Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Are Fatigue,poor Libido,dry Skin And Night Sweats Symptoms Of Addison's Disease?
Question: approx. 10 years ago I was diagnosed with Graves, opted for iodine and treatment with Synthroid. the strength up and down. my symptoms are worsening over the past 6 months. 4 X' s dehydration (in ER or hospital), extreme fatigue, no libido, dry skin, concentration off, night sweats and hypersensitivity to cold. here are yesterdays test results Thyroid panel: T4 =13.3 T3 uptake: 35.2 Free Thyroxine 4.7 and TSH .756 also tested Cortisol = .7 and ACTH= <5. I would like an opinion. I am due to see my physician again today. But in doing what every patient shouldn't I have googled and concerned about Addisosns Disease
Brief Answer:
Hello
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Good day.
Noted your query.
Your thyroid profile looks good on current dose of Synthroid. However, the cortisol level of 0.7 looks really low and the ACTH is also low. Could you please tell me at what time of the day the blood test was done?
Are you on any steroids ( or steroid injections ) etc?
If you are on any synthetic steroids, that would explain your low cortisol and ACTH values. If not, we need to evaluate for the cause of low cortisol.
Addison's disease is due to problem ith in adrenal gland with low cortisol pproduction. In that case, ACTH should be high and you develop darkish pigmentation. In your case, the ACTH level is low, and the possible problem is in pituitary gland. You may need further tests.
One important test is Short Synacthene test. If that low cortisol peak, with a low 8 AM ACTH, you may need an MRI scan of pituitary gland.
However. i would suggest you to consult an endocrinologist. He could examine you and advice further.
Regards
Binu
Hello
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Good day.
Noted your query.
Your thyroid profile looks good on current dose of Synthroid. However, the cortisol level of 0.7 looks really low and the ACTH is also low. Could you please tell me at what time of the day the blood test was done?
Are you on any steroids ( or steroid injections ) etc?
If you are on any synthetic steroids, that would explain your low cortisol and ACTH values. If not, we need to evaluate for the cause of low cortisol.
Addison's disease is due to problem ith in adrenal gland with low cortisol pproduction. In that case, ACTH should be high and you develop darkish pigmentation. In your case, the ACTH level is low, and the possible problem is in pituitary gland. You may need further tests.
One important test is Short Synacthene test. If that low cortisol peak, with a low 8 AM ACTH, you may need an MRI scan of pituitary gland.
However. i would suggest you to consult an endocrinologist. He could examine you and advice further.
Regards
Binu
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
