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Why Do I Have Adrenal Cortical Insufficiency With Graves' Disease?

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Posted on Wed, 27 Nov 2013
Question: Adrenocortical Insufficiency - why did I have an adrenalcortical insufficiency with my Graves?
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Follow up: Dr. Manjeth Kumar G (6 minutes later)
To clarify --- the Cortef / Predizone was tapered off after the subtotal removal of the thyroid --- at age 20 I no longer took anything for the adrenal glands. Just am concerned --- because sometimes when I wake up in the morning my pupils pulsate big - little it does eventually stop. No problems with vision. Plus, the Leveothyroxine may be helping my thyroid --- but I an so tired all the time. Thank you--- : )
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Answered by Dr. Manjeth Kumar G (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Adrenal fatigue. Check TSH, MRI and CT Adrenals. Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to XXXXXXX Thanks for your query. I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Pulsating pupil is common in Adrenal dysfunction or fatigue or exhaustion. What the symptom you are experiencing is similar to Pupilary response test done for Adrenal fatigue. As you are adrenals are insufficient to produce stress hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline. Your pupils find difficult to constrict on immediate exposure to bright light ( Stress to eye). This results in Pulsation of pupils. As for as your tiredness is concerned, you need to recheck the Thyroid profile ( TSH, T4 and T3). Check for any increase in TSH level. You may need to increase the dose of Levothyroxine. But tiredness could also be due to Adrenal fatigue or Adrenal insufficiency. Your adrenal cortical insufficiency may be due the sudden withdrawal of long term intake of steroids. My advise is to consult an endocrinologist and do the following investigations 1. CT and MRI for Adrenals. 2. ACTH Stimulation test. 3. Thyroid profile 4. CRH Stimulation Test 5. Serum Electrolyes 6. Ultrasound of the abdomen 7. Tuberculin test to rule out Adrenal Tuberculosis. 8. MRI and CT to rule out Pitutary gland Pathology. Hope this helps. Please reply for further queries. Wishing you good health. Regards, Dr.Manjeth XXXXXXX G
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Manjeth Kumar G

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1120 Questions

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Why Do I Have Adrenal Cortical Insufficiency With Graves' Disease?

To clarify --- the Cortef / Predizone was tapered off after the subtotal removal of the thyroid --- at age 20 I no longer took anything for the adrenal glands. Just am concerned --- because sometimes when I wake up in the morning my pupils pulsate big - little it does eventually stop. No problems with vision. Plus, the Leveothyroxine may be helping my thyroid --- but I an so tired all the time. Thank you--- : )