Posted by InsomniaMom on July 10, 2002, at 8:44:52
In reply to insomnia mom, posted by katekite on July 9, 2002, at 16:01:17
Thanks, Kate. I had heard of Cushings before but was very unfamiliar with it, so I did a little research. It sounds like it's in the past for you? I hope so, anyway. Have you found an antidpressant which does not cause such bad side effects for you?
I don't really have many of the Cushings symptoms, though my hormones have given me some problems over the years. Have had several surgeries for stubborn endometriosis/adenomyosis and took something which suppressed the pituitary action which stimulates the release of estrogen from the ovaries for six months in hopes of "starving" the endometriosis. I felt pretty great during those six months so maybe it was also suppressing the release of the cortisol?I am a little "top heavy" but that is basically due to genetics and my skeletal structure and have always had very thin, dry skin. I do not have excess hair, stretch marks or the "moon face" symptoms which were listed for Cushings.I suppose I still could produce too much cortisol because I am so easily "stressed out".
My last test for menopause came out positive so my remaining ovary may have stopped functioning, but I really haven't had many other symptoms...an occasional hot flash. I think it's still pumping out some estrogen though because I occasionally get cyclic breast pain/enlargement/bloating but can't confirm that I get a "period" as I have no longer have a uterus. The endocrine system is so complicated! Don't know if that FSH test is completely accurate.
Thanks for your concern and the info...I have always thought many of my problems were hormonal (like excess estrogen) but know my dr. would diagnose a request for a Cushings test as "hypochondria" as I do not present with most of the classic symptoms.
Take care,
Michelle
poster:InsomniaMom
thread:109214
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020709/msgs/111917.html