Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Sleeplessness
Question: I cannot seem to figure a way to get over not sleeping (maybe adrenal insufficiency) with good diet and B 5, iodine, dhea, adrenal cortex, multi already in place
Brief Answer:
Hormone tests
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
Adrenal insufficiency typically does not cause loss of sleep.
I see you are aware of the fact that the blood cortisol tests to screen for the possibility of adrenal insufficiency is to draw the blood sample before 8 am. I understand your point about the post-9 am blood sampling and also that you are really awake much earlier than 8 am. So I agree with you that the test is less reliable in excluding this diagnosis.
So discuss with your doctor about another test to check the adrenal status called ACTH stimulation test. This can even be done randomly during the daytime, such as your doctors' office in regular office hours.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see an endocrinologist in-person.
Hormone tests
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
Adrenal insufficiency typically does not cause loss of sleep.
I see you are aware of the fact that the blood cortisol tests to screen for the possibility of adrenal insufficiency is to draw the blood sample before 8 am. I understand your point about the post-9 am blood sampling and also that you are really awake much earlier than 8 am. So I agree with you that the test is less reliable in excluding this diagnosis.
So discuss with your doctor about another test to check the adrenal status called ACTH stimulation test. This can even be done randomly during the daytime, such as your doctors' office in regular office hours.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see an endocrinologist in-person.
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
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
