Low Cortisol Level and possible Addisons Posted: 05-20-05 17:49pm
I went to the doctor b/c I had been having
alot of problems. My symptoms were/are:
*tired all the time
*loss of appitite/weight loss
*frequent urination
*frequent thirst
*headache
*low blood pressure
*three different episodes of dehydration
which led to the hospital
the dr did some blood work and checked
vital signs:
*bp: 100/60
*temp: 99.3
abnormal blood work: low cortisol level.
She told me I would need to go see an
endocrinologist. That this dealt with my
endocrine system and the steriod or
hormone cortisol.
I had never heard of this so I looked it
up when I got home. I fit the exact
description for addisions. Does anyone
have addisons or is there a doctor in here
that thinks this is possible? If yes,
what is the deal? If not, what else could
this be? I am only 18 going on 19 in
september and other than asthma and
migranes...I am relitivley healthy.
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sandyallen
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 02 Feb 2004 Posts: 4580
Posted: 05-20-05 19:04pm
Cortisol is an otc medication, talk to the
pharmacist.
Sincerely,
sandy
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FaithNGod247365
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 08 May 2005 Posts: 26 Location: VA
Posted: 05-20-05 19:34pm
Really? Wow. How does one get low
levels? My doctor has set me up with an
appointment at a local hospital with an
endocronologist or whatever it is called.
But, I thought cortisol was a hormone of
some sort. Thanks
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squashville USA
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 28 May 2006 Posts: 31
Cortisol Posted: 05-30-06 06:30am
Cortisol is a horomone- however if you are
low in it in some adrenal disease like
addisons disease you will need to take a
replacedment steroid. Cortisol is the
main horomone that has reduced in function
with your adrenal cortex (little glands
above your kidneys) aren't working
properly. There are a few causes to
this. However, if you do have this you
will need to take replacement of this
horomone in order to be healthy for the
rest of your life.
Its a class of glutocortoriods.
Medication for this condition is usually
administered as an injection, unless
otherwise. Its not to be confused with
topical cortisone. They act different in
time and break down in the body.
Cortisol is normally occuring in the body
to regulate your sleep and waking cycles
as well as body functions in temperature
and immune function. If you are low in
potassium you will have low cortisol.
Its a very delicate balance. If this
isn't working well, you dont fight
infection well, feel fatigued constantly
and can have a host of other system
aliments. Especially you become
dehydrtated easily, especially when sick
because you bodies potassium/salt mixture
is altered causing low blood pressure.
It is hard to diagnose as there is no
straight test, however once found the
treatment is very straightforward.
However, you sound like you present with
very known symtoms for the disease.
This can also become pronounced in women
who have entered menapause or have had a
very stressed life, smoke and heavy
stimulant use. Whatever you do not
consume coffee or chocolate, pork/ham.
This makes your problem worse because it
strains your adrenals that make cortisol
to make you feel worse.
Rest, moderate exercise, proper eating and
meditation techniques are vital to your
well being with this in making you feel
better.
There can be many things in the gland
system going on for you despite the
evident- you could also be fighting an
infection and your body isn't responding
properly. If anything I would make
sure you follow a proper hypoglycemia diet
to help out your system if you aren't
eating healthy already and hopefully you
will have a good endocronologist you meet
with that can guide you well. If you
have any questions just ask.
