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Cortisol deficiency, but with weight gain
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Oct 7 10:17am | Replies (73)Comment receiving replies
YES somebody finally took the time to figure it out! It was the head dr at the Endocrinology center that I went to that specializes in pituitary growth, hormone disorders. He did another stim test on me. And he said the reason my cortisol was low in my adrenal glands is because it was coming from the deficiency in my pituitary gland and that’s why I have the weight gain. He put into my insurance company a request for medication which is very expensive. It’s a growth hormone called genotropin. He also said there’s a good chance of insurance company is going to try to fight to pay for it because it’s so expensive, but I WAS approved.!!! I have not started it yet because the pharmacy is still processing it.
The doctor also said if your cortisol insufficient, it’s just from the adrenal glands that is called Addison’s disease and you will have weight loss. When you are experiencing weight gain, it is not coming from the adrenal glands as a primary source, the pituitary gland is causing that which is called Secondary adrenal insufficiency.
I just hope when I start taking that it works because I feel miserable right now and this weight gain is so depressing!!!
So if you’re having this problem, go to an Endocrinology Clinic and have them checked your pituitary gland!!
Replies to "YES somebody finally took the time to figure it out! It was the head dr at..."
May I asked the name of the facility, as well as the doctor that diagnosed you?
Thank you in advance!
Hello @mh10
I read your posts about low cortisol and weight gain. I’ve been struggling with some health problems and most recently it finally came to a head.
My cortisol was low pluse aldosterone, testosterone, FSH/LH.
I’m a nurse and I knew enough to know it was endocrine related but I can’t find an Endocrinologist that will help me.
Can you share the contact info for the provider that diagnosed your pituitary problem?
I believe my problem is with my pituitary as well.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I’m assuming you’re in MN since you mentioned U of M but would love to know who finally figured this out. I’m going through the same thing. Gained 50lbs in a year which is a lot when you were only 100lbs to begin with!
I see someone in endo. At the beginning of June but that’s just with Park Nicollet
I just read through this whole thread and THANK YOU for sharing your experiences and possible resolution. I have been to so many doctors over the last 2 years. So many blood draws, hormone panels, everything looks fine, maybe try taking vitamin D (heavy eye roll). I finally got in with an endocrinologist who gave me the overnight suppressions test (awakening response was very low but serum was normal, so again- nothing to be done). My levels were extremely low, but I have been struggling with weight gain when I’m not actively starving myself for years. I work out, I eat healthy and in high-protein macros, and if I don’t drop to 800 calories a day I just gain weight.
This has given me so much hope, and I feel like I can finally approach one of the doctors with a suggestion instead of dreading yet another telling me “wait and see”. Thank you!
I can't not thank you enough for the post!! It has been such a struggle getting docs to see or understand what I am feeling. This post changed everything for me!! I am scheduling an appt with an Endocrinologist today. God bless you!!
Has the Genotropin helped you lose weight ? I have the EXACT same issue, I have extremely low cortisol but I gained so much weight and I can’t lose any of it? I’ve done more cardio, strict diet, weightlifting, keto, NOTHING is working. I hope you see this 🙁
Can you please tell me if the medication worked?
yes for last 5 years been thinking its high cortisol. had same exact symptoms as yours. had covid many times thinking wrecked havoc on my body.. Just i am getting worse with fatigued/malaise its unbearable and body muscle aches everywhere. Now added is i am dizzy every now and then and no explanation. I was thinking maybe HRT would help and went to gyn and they did blood test and sure enough my cortisol which i thought was high because of this crazy weight gain was very low. very interesting and happy i found this site. thank you for sharing your journey as I going to begin another one w this new information.
@mh10 I am definitely taking this article to my endocrinolgist. I have the same issues and have been gaining weight for years. I eat healthy and excercise and it seems like when i do this i still gain weight. My thyroid levels are all fine. I had to sit there and beg because i am still so fatigued and losing muscle strenth even though i was working out until my arms starting shooting pains in both upper muscles. She did a cortisol test on me and they are right on the low side. This is the first cortisol test i have ever had and she assumed they would be high because of my constant weight gain. So i am going in this thursday for a Stim test. I will bring this article and make her read it and go from there. Thing is I was recently very sick and was put on a steroid treatment. So that makes me think, "was i lower than this and the steroid treatment brought it up a little?" Thank you I hope you feel better on the medicine and lose weight.
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WOW @mh10 I’m so glad you got some help!! And I’m also glad it’s not an autoimmune disease! We go through these doctor hunts all the time. My insurance company also denied the doctor’s order or an infusion because of the cost, but after a second request, they agreed. Don’t lose hope! Be sure to stay in touch with us as you get better! Your experience will be a good model for others!