Acromegaly Support Group
Acromegaly (from Greek akros "high" and megas "large" - extremities enlargement) is a hormonal disorder that results when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (hGH). Acromegaly most commonly affects middle-aged adults and can result in serious illness and premature death. Join the group to discuss symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.
Hello Guys,
In August 12' I had traditional radiation for my remaining pit tumor, which was leftover of my macroadenoma. Rad Oncologist stated that it would be only a matter of time before I would need to transition to hydrocortisone.
For over six months I have been needing cortisone, and all my complaints had been on deaf ears at the time. My recent Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing (OGTT) confirmed this.
I am on 10 mg of hydrocortisone now and I am feeling ALOT better. What is everyone else's experience with this steroid on here? Much appreciated!
In August 12' I had traditional radiation for my remaining pit tumor, which was leftover of my macroadenoma. Rad Oncologist stated that it would be only a matter of time before I would need to transition to hydrocortisone.
For over six months I have been needing cortisone, and all my complaints had been on deaf ears at the time. My recent Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing (OGTT) confirmed this.
I am on 10 mg of hydrocortisone now and I am feeling ALOT better. What is everyone else's experience with this steroid on here? Much appreciated!
Hydrocortisone, or cortef, is used once your pituitary enters Panhypopituitarism. It's a condition of inadequate or absent production of the anterior pituitary hormones. This can be damaged from tumor, my macroadenoma and secondary radiation treatments.
I started taking hydrocortisone (10mg) 35 years after radiation treatment because my cortisol level dropped to almost 0. The doctor explained that the radiation did damage the pituitary so it stopped stimulating the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Without cortisol you cannot survive. I have see few side effects other than loading on fat around my waist. I admit that on some days I only take 5 mg. Hate taking these drugs. I have also heard that surgery can damage the pituitary as well. I also just started taking thyroid meds to supplement a very low t4 level.
best of luck
www.acromegaly.wordpress.com/2010/02/18/hydrocortisone/
Some studies shown that between 5% to 18% of people can have psychiatric episode (even only very briefly) when given them. The delay can be several days or weeks.
If you search for "corticosteroid hypomania" (or something similar) it will give you a better background.
I experienced something like that, which lasted a weekend. Everything went into fast forward, so it looks like it was a form of hydrocortisone-induced hypomania.
www.acromegaly.wordpress.com/2010/02/23/emergency-admission-again/
All the best,
Trys