in am.

The prednisolone does seem to help a lot, because I am able to process the thyroid meds, and thus have hypothyroidism probs addressed.

Does any of this relate to how you are feeling? Who suggested the HC for you? PLease let me know how you get on. Kind regards, katey

[Tango2 in reply to katey]

i have very similar symptoms to katey, also low cortisol on the saliva tests. i tried HC and found it made me feel worse. i think katey is right by saying try a lower dose glandular first. the HC seemed really strong.

good luck

[lm713 in reply to katey]

Quite a bit, though I don't get the internal shivering that you describe. Mostly it's the early to mid afternoon fatigue that bothers me. It's great that the prednisolone is working for you! I read it is a lot more potent than HC, which explains why you don't need so much. I might try it if the HC doesn't work out.

I read about HC in various places, but mostly in Dr Peatfield's book.

Just out of curiosity, were you underweight before you started the adrenal support?

[katey in reply to katey]

Hi jonny, it means so much to me to have someone say 'i have very similar symptoms to katey'..I guess that is the beauty of this website. Can I ask you how you manage your low corstisol and would you describe yourself as 'well enough?'.

[katey in reply to katey]

Hi im713. No i wasnt under or over weight. I'm not actually taking the pred at the mo...barry peatfield says I should, but I spent the last 2 years weaning myself, taking the last dose in april 2010. BUT, I limped through the summer, and beacame ill autumn/winter. My plan is my adrenals will recover, but they don't seem to! I will take another adrenal stress index test in january and if its still low then I will go back on prednisolone.

I am really interested to see how you get on, please stay in contact. ta

<b>Updated on Dec 21 2010 10:24AM:</b> By the way, if you are suffering from adrenal fatigue you may find having some extra salt before your afternoon dip may help. People with adrtenal fatigue suffer with salt regulation.

[waveylines in reply to katey]

Hi all

Haven't tested myself for adrenal fatigue but because of the constant drop in energy slumps depsite being well medicated on dessicated thyroid (& had toxity if I increased dose) I decided to give Nutri Adrenal Extra a try -for the last year at 2 tabs a day. The really extreme cold weather really affected me with my blood pressure shooting up to 160/90 and had to increase meds. Blood pressure dropped back down to within normal range 130/80 with the milder weather coming back. I have improved over the year and now on top of trying to walk regularly i have just incorporated a walk/slow jog programme (more walk than jog!)- only done it twice so far. What I notice after is the high I get which I guess means my adrenal glands are producing plenty of adrenal. At that point I feel full of energy. Am wondering why it takes the walk/jog to create that sense of energy. Its also tricky to know which is the fact, that I am physically unfit after 6yrs of very little activity, carrying 3 stone more than I should be, or whether there is a mild adrenal problem. I know I should really take the test but would be grateful for your comments.