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What Causes Dizziness Despite Being On Hydrocortisone?

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Posted on Mon, 20 Apr 2015
Question: I am panhypopituitary and am dizzy and light headed a good deal of the time. As well as this I feel as though I am disconnected from the real world.
I am taking up to 40 mg of Hydrocortisone a day, could I take more to overcome the problems?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Unlikely

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your medical problem.

Although dizziness and light headedness are potential symptoms of 'adrenal insufficiency' ie inadequate hydrocortisone replacement doses, these are commonly associated with under-dosing such as doses less than 15 mg daily.

You are already on 40 mg per day and that is generally a higher-than-necessary dose. Most endocrinologists aim for 15-20 mg daily.

However, before any dose adjustments in hydrocortisone are made it is important to undergo a systematic evaluation in person by an endocrinologist who will typically order some blood tests such as
CBC
Electrolytes
Glucose
Calcium
Kidney function tests
Liver function tests
TSH
Free T4
Prolactin

Further course of action will be determined on the basis of the results of a physical examination and laboratory tests
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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What Causes Dizziness Despite Being On Hydrocortisone?

Brief Answer: Unlikely Detailed Answer: Sorry to learn about your medical problem. Although dizziness and light headedness are potential symptoms of 'adrenal insufficiency' ie inadequate hydrocortisone replacement doses, these are commonly associated with under-dosing such as doses less than 15 mg daily. You are already on 40 mg per day and that is generally a higher-than-necessary dose. Most endocrinologists aim for 15-20 mg daily. However, before any dose adjustments in hydrocortisone are made it is important to undergo a systematic evaluation in person by an endocrinologist who will typically order some blood tests such as CBC Electrolytes Glucose Calcium Kidney function tests Liver function tests TSH Free T4 Prolactin Further course of action will be determined on the basis of the results of a physical examination and laboratory tests