Bilateral adrenal enlargement: Feeling very... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

138,340 members162,288 posts

Bilateral adrenal enlargement

Numberone1 profile image
6 Replies

Feeling very confused. I’ve had a ct scan for a heart related situation which found a couple of worrying g things.

A lung nodule was found and I had a PET scan to rule out anything sinister. Also adrenal gland enlargement appeared to be found but nobody has investigated that further or even made mention of it. I don’t understand why because I believe it is quite rare for both glands to be enlarged.

Over the years I have often queried various symptoms that might be relevant. I don’t even know in what direction I should be directing this.

Many thanks.

Written by
Numberone1 profile image
Numberone1
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Perhaps consider getting Cortisol and DHEA saliva test via Regenerus

regeneruslabs.com/products/...

cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...

Are your thyroid and vitamin levels optimal?

It would be worth getting you r GP to do an early morning cortisol blood test & 24 hr urine test. The adrenal glands make cortisol, it is possible to have a benign tumour in the adrenal glands, usually just one but two is possible as well. The benign tumours can cause with Cushing's syndrome where the tumours are producing too much cortisol, this can cause weight gain, especially around the tummy, insomnia, high blood pressure, stretch marks, bruising, thin skin, loss of hair but gain facial hair. The tumour can also shut the adrenal glands down so you have the opposite of Cushing's which is adrenal insufficiency, this comes with weight loss, low blood pressure, feeling dizzy, fatigue is common in both cases. You certainly need following up, especially with a lesion on your lung as well. Good luck!

Numberone1 profile image
Numberone1 in reply to

Thank you for explaining this.! What are your thoughts with regard to the lung lesion? Are you thinking it could be to do with the adrenal things ie they’ve decided the lung might be a benign lesion from a king time ago but I just feel they’re ignoring the adrenal stuff. Can Cushings for example have a lung effect too? I asked my GP several years ago about Cortisol etc as I have a lot of symptoms thatcound relate to it. They seem to dismiss and yet I’ve had excessive weight gain, excessive sweating, visual disturbances, joint pain and weakness. Now it seems that a major London hospital aren’t even following up on it.

in reply to Numberone1

I have to say that it is possible to have a lesion on the lung that produces cortisol as well, it is rare but can happen. I run a FaceBook group for people with Cushing's & we have had several members who have had lesions on their lungs which produced cortisol, these have had to be removed. You need your GP to do an early morning blood cortisol & 24 hr urine & ask to be referred to an Endocrinologist. If you are in London then there are several who are conversant with pituitary/adrenal issues, such as Bart's, St Georges, UCLH, St Mary's, Hammersmith & Kings College. I've had Cushing's but mine was a pituitary lesion, always happy to try to answer any questions.

Numberone1 profile image
Numberone1 in reply to

Thank you for that. I’m under Kings for my heart valve. The thing is, I’ve spoken to my GP about these issues before and he dismisses them. I want to go back with as much info as I can so that othing is ignored. Lung lesions creatibg Cortisol is something I have never heard of. I might even get the Cortisol tests done myself.

Susan

in reply to Numberone1

Be aware that NHS doctors won't accept private blood tests but it might them thinking. Can you see another doctor in the practice or ask one of your other consultants to refer you? The Pituitary Foundation did an awareness campaign about Cushing's aimed at GP's, here's the link: pituitary.org.uk/get-involv...

You may also like...

Adrenal gland enlargement

a CT scan for something totally different, it has been found I have enlargement of both adrenal...

I’m back! - Adrenal enlargement

written on here before about a CT scan showing bilateral enlarged adrenals. I am in the process of...

enlarged thyroid

about enlarged thyroid if possible. Short history as it’s a long story 🙂. Have had an enlarged...

Is it possible to have an enlarged thyroid with Hashimoto’s?

Is it possible to have an enlarged thyroid if I have Hashimoto’s? I just went to the ENT because my...

Left atrial enlargement

time was 5 years ago). Tests have discovered the enlarged LA. I don't have any other reasons for...