Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
193 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Diagnosed With Cushing Syndrome, Hypothyroidism, On Medication. Increasing Levels Of Cortisol. How To Reduce It ?

Hi,
I'm a 36 years old woman 1.75 meters tall and 82 kg weight.

I am diagnosed with Cushing syndrome and hypothyroidism. For 5 years now my level of cortisol is more then double the maximum value. All investigation showed that this is not related to pituitary gland (done dexamethadone test). CT and Eco showed no abnormalities of adrenal glands yet my cortisol level remains very high.

I consulted 4 different endocrinologists in my country and all of them recommended that I loose weight. I tried different severe diets and while my husband (who was following the same diets as me) lost 19 kg I only lost 3 kg which is somehow expected since high level of cortisol slows down metabolism.

I also followed a treatment based on thyroid supplement in order to boost metabolism but that didn't help either.

My question is: what can I do to reduce the high level of cortisol in my blood given the long term consequences that this have? Since there are no drugs that can inhibit cortisol secretion do you think a surgery to remove one of the adrenal glands would help? Is it possible that excess cortisol is secreted in other tissues of my body?

Thank you.
posted on Sat, 4 May 2013
Twitter Sat, 22 Jun 2013 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 22 Jun 2013 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi
Thanks for using Health Care Magic Forum,

I wish to advise you that eat real foods. Limit or avoid packaged, processed and non-organic foods. Additives, preservatives, GMOs, dyes, food colorings, hormones, pesticides, herbicides and antibiotics increase the toxic load to the liver and cause added stress to the body.
Cortisol causes gluconeogenesis, the production of sugar from non-carb sources. Thus, elevated cortisol increases your blood sugar levels. Eating a diet heavy in starchy carbohydrates and sugar further exacerbates elevated blood sugar leading to increased fat around the waist line as well as weight gain.

While exercise is recommended as one of the best forms of medicine, too much exercise at the wrong intensity level can be more inflammatory and further exacerbate cortisol levels in those that have already elevated values.

I Hope I Provided Useful Information. Do ask Furthur Questions to help You get well soon.
Regards
Dr.J.Kingson John David
I find this answer helpful

3 Doctors agree with this answer

Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Addisons's disease


Loading Online Doctors....
Diagnosed With Cushing Syndrome, Hypothyroidism, On Medication. Increasing Levels Of Cortisol. How To Reduce It ?

Hi Thanks for using Health Care Magic Forum, I wish to advise you that eat real foods. Limit or avoid packaged, processed and non-organic foods. Additives, preservatives, GMOs, dyes, food colorings, hormones, pesticides, herbicides and antibiotics increase the toxic load to the liver and cause added stress to the body. Cortisol causes gluconeogenesis, the production of sugar from non-carb sources. Thus, elevated cortisol increases your blood sugar levels. Eating a diet heavy in starchy carbohydrates and sugar further exacerbates elevated blood sugar leading to increased fat around the waist line as well as weight gain. While exercise is recommended as one of the best forms of medicine, too much exercise at the wrong intensity level can be more inflammatory and further exacerbate cortisol levels in those that have already elevated values. I Hope I Provided Useful Information. Do ask Furthur Questions to help You get well soon. Regards Dr.J.Kingson John David