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
I'm a 20 year old female and back in October I was diagnosed with Addison's. I feel like my symptoms are all over the place. My blood work says my cortisol levels are low but I feel like my physical symptoms are the ones experienced when you have Cushing's syndrome (when you produce too much cortisol) my face is round now and the amount of stretch marks I've gotten in the past few months is unbelievable. I'm vomiting like crazy, there's days where I can't keep any food down and I'm experiencing left stomach/flank pain. I've spoken with my endocrinologist and I'm getting the impression from her that she doesn't believe that's related to the Addison's. I've gotten a CT and everything is clear. Has anyone else had any symptoms like this? Also, I'm taking 25mg of hydrocortisone but I'm still feeling very sluggish. When did anyone else notice that their symptoms were improving?
Sorry! I feel like that's a lot. I just want my life to get back to as normal as it possibly can!
Sorry! I feel like that's a lot. I just want my life to get back to as normal as it possibly can!
I'm sorry I don't have much to add as I'm learning about Addison's myself. Just wanted to say that I hope you feel better soon. I'm hoping that your body is just getting used to this diagnosis and medication and that all will settle soon. Good luck to you.
I don't have any experience with Cushings.
Have you been tested for thyroid? I also know from someone else's post that they are having low blood sugar and that is causing a lot of problems for them, especially regulating their cortisol. All of these are related to the endocrine system, same as adrenals. It is more likely you will get a second autoimmune problem once you have one.
Hopefully someone can answers your questions about Cushings. Good luck.
If you have been diagnosed with Addisons, then its more than likely you also have thyroid issues. Join the club! That your "doctor" did not make this correlation is more than absurd.