Don't know if I have adrenal problems, but I have small brown spots that have appeared on the inside of my wrists over the last 6 months.
what other symptoms do your adrenal problems cause?
Posted by scared08 (Member # 14695) on :
Radha,
I don't know too much about the endocrine sys. except the basics. But because I have a lot of abnormalities and they think I have adrenal insuff. now, I've done a lot of research.
From everything I have read, this is one of the first things an Endo. looks for in Addrenal Insufficiacy AKA Addisons Disease. I forgot to mention that they look for darkening on elbows, knees, scars and any creases in the skin (palms of hands, etc..)
Only going from what little I know and take that with a grain of salt, but I would say yes, they probably are getting weaker.
I would certainly get back to the Dr.!!!!
Take care and keep us updated. God Bless!
Posted by Radha (Member # 8464) on :
thanks for your replies, i cannot think of any
other reason for darkening of the skin, i have
had this for a long time but have noticed its
getting worse but i cannot have any of the tests
i need because i have to stop the cortef and all
other meds which i cannot do, so i really dont
know what to do, just continue taking the cortef
and other supplements i take i guess, i know i am
taking too little cortef,
Radha
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Radha...How much cortef are you taking? I try to keep mine low and even tried to get off of it....It was a NO-GO.
I don't have any dark spots except for a few age spots on my hands.
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
Hi Radha. I have severe adrenal fatigue and have some pigmentation on my arms. Did you tell your doctor the pigmentation is worse?
From what I understand, if your body is deficient in cortisol it is important to take what you need. I am taking natural supplements for mine, so I am not familiar with cortisol dosages.
I suggest talking with your doctor about this and see what he/she suggests.
Posted by Radha (Member # 8464) on :
i take 10 mg in 2 doses, and seriphos and
schizandra complex, sammi, what natural
supplements do you take? thanks for your help
radha
Posted by electrolite (Member # 16404) on :
Radha,
The darkening of the skin and brown spots on your body are telltale signs of Addison's Disease.
It's the most severe form of adrenal fatigue/exhaustion/hypoadrenia. If untreated, it can lead to adrenal failure.
Have you been diagnosed with Addison's? It would be good to see a doctor (Lyme-literate, of course) who can help you with this.
I don't have Addison's Disease, but I do have adrenal fatigue/exhaustion/hypoadrenia, and I experienced an adrenal crisis two different times while traveling in Europe that led to emergency hospitalizations.
electrolite
Posted by skigal (Member # 7443) on :
If anyone knows, what testing could I ask my pcp to do for adrenal problems. TIA
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
Hi Radha. I agree with electrolite about getting tested for Addison's.
I take the Future Formulations protocol for severe adrenal fatigue. Because it is natural, it takes longer to help but supposedly it allows the adrenals to heal. You may want to talk with your doctor about this.
I found a place on-line that sells them for 20% less than retail. If anyone needs this information, let me know.
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
Hi skigal. From what I understand, saliva testing is more reliable for hormone testing than blood testing. My doctor used ZRT Laboratory http://www.salivatest.com/ for testing.
Besides cortisol testing, I also had all other hormone levels checked there including DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone. I was surprised to find they were all low.
Lyme disease can affect these levels. I think it is a good idea for anyone who has Lyme to have these levels checked. Hormone deficiencies can cause many symptoms similar to Lyme.
Posted by skigal (Member # 7443) on :
Im trying to get testing done thru my pcp thats covered by insurance. I want to get tested for Adrenal Fatigue/Addisons, anyone know the name(s) of the tests I can request?
Sammi, could I get that info about future formulations? Thx
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
skigal, some insurance companies reimburse more than others. You may want to see what percentage your company would pay for the saliva testing. I think it cost about $240.00.