Pheochromocytoma hormone imbalance n panic attacks

Posted by tinkeringtech @tinkeringtech, Sep 3, 2023

Can the hormone imbalance caused from a Pheochromocytoma be causing nocturnal panic attacks?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group.

Yes.

If your body is flooding with metanephrines, it can totally feel like a panic attack.

REPLY

I dont really know what's a lot to be considered flooded but any and all metanephrines test have been 820+ and free normetanephrines are always 680+ or do those numbers not work since it's possible to have higher releases? Those are just lab numbers that seem to be very consistent..

REPLY

It's just frustrating as the mental health professionals just keep telling me my nocturnal panic attacks are being caused by some type of hormone imbalance but that's about it.

REPLY

I am suffering from. Early morning panic attacks, say at 5 am ,they wake me from sleep .But no other time do I get them.
I read its caused by excess cortisol which can lead to Cushing Disease.I have Primary Aldosteronism/Conns disease and wondered if the excess hormone Aldosterone might be causing them? No literature on this....

REPLY

I've had the 5 am adrenaline rushes for over two and a half years. This began with a period of extreme life stress, and I have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and a mild form of PTSD. The cortisol spikes that are part of waking up are no doubt a factor and the anxiety takes it from there. I have found that just accepting this as a natural process has helped.

REPLY

I wish it would stop, things seem so much worse in the early morning when everything so quiet. I am trying to focus on good things .
Think I may have some ptsd myself.

REPLY
@florentina99

I wish it would stop, things seem so much worse in the early morning when everything so quiet. I am trying to focus on good things .
Think I may have some ptsd myself.

Jump to this post

I'm about to be diagnosed with Conn's. After my hospilization with heart failure related symptoms. Upon being discharged one of the medications given was "spironolactone " my pcp at that time said it would help keep the potassium in my system longer...end goal for me to be off all meds and only wear compression socks daily. I live in a different state now and nor is he still my physician. A little over 6 years ago I was doing really and decided to try and go off all and did well for a few years and 4 the past 4 years I've been experiencing on going anxiety problems, avoid any it not social activities bc of this, I'm short tempered, and feel like I'm in a constant state of fight or flight mode along with a long list of many other symptoms and medical problems. I've numerous times to get the health professionals I've seen to put me back on it and they decline my pleas stating they don't see the need for it. But I do know is I was not this way when on it.

REPLY

Hi, have you had a scan of your adrenals? Mine was completely normal but I have to take spironolactone for life to keep my potassium up,even though I eat alot of potassium rich foods.

REPLY

I found this the other night...hopefully it helps.

REPLY
@florentina99

Hi, have you had a scan of your adrenals? Mine was completely normal but I have to take spironolactone for life to keep my potassium up,even though I eat alot of potassium rich foods.

Jump to this post

Bloodwork will be needed to see how of the hormone is really being released. Or adrenal vein sampling is even more accurate. When hospitalized for heart failure related symptoms. I had a near fatal low potassium level of 2.7 and PH level of 8.5. Upon discharge dx with hypokalemia with venous insufficiency. And am having problems with kidney stones...

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.