Addison's Disease Support Group

Addison's disease (also known as chronic adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism) is a rare endocrine disorder. It is estimated that it affects about 1 to 2 in 100,000 people. It occurs when the adrenal glands, seated above the kidneys, fail to produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, sometimes, the hormone aldosterone

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rbtowing 07/13/2011

I have read alot on here about how people can't handle the heat, which so far isn't effecting me but the tempature this summer isn't that hot yet where I live.
But I am wondering about the cold, I can't handle it very well. I feel when I am cold it is right through me and I can't warm up, I will have a blanket on outside if it is a little bit chilly. Is it just me or do other people with Addison's have a hard time in the cold?

deleted_user 07/13/2011

The only time I feel unrelenting, penetrating cold is when my cortisol takes a nose dive. I may take extra HC (5 mg.), only if it becomes intolerable & I can't warm up, by any means. I always try to avoid taking extra, but even a small amount does help. Otherwise I LOVE the cold.

deleted_user 07/14/2011

It is funny you should write this as a friend just sent me a scientific chart of temperature comfort which takes into account heat, humidity and wind. the chart shows a small oval called "comfort zone".
I sent an email back to him saying MY comfort zone is a hair's breadth which wanders on the chart.
My comfort for heat or cold is quite diminished..but I do favor the cold.

deleted_user 07/14/2011

I will simply say ditto to what lunar said. I have always favored the cold though because no matter how cold it gets, and it gets pretty stinkin' cold here -40 plus windchill last winter, you can always layer up more to keep yourself warm. Heat on the other hand, there's only so far one can strip.

The heat only bothers me when my levels are off, it's been upward of 105 so far this summer. As long as I'm hydrated, on the right dosage of meds, then I do pretty good in the heat.

deleted_user 07/15/2011

I am the same way.. I can handle the heat fine (as long as I stay hydrated) but I have trouble with the cold. I have heard that a lot of Addison's have trouble in the heat and as far as I can tell, I'm not one of them either. Of course I am from Atlanta, Georgia, so... You kind of get used to the heat. I'm going to college in Michigan right now and the cold here in the winter is almost unbareable in the winter! I can't bundle up enough to keep warm! :(

rbtowing 07/15/2011

Thanks for the reply's,also sbutcher. I was in Atlanta for a quick stop over flight and wished we where there longer, it seemed so nice. I will go back one day for sure. But I remember it being very humid so if you can handle that I can handle our dry hot summers here. I think LOL
Well I will see about this winter as last winter I wasn't diagnosed yet and had a hard time warming up, maybe this year being on steroids will make it easier. I hope you have a great summer, take care.
Joanne

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