McCall (McKenzie), pituitary bio
I'm a 31 year old female. 5'6, 220lbs. I posted last year but can't find my original posting! Recently dx'ed with central adrenal insufficiency after an ITT (Insulin Tolerance Test).
Many of the symptoms fit: chronic fatigue, muscle weakness and aches & pains, total loss of libido, orthostatic hypotension, hypoglycemia, extreme sensitivity to touch and smell, inability to exercise, headaches, etc.
The problem is in my pituitary/hypothalmus gland, according to my endo. After a full year of tests, hospitals, labs, and moronic doctors, I found a good doc...after hearing my symptoms and sending me for a TTT (Tilt Table Test)...I was diagnosed with NMH (Neurally Mediated Hypotension) which explained my wooziness upon standing and regular fainting spells.
They started me on Midodrine for my heart, and then the blood cortisol test came back as low...so suddenly, my heart problem was actually caused by an adrenal problem that was actually stemming from the wrong signal that my pituitary was sending! Complicated, eh?
But I have many symptoms of Cushings and/or adrenal excess as well. Late menstruation, peripheral vision loss, large weight gain instead of loss. It seems to go through cycles-sometime I am wide awake at midnight. I also bruise easily and bleed profusely, and then clot other times. Despite my organic diet, my skin is now acne prone and flushed a reddish tint. My hair is gray, and won't absorb hair dye well. My gallbladder was removed last year even though I don't eat fatty foods. I constantly retain water.
They've tested my growth hormones and everything else looks fine.
I also have a big Vitamin D deficiency. I am taking 100,000 IU a week for that.
I am now taking 15mg of Hydrocortisone a day for the ACTH replacement therapy. It has definitely improved my fatigue, and helped with my aches & pains, and I haven't fainted once in a week.
But...the other issues are valid. I have worked with nutritionists...no one has helped my weight. I wasn't even chubby until my onset of symptoms at 18 (menstruation, weight gain, massive headaches, vision loss.)...I currently eat 800-1000 calories a day, and still gain weight. I know that the hydrocortisone isn't helping, but the problem was there before I started on it and at least I feel better.
I have a great husband and family & friends and am very lucky. I just want to be well. I really want kids, and I worry that if I don't get this straightened out, I won't be able to. And vainly, I want to be slim. Not model thin, but 150 lbs at my height of 5'6 isn't a lot to ask for, in my opinion.
Any advice? Has anyone heard of it being possible to have adrenal insufficiency AND Cushing's? My doctors are frustrated with me, and no one seems to have more answers. Thanks!
Email McCall
Many of the symptoms fit: chronic fatigue, muscle weakness and aches & pains, total loss of libido, orthostatic hypotension, hypoglycemia, extreme sensitivity to touch and smell, inability to exercise, headaches, etc.
The problem is in my pituitary/hypothalmus gland, according to my endo. After a full year of tests, hospitals, labs, and moronic doctors, I found a good doc...after hearing my symptoms and sending me for a TTT (Tilt Table Test)...I was diagnosed with NMH (Neurally Mediated Hypotension) which explained my wooziness upon standing and regular fainting spells.
They started me on Midodrine for my heart, and then the blood cortisol test came back as low...so suddenly, my heart problem was actually caused by an adrenal problem that was actually stemming from the wrong signal that my pituitary was sending! Complicated, eh?
But I have many symptoms of Cushings and/or adrenal excess as well. Late menstruation, peripheral vision loss, large weight gain instead of loss. It seems to go through cycles-sometime I am wide awake at midnight. I also bruise easily and bleed profusely, and then clot other times. Despite my organic diet, my skin is now acne prone and flushed a reddish tint. My hair is gray, and won't absorb hair dye well. My gallbladder was removed last year even though I don't eat fatty foods. I constantly retain water.
They've tested my growth hormones and everything else looks fine.
I also have a big Vitamin D deficiency. I am taking 100,000 IU a week for that.
I am now taking 15mg of Hydrocortisone a day for the ACTH replacement therapy. It has definitely improved my fatigue, and helped with my aches & pains, and I haven't fainted once in a week.
But...the other issues are valid. I have worked with nutritionists...no one has helped my weight. I wasn't even chubby until my onset of symptoms at 18 (menstruation, weight gain, massive headaches, vision loss.)...I currently eat 800-1000 calories a day, and still gain weight. I know that the hydrocortisone isn't helping, but the problem was there before I started on it and at least I feel better.
I have a great husband and family & friends and am very lucky. I just want to be well. I really want kids, and I worry that if I don't get this straightened out, I won't be able to. And vainly, I want to be slim. Not model thin, but 150 lbs at my height of 5'6 isn't a lot to ask for, in my opinion.
Any advice? Has anyone heard of it being possible to have adrenal insufficiency AND Cushing's? My doctors are frustrated with me, and no one seems to have more answers. Thanks!
Email McCall
Labels: adrenal, bios, hypothalmus, McCall, pituitary
posted by MaryO at
10:56 AM
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