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Does Adrenal Insufficiency Cause Fatigue?

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Posted on Mon, 14 Apr 2014
Question: I HAVE BEEN DX'ED WITH SLEEP APNEA AND HAVE BEEN ON A CPAP FOR 2 YEARS NOW. HOWEVER I AM SLEEPING MY LIFE AWAY AND HAVE NO ENERGY WHEN I AM AWAKE....I AM ALSO BEING WEANED OFF OF PREDNISONE AND EVERY 2 WEEKS I DROP MY DOSAGE BY 1 ML...I HAVE DROPPED FROM 20 ml TO 7 ml over the course of several months....but am concerned my severe fatique and lack of energy could also be the result of adrenalin insufficiency.. is there a test for adrenalin insufficiency?
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Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Yes Detailed Answer: I am sorry to learn you are not feeling well. Indeed there is a test for adrenal insufficiency. It is called Serum Cortisol at 8 am. There are some cut offs that give some indication as to whether or not adrenal insufficiency exists. In case of equivocal results a confirmatory test is available called "ACTH stimulation test'. It also has other names like Short Synacthen test or Cosyntropin test. Endocrinologists are qualified and experienced in performing and interpreting these challenging tests. You probably are well aware that prednisone must be withdrawn very slowly and with extreme caution. This too is best managed by an Endocrinologist. The symptoms you are reporting are very well possible with adrenal insufficiency
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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Does Adrenal Insufficiency Cause Fatigue?

Brief Answer: Yes Detailed Answer: I am sorry to learn you are not feeling well. Indeed there is a test for adrenal insufficiency. It is called Serum Cortisol at 8 am. There are some cut offs that give some indication as to whether or not adrenal insufficiency exists. In case of equivocal results a confirmatory test is available called "ACTH stimulation test'. It also has other names like Short Synacthen test or Cosyntropin test. Endocrinologists are qualified and experienced in performing and interpreting these challenging tests. You probably are well aware that prednisone must be withdrawn very slowly and with extreme caution. This too is best managed by an Endocrinologist. The symptoms you are reporting are very well possible with adrenal insufficiency