Possible adrenal insufficiency case - need advice on how to get tested.

[GRACE10162]

I have no sex drive, no appetite, and I never feel 'tired' per say, I sleep and eat because I should. In addition to this my ability to handle stress has rapidly declined in the past year or so, the mere sound of someone humming sends me into a corner hyperventilating. I am also finding it very difficult to concentrate, learn/comprehend things and retain knowledge, something that happened gradually over about a year or two. I don't know what to do about this, on a personal level I don't bear any of the hallmarks of depression, I socialize, I am technically happy with my life and where I am at, yet something isn't quite right. Any advice would be appreciated , in general I am wondering how I might go about being tested for adrenal insufficiency? Do you ask for a referral from your GP to see an endocrinologist? Is there a blood test that my GP could do to check my hormone levels? Any advice would be appreciated.

[tacolino]

Hi there. Usually the hormonal tests are blood work and urine tests. The standard test is a Stimulation test called an ACTH Test. Its checking Cortisol levels. If this test in outside the normal ranges, a follow up test called a CRH test is done.  This is just a brief outline, hopefully it helps in some way. You could get a referral to an endo, but the GP could organise too. Its just depending how quick you want results. Health Insurance + Endo = fast results. GP etc would be slower and mean hanging around a bit!!