Advice on Adrenal Insufficiency

[photographerrn]

I really need some advice from anyone that is listening!
Back in the spring, I started noticing I was have drops in my blood pressure (feeling faint, vision dimming, lightheaded)when going from sitting to standing or squating to standing - Even if I bend over to pick something it happens - The fatigue is getting worse - Last summer,in a 2 week period I could work almost everyday 12 hr shifts and have only 2 days off and be fine - This summer, I can barely make it through my 3-12hr shifts and I am dragging - I am losing my focus, forgetting a lot of stuff, and slow to respond to anything - Sometimes, I don't feel like I am safe to drive ....
I first told my neurologist (who I see frequently for migraines)how I was feeling, he checked my BP and it was 90/60 (typically it is 120/70) - I went back for another appt and he check it again - It was the same so he ordered a tilt table test - I had that done - I never passed out, but I found out that my heart rate was in the 40s & 50s (normally it is 70s & 80s) - So, he referred me to a cardiologist to get checked out - Since I couldn't get in to see him for 2 months, I went to my primary doctor - He said it sound like Addison's and wanted to draw labwork (this was an afternoon appt) - My ACTH was a little low at 9, cortisol was low end of normal, and thyroid was normal, but he called me back for fasting labwork - ACTH was 8 so he referred me to an endocrinologist - In the meantime, I went to the cardiologist and he ordered an Echo - I found out I have 2 leaky heart valves (I had an Echo 10yrs ago and it was normal) - After going to the endocrinologist, she ordered an IV Cortisyn test - ACTH came back low again, Cortisol at 30 min = 23 and at 1 hr = 25 - LH & FSH low, thyroid normal - I've had a repeat Cortisyn test but can't get in the office staff to call me back - I am ready to go get a second opinion b/c they act like I am putting them out everytime I call - After going back to the cardiologist a couple more times, he finally put me on Florinef - I feel like I have more energy being on it, but I still get a little lighheaded and dizzy when getting up ...
One other correlation I have noted is that when I get my period, the symptoms seem to go away, but as my period is ending, the symptoms come back  .....
I have Asthma and was on Prednisone a lot as child - I also have Irritable Bowel, Migraines, and haven't been able to get pregnant for 7 yrs (not that this is a priority to us right now) ...
If anyone has an advice, I am open to suggestion - I am 31 yrs old and don't feel like I should feel like this ....
Thanks,
Danielle

[margypops]

I have hives with this aswell but can you get an itchy scalp as a symptom od low adrenals , I put it down to the hives but I am not certain if it is a seperate iisue I will have to google itchy scalp, amy ideas?

[enzymelover]

  The adrenal glands can definitely affect estrogen as well as other hormone levels, so I can understand your symptoms coming and going. I don't know what symptoms leaky heart valves cause, but adrenal support is extremely important with low cortisol and low blood pressure.
I agree with the above advice, and I like what margypops is doing. I hope this really helps.

[margypops]

I have been told not to mix the DHEA with the ADrenal capsules, I will get the book you recomend Thank you

[john4321]

get yourself the book "adrenal fatigue - the 21st century health syndrome" , do a google search it has excellent reviews on amazon . adrenal fatigue is the underline cause for asthma , ibs , muscle pains , and fatigue .

[margypops]

PS    I am also taking one DHEA tablet and 4 drops of Kelp liquid, (iodine) I am reading up about DHEA  very interesting...

[margypops]

I had the same symptoms, however I am trying the Natural Remedy route for the moment and I got some Adrenal support Capsules 5 weeks ago from my Health food store ,like you on the Florinef, I feel more focused and more energy , also I feel so much better in myself all round, so I am going to continue at the moment, I was interested in your experience as it it so similar and I thought it was low Thyroid.then someone said on the thyroid forum, check your Adrenals first.