Does Adrenal dysfunction cause hair loss?

[Elissa]

My new internist suspects I may have some form of Addison's disease or adrenal insufficiency. I am getting an ACTH stimulation test soon. I recently started reading up on adrenal issues. I am just curious is anyone here knows if adrenal dysfunction could cause hair loss? Does anyone else here have adrenal issues?

Thanks ladies!

[Angela]

My new internist suspects I may have some form of Addison's disease or adrenal insufficiency. I am getting an ACTH stimulation test soon. I recently started reading up on adrenal issues. I am just curious is anyone here knows if adrenal dysfunction could cause hair loss? Does anyone else here have adrenal issues?

Thanks ladies!

I recall a member of the Network talking about her having adrenal problems, here is a link to her page and you can ask her about it. I'm almost positive it was her.

http://community.womenshairlossproject.com/LilHobbit/

[Elissa]

I am so sorry.. I updated by making a blog on the WHLP site, but I completely forgot to update on here! I am going to cut and paste from the blog.. I hope that's okay:

Adrenal Testing Results:

Just wanted to update on some results I got back. I had an ACTH stