adrenal

ℹ️ Basics: What is Cortisol?

MaryO Basic Info , ,

Cortisol is a hormone which produced by the adrenal gland (cortex) to control blood sugar. The production of cortisol is triggered by the pituitary hormone ACTH. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid which stimulates an increase in blood glucose. Cortisol will also stimulate the release of amino acids from muscle tissue and fatty acids from adipose tissue. The amino acids are then converted in the liver to glucose (for use by the brain). The fatty acids can be used by skeletal muscles for energy (rather than glucose) thereby freeing up glucose for selective utilization by the brain. Cortisol levels are often measured to evaluate the function of the pituitary or adrenal glands. Some of the cortisol is metabolized by the liver to produce 17 hydroxycorticosteroids, which is then excreted in the urine.

The primary stress hormone. Cortisol is the major natural GLUCOCORTICOID (GC) in humans.

Synthetic cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone, is used as a drug mainly to fight allergies and inflammation.

Physiology
The amount of cortisol present in the serum undergoes diurnal variation, with the highest levels present in the early morning, and lower levels in the evening, several hours after the onset of sleep. Information about the light/dark cycle is transmitted from the retina to the paired suprachiasmatic nuclei in the hypothalamus. Changed patterns of the serum cortisol levels have been observed in connection with abnormal ACTH levels, clinical depression, psychological stress, and such physiological stressors as hypoglycemia, illness, fever, trauma, surgery, fear, pain, physical exertion or extremes of temperature. There is also significant individual variation, although a given person tends to have consistent rhythms.

Cortisol also inhibits the secretion of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), resulting in feedback inhibition of ACTH secretion. Some researchers believe that this normal feedback system may break down when animals are exposed to chronic stress.

In normal release, cortisol has widespread actions which help restore homeostasis after stress. It acts as a physiological antagonist to insulin by promoting gluconeogenesis, breakdown of lipids, and proteins, and mobilization of extrahepatic amino acids and ketone bodies. This leads to increased blood glucose concentrations, resulting in increased glycogen formation in the liver (Freeman, 2002). It also increases blood pressure. In addition, immune and inflammatory cells have their responses to stress attenuated by cortisol, and the hormone thus lowers the activity of the immune system. Bone formation is also lowered by cortisol.

These normal endogenous functions are the basis for the physiological consequences of chronic stress – prolonged cortisol secretion causes muscle wastage, hyperglycemia, and suppresses immune / inflammatory responses. The same consequences arise from long-term use of glucocorticoid drugs.

Also, long-term exposure to cortisol results in damage to cells in the hippocampus. This damage results in impaired learning. However, short-term exposure of cortisol helps to create memories; this is the proposed mechanism for storage of flash bulb memories.

Pharmacology
As an oral or injectable drug, cortisol is also known as hydrocortisone. It is used as an immunosuppressive drug, given by injection in the treatment of severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema, in place of prednisolone in patients who need steroid treatment but cannot take oral medication, and peri-operatively in patients on long-term steroid treatment to prevent an Addisonian crisis.

It is given by topical application for its anti-inflammatory effect in allergic rashes, eczema and certain other inflammatory conditions. It may also be injected into inflamed joints resulting from diseases such as gout.

Compared to prednisolone, hydrocortisone is about 1/4th the strength. Dexamethasone is about 40 times stronger than hydrocortisone. For side effects, see corticosteroid and prednisolone.

A certain amount of cortisol is necessary for life. Without cortisol even a small amount of stress will kill you. Addison’s disease is a disease which causes low cortisol levels, and which is treated by cortisol replacement therapy.

Cortisol…

  • helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function;
  • helps slow the immune system’s inflammatory response;
  • helps balance the effects of insulin in breaking down sugar for energy; and
  • helps regulate the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

 

Webinar: “Navigating Adrenal Health”

MaryO Interviews, Meetings and Conferences , , ,

 

Join NADF for the first annual virtual conference for patients and caregivers, “Navigating Adrenal Health”. With talks on topics ranging from research updates to accessing patient resources to EMS standards and expectations, participants can prepare for a wealth of information for patients, caregivers, and clinicians alike.

​Register today – FREE for all!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2ND

NADF at 40 Years
Paul Margulies, M.D., FACP, FACE
NADF Medical Director

Adrenal Crisis and EMS: Standards and Expectations
Joshua Stilley, M.D.
Emergency Medicine
Chair of the Missouri State Advisory Council on EMS

Recreating Human Adrenal Gland In Dish: Toward Endocrine-Level Reconstruction
Kotaro Sasaki, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor at The University of Pennsylvania
Member, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Resources & Tips for Navigating Insurance, Financial, & Legal Issues
Joanna Fawzy Doran, Esq.
CEO, Triage Cancer®

Imaging adrenal adenomas with [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor
Liza Lindenberg, M.D.
Molecular Imaging Branch
National Cancer Institute

My AI Registry and Emerging Trends in Treatment Strategies
Elizabeth A, Regan, M.D., Ph.D.
Physician-Researcher at National Jewish Health
Principal Investigator, My AI (Adrenal Insufficiency) Registry
 
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3RD

Adrenal Insufficiency: An Overview
Smita B. Abraham, M.D.
Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Montefiore Medical Center

Emergency Preparedness: Solu-Cortef Injections for Adrenal Crisis
AJ Connor BSN, RN, BME
Addison’s disease patient
NADF Pennsylvania Support Group Leader

Everything You Need to Know about Adrenal Insufficiency in Youth in 30 Minutes or Less
Mitchell E. Geffner, M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Ron Burkle Chair in the Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism

Cushing’s talk – details forthcoming

Introduction to Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Daily and Emergency Treatment
Selma Feldman Witchel, M.D.
Professor Emerita University of Pittsburgh
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

NADF Resources for patients and caregivers
Vanessa O’Rourke
Community Engagement Manager
NADF

💉 Helpful Doctors: Ohio

MaryO Five Star, Helpful Doctors, Ohio , , , , ,

 

Many people on the message boards see Dr. Kirschner.  Here’s a short adrenal video:

 

 

When it comes to adrenal cancer care, expertise is critical. The James at Ohio State expert Dr. Lawrence Kirschner explains what you should look for and why.

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute is located at 460 W. 10th Ave. on the Ohio State campus. (43210). To learn more about the OSUCCC – James visit: https://cancer.osu.edu/

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ℹ️ Basics: Cushing’s Syndrome Overview

MaryO Cushing's Awareness Challenge , , , , , , , ,

Cushing’s syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs when the body is exposed to too much cortisol. Cortisol is produced by the body and is also used in corticosteroid drugs. Cushing’s syndrome can occur either because cortisol is being overproduced by the body or from the use of drugs that contain cortisol (like  prednisone ).

Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands in response to the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the pituitary. One form of Cushing’s syndrome may be caused by an oversecretion of ACTH by the pituitary leading to an excess of cortisol.

Cortisol has several functions, including the regulation of inflammation and controlling how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Corticosteroids such as prednisone, which are often used to treat inflammatory conditions, mimic the effects of cortisol.

Stay tuned for more basic info…

ℹ️ Basics: Adrenal Surgery: One Patient’s Experiences

MaryO Basic Info , , , ,

​Extracted and adapted from this series: https://cushings.invisionzone.com/topic/51040-on-my-way-to-getting-well/

Post 1) I was officially diagnosed with Cushing’s yesterday. I have a CT scan to check on my adrenal tumor and a meeting with my surgeon tomorrow. Hopefully they will schedule surgery for Monday or Tuesday. I have suffered over a year with this, been in congestive heart failure, and believe this cortisol caused my son to be stillborn in March. It’s been the year from hell. Please pray that all goes well tomorrow and that I will be cured of this once and for all!!

Post 2) Surgery set for the 23rd!!!!! He is planning a right adrenaltectomy. I am so darn excited…

Post 3) I’m almost two weeks out of adrenal surgery. He removed the tumor & my gland. This has been the hardest and most painful two weeks of my life. I am already noticing little changes in my body. My skin is getting texture, my hair is not as brittle, my swelling goes down each day, and my nails are white instead of yellow and are stronger. I am getting hair back on my arms, legs, & feet too. I can’t wait to continue to get well. I am ready to be able to get out and about. I am pretty much housebound now because of the pain of the withdrawal from the cortisol. I stay on my painkillers and rest in my recliner. Hubby bought it for me because I can’t sleep in the bed comfortably. He’s the best. He’s been sleeping on our air mattress in the living room with me for almost 2 weeks now. He is always there to help me get out of the recliner when I need to. He is amazing. Just wanted to update you all. Getting better everyday.

Post 4) I am on 40mg Hydrocortisone daily right now. I will have my first wean close to Christmas. I have an appt. on the 21st with my endo. She is fantastic and saved my life from this stuff. I am so blessed. Today is a rough day. I did have 2 good days in a row which was a huge blessing. Thanks for thinking of me!

Post 5) Well, I just survived month 1 of recovery. It was HORRIBLE. I have never had so much pain in my life. I am still on 40 mg and my endo. wants me to wean 10 mg starting on the 27th. We’ll see how it goes. I have so much pain, shaking, chills, no sleep NOW. I can’t imagine how its going to be on a lower dose. My cortisol level was SO HIGH (2107) before surgery. I knew this withdrawal was going to be terrible. SHe had never seen a level as high as mine before. The lab actually tested my urine twice because they didn’t believe it the first time. I am doing a lot of resting right now. I am very nervous about my mother leaving on New Year’s Day. I don’t know how I am going to handle my 3 year old on my own. I hurt so badly and my vision isn’t the greatest yet. Thanks for thinking of me and writing me back.

Post 6) We have another call into my endo about my suffering. I have done nothing but shake uncontrollably all day so far. I hurt so badly. I am up every hour at night writhing in pain. I refuse to suffer like this anymore. I want some relief. Thank you so much for all of the advice. It means the world to me. Great news is that I am off my BP meds as of today!! Cardiologist’s office said I could quit them. I am thrilled. Now to get this pain under control.

Post 7) Endo said we can do whatever I can tolerate. I am now doing 20/20/10 instead of 20/10/10. I am still in pain, but it’s a little more tolerable. She said if I am just miserable and can’t take the pain, then I can do a bedtime dose. I am going to try melatonin to help me sleep per her suggestion. She wants to see how I do on this new dose and start a slow wean in a few weeks.

Post 8) Things have been getting better by the week. New years day was my best physical and mental day so far. I can actually feel my old self returning! !! Today I have lots of bone/muscle pain. Its better than a few weeks ago by far. Yesterday I was able to enjoy my son and play with him for the first time in a long time. I could even dance a little with him. He was so happy. I am down to 20/17.5/10& am handling it well. The pain is tolerable. My hump is almost gone, my stomach is mushy and shrinking, skin is peeling and improving, hair is growing in normally. I will be six weeks out this Wed.

 

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ℹ️ Basics: Cushing’s Syndrome vs Cushing’s Disease

MaryO Basic Info , , ,

What is Cushing’s syndrome?

Any condition that causes the adrenal gland to produce excessive cortisol results in the disorder Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing syndrome is characterized by facial and torso obesity, high blood pressure, stretch marks on the belly, weakness, osteoporosis, and facial hair growth in females.

Cushing’s syndrome has many possible causes including tumors within the adrenal gland, adrenal gland stimulating hormone (ACTH) produced from cancer such as lung cancer, and ACTH excessively produced from a pituitary tumors within the brain. ACTH is normally produced by the pituitary gland (located in the center of the brain) to stimulate the adrenal glands’ natural production of cortisol, especially in times of stress.

When a pituitary tumor secretes excessive ACTH, the disorder resulting from this specific form of Cushing’s syndrome is referred to as Cushing’s disease.

As an aside, it should be noted that doctors will sometimes describe certain patients with features identical to Cushing’s syndrome as having ‘Cushingoid’ features. Typically, these features are occurring as side effects of cortisone-related medications, such as prednisone and prednisolone.

ℹ️ Cushing’s Basics: The Endocrine System

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The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs. It uses hormones to control and coordinate your body’s metabolism, energy level, reproduction, growth and development, and response to injury, stress, and mood. The following are integral parts of the endocrine system:

 

  • Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is located at the base of the brain, near the optic chiasm where the optic nerves behind each eye cross and meet. The hypothalamus secretes hormones that stimulate or suppress the release of hormones in the pituitary gland, in addition to controlling water balance, sleep, temperature, appetite, and blood pressure.
  • Pineal body. The pineal body is located below the corpus callosum, in the middle of the brain. It produces the hormone melatonin, which helps the body know when it’s time to sleep.
  •  Pituitary . The pituitary gland is located below the brain. Usually no larger than a pea, the gland controls many functions of the other endocrine glands.
  • Thyroid and parathyroid. The thyroid gland and parathyroid glands are located in front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box). The thyroid plays an important role in the body’s metabolism. The parathyroid glands play an important role in the regulation of the body’s calcium balance.
  • Thymus. The thymus is located in the upper part of the chest and produces white blood cells that fight infections and destroy abnormal cells.
  •  Adrenal gland . An adrenal gland is located on top of each kidney. Like many glands, the adrenal glands work hand-in-hand with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The adrenal glands make and release corticosteroid hormones and epinephrine that maintain blood pressure and regulate metabolism.
  •  Pancreas . The pancreas is located across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The pancreas plays a role in digestion, as well as hormone production. Hormones produced by the pancreas include insulin and glucagon, which regulate levels of blood sugar.
  • Ovary. A woman’s ovaries are located on both sides of the uterus, below the opening of the fallopian tubes (tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovaries). In addition to containing the egg cells necessary for reproduction, the ovaries also produce estrogen and progesterone.
  • Testis. A man’s testes are located in a pouch that hangs suspended outside the male body. The testes produce testosterone and sperm.

