Suggest Treatment For Fatigue Throughout The Day

Posted on Mon, 30 Mar 2015

Question: Hi doctor. I alway feel fatigued throughout the day. Is this because of abnormal Cortisol? Is my HPA axis functional and is it normally functional when we were children?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cortisol

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your fatigue.

When I see someone like you in my practice, I order the following tests addition to a thorough physical examination :

CBC
Electrolytes
Calcium
Glucose
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests
TSH
25 hydroxy vitamin D

I also consider other tests like
Testosterone
SHBG
Morning cortisol

Abnormal cortisol levels can cause fatigue. However interpreting cortisol levels in blood requires considerable expertise. This is best accomplished by seeing an endocrinologist in person who will make the judgement whether or not a cortisol test is necessary in the first place.

The cortisol test reflects the HPA axis and it represents one way of testing if the axis if working fine. There are other complex tests as well.
As children the HPA is normally functional too

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