I have an adenoma on my adrenal gland (has been the same size for 10 years).
I am wondering if this could affect the functioning of the adrenal gland. I have
Been having a lot of fluctuation in my blood pressure, and insomnia problems.
Could this adenoma be causing some hormonal changes that would affect these
Problems? My family doctor says no, but I am thinking of going to an endoctrinologist
For their opinion. I might add I was on some very high doses of predisone about
20 years ago. If there is anyone out there who has experienced this kind of problem,
I would love to hear from you. Thanks so much.

I think you are wise to ask for an endocrinology referral from your Primary doctor.
I have thyroid disease and I was amazed at how much more the endo doc knew about my condition.It was truly enlightening to have a doctor who understood all of my symptoms and could pinpoint why I had them.
They are specialists for a reason.
I would ask for that referral.

Adrenal Physiology and Pharmacology (http://www.pharmacology2000.com/Adrenocorticosteroids/physiol1.htm#Overview:)

Most adenomas do not effect adrenal function. Like most organs > 50% of the organ has to be destroyed or non-functioning to effect function. Prednisone use 20 years has no bearing now. If you have been on high doses of prednisone for more than 10-14 days then just stopped, it may have precipitated an adrenal crisis, but that would have been then and not now. A simple screening test would be to check an 8 am cortisol level, along with a baseline ACTH level.



G&P

I want to thank the 2 people who have responded to my adrenal gland question.
I have a question for "in the box". The screening of the 8:00 a.m. cortisol level
Along with a baseline ACTH level; can those screenings be done by my primary
Doctor, or do I still need to see an edoctrinologist for that ? I might add that I
Also have thyroid disease and along with the fluctuation of blood pressure, and
Insomnia, I have had some heart palpitations usually at the same time when
By blood pressure gets very high. It usually lasts for about a half hour, but
Generally speaking, my blood pressure is running higher, even without having
The palpitations. Thanks again for any help.

I have one more thing to add to my last
Response to "in the box". I also have an
Auto-immune condition called Wegener's
Granulomatosis (was diagnosed in 1988
And am still in remission with the help of
A sulfa drug, which I have taken since that
Time. Now I am probably really confusing
You, but please answer me the best you can.
Thanks.