📽 Video: How an Emergency Injection works!

MaryO Uncategorized , , , , , , , , ,

What should you do if an Addison crisis threatens? How do you prepare an emergency injection and how do you administer it?

If you have a gastrointestinal infection, accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting, there is a big risk of an Addison crisis.

Always discuss with your specialist what you have done and what else needs to be done. Explain to your family, colleagues and friends what illness you have, and what they should do if necessary.

Show them the animated clip below.

🎬 Video: How the Body Works: The Adrenal Cortex and Medulla

MaryO Cushing's Awareness Challenge , , , , , , ,

The adrenal glands sitting above the kidneys are richly supplied with blood and with sympathetic nerve endings. Block sections show the blood supply and cellular arrangement of the adrenals.

Two different regions are distinguishable–the cortex, controlled by the pituitary hormone ACTH, produces hormones which maintain body chemistry, and the medulla, which secretes adrenaline and noradrenaline to increase body activity.

 

⁉️ Would *YOU* Do This?

MaryO What do you think? , , , , , , ,

I remember someone on the House TV series trying a stunt like this on the episode titled Deception.

At a betting parlor where House happens to be, a woman collapses and House makes sure she gets to the hospital. He thinks she has Cushing’s syndrome while Cameron starts to think she has Münchausen syndrome, a syndrome at which the patient creates the symptoms of a disease, guaranteeing them attention and sympathy.

Rare Case of Woman Manipulating Saliva Tests to Support Cushing’s Diagnosis

Late-night measures of cortisol levels in saliva may not be all that helpful in diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome, a group of physicians discovered upon learning that a difficult to diagnose patient had manipulated the samples.

Although this behavior is extremely rare, the research team from the University of Calgary in Canada, argued that — when a diagnosis becomes difficult — it may be advisable to confirm suspicions using another and more reliable method that can distinguish natural from synthetic glucocorticoids.

The study, “Factitious ACTH- dependent, apparent hypercortisolism: the problem with late night salivary cortisol measurements collected at home,” was published in the journal Clinical Endocrinology.

The case report described a woman who was admitted to a specialist clinic after two endocrinologists had failed to diagnose what they suspected was cyclic Cushing’s syndrome.

The woman had complained of fatigue and weight gain over the past four years despite weight loss banding surgery, and declined taking steroid medications. The examination did not reveal particular Cushing’s symptoms.

Physicians started an investigation, including overnight dexamethasone suppression tests and late-night salivary cortisol tests, which indicate increased levels of cortisol likely caused by abnormal functioning of the ACTH hormone.

Imaging did not show any suspected lesions in the pituitary and adrenal gland, and all further examinations did not reveal any disease changes that might have contributed to the increased cortisol.

The woman was put on a dopamine agonist. This treatment triggered a loss of eight kilograms (almost 18 lbs) over six months, and the woman said she was satisfied with it. But two late-night cortisol measurement showed continuing high cortisol levels.

When the clinic started using a new type of analysis to measure cortisol, however, findings changed. The new test, which was more sensitive, indicated massively higher doses of cortisol in re-analyzed saliva samples compared to the older results.

The new test could detect synthetic glucosteroids, but could not indicate if synthetic steroids were responsible for the higher levels seen in the retest. So the team used a method called liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. This technique can identify specific molecules, and revealed that the women had manipulated the samples using prednisone.

The woman’s physician also paid a surprise visit to collect a new saliva sample, which turned out to have normal cortisol levels.

The woman neither denied or confirmed manipulating the samples. And the team was contacted two months later by her new physician, requesting confirmation of her Cushing’s syndrome and details on her case.

The researchers believed the woman most likely has what is known as Munchausen’s syndrome, a mental illness that leads patients to feign physical disease. A 1995 report by the National Institutes of Health showed that 0.7 percent of all people investigated for too high cortisol had this syndrome.

Despite the rarity of this case, the team argued that chemical analysis is a valuable tool for both determining sample manipulation in difficult Cushing’s syndrome cases, or a different potential problem.

They also cautioned against putting too much trust in very elevated late-night cortisol, particularly when the symptoms do not match the cortisol increase.

From https://cushingsdiseasenews.com/2017/10/05/rare-case-of-woman-manipulating-late-night-saliva-cortisol-tests-to-get-cushings-diagnosis/