Adrenal insufficiency is a medical condition used to describe when the adrenal glands present in our body do not make a sufficient amount of cortisol hormone. This condition is a type of condition called Addison's disease and is very rare. Since the level of cortisol is low, it will lead to fatigue, body aches, and weight loss. This condition can be treated by hormone replacement therapy wherein cortisol hormone is replaced by using doctor prescribed hydrocortisone pills.
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What could be the reason for severe abdominal pain in gallbladder and pelvic area?
Query: Hello doctor, I went to the ER for severe upper abdomen pain. All tests came back clear. So my GI suggested another CT scan with contrast. As I had a CT two years prior for the same pains. Also, I had an endoscopy two years prior as well. Now after a couple of months of being on these stomach spasm... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand these symptoms of pain for such a long duration must be very annoying and upsetting you. Well, since you have already preliminary testing including a CT (computed tomography) scan, which apparently came normal make me think some rare and often nonor... Read Full »
How to taper the dose of medication taken for secondary adrenal insufficiency?
Query: Hi doctor, I recently had surgery which led to a four-day hospitalization and a diagnosis of secondary adrenal insufficiency. Oddly, I cannot get in to see an endocrinologist at the same hospital. I was put on Hydrocortisone (Cortef 20 mg) in the morning and 10 mg in the night. How do I taper this? ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Let me explain a few things. You got diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency. That means your adrenal gland is not able to produce cortisol, the hormone which the adrenal gland is producing naturally. Now, as you got insufficiency, it means that perhaps this b... Read Full »
A patient has fatigue, weight loss, and headaches. Why?
Query: Hello doctor, A patient suffers from the following symptoms; 1. Worsening fatigue, muscle weakness, malaise, for the past three months, though it was present to a smaller extent over several years. 2. Unintentional 30 lbs weight loss over one year. 3. Headaches over the past month. 4.Tremors, eye fl... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query, and I can understand your concern. The symptoms do have some elements suggestive of adrenal insufficiency. Fatigue, weight loss, poor appetite, orthostatic hypotension are suggestive whereas anxiety, depression, muscle twitches, eye flashes, insomnia,... Read Full »
Left adrenal mass involving lower medial limb 11 mm in size. What does it mean?
Query: Hello doctor, Left adrenal mass involving lower medial limb 11 mm in size. What does it mean? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. It means that there is an abnormal mass in the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland is an essential organ which is located over the top of both kidneys. Mass in the adrenal gland is an abnormal condition and requires further investigations to make a definitive diagnosis.... Read Full »
What causes low BP and severe stress intolerance?
Query: Hi doctor, I have severe intolerance to stress, low blood pressure, dehydration, hyperpigmentation and a lot of other troublesome symptoms. When I eat my face flushes and my heart rate goes up and my body sweats. I have carbohydrate intolerance as well. My skin is brown in color with a lot of freckl... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Keeping in light all the symptoms you have mentioned, you are most likely suffering from adrenal insufficiency. There are two types and the hyperpigmentation usually occurs in primary type also known as Addison's disease. I am taking the AM cortisol as low. I am not su... Read Full »
Can hormonal issues cause extreme fatigue and exhaustion?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a 19-year-old female. For many years, I have had extreme fatigue. I can sleep for 10 hours at night, wake up exhausted, and sleep all day. I never feel refreshed and no energy. I have a generalized anxiety disorder and have been taking 20 mg of Prozac daily for five months. I have... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I just read your query and the reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I suggest that you might benefit from cognitive behavior therapy for your symptoms, and also consulting a psychotherapist might help you with your symptoms. I would suggest scr... Read Full »
Is it possible for an otherwise healthy person to have gynecomastia?
Query: Hello doctor, I had prolactinoma diagnosed with secondary hypogonadism. I was treated with cabergoline and hydrocortisone for a few years and then taken off hydrocortisone when the adrenals began to function properly. My most recent blood tests came back normal, and I was tested for loads of other... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Gynecomastia could be due to a testosterone deficiency, thyroid disorder or adrenal insufficiency in your case. Since your prolactin levels are normal and there is no further growth, it is no longer due to the prolactinoma. I would suggest you have yo... Read Full »
Does dark lips in newborn indicate any underlying cause?
Query: Hello doctor, My 1-month-old baby has dark (black) lips and it seems not normal for me. What will I do? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. Dark lips can be because of multiple factors. Commonest being cyanosis. Cyanosis usually occurs in heart disease. But, I would like to know does it increases when the baby cry, if yes then you need to see a doctor to evaluate congenital... Read Full »
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