Mouth Is Dry And Diagnosed With Dry Eye. Have Low Cortisol. Had Raynaud's, Hypothyroid And Migraine. Cause?

Posted on Sun, 8 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 9 Sep 2013 Answered on

Sat, 28 Sep 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : My mouth has been so dry I've doubled my water intake. Just diagnosed with dry eye (ophthalmologist said I was not producing tears and my eyes are a mess). Recently, I was found to have low cortisol (6.1 @ 0830). Past medical hx significant for Raynaud's, spasmatic angina, migraine. Recently I have been so tired and can't think clearly. Trying to figure out what's going on. Have appointment with Neurologist tomorrow and Endocrinologist in 17 days. Got any ideas what might be going on?
I also am hypothyroid and have restless leg syndrome.

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible diabetes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
An increase in drinking water and tiredness is a sign of diabetes. This is not necessarily the diagnosis in your case as you would need blood tests to confirm but these can be early signs.
I note you have an appointment with an endocrinologist and I'm sure this will be investigated. Other signs of diabetes include passing a lot of urine particularly during the night, recurrent infections and weight loss.
I hope this is helpful. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (8 minutes later)

My A1c is 5.4 so I don't think it's diabetes. I'm wondering about Sjogren's disease or Adrenal fatigue. Got any other ideas? My neurologist is great, but admitted that the adrenal system is a specialized area he's not strong in. I was trying to figure out what tests my neurologist could order so by the time I get to the endocrinologist they can figure out an answer not figure out what tests I need. It's taking just over 2 months to get in to see this endocrinologist the first time ..... I don't think my sanity can take it. I can't think strait; I'm depressed. Sorry for rambling, but do you have any other ideas?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (53 minutes later)

Hi,
Thank you for the further information. I do have a suggestion that there may be a relevant link between your Raynauds, hypothyroidism and dry eyes (?Sjogrens). These are all sometimes seen in systemic sclerosis. This is an autoimmune antibodies.
Perhaps this is a possibility to discuss with your doctors.
I hope this has answered your question. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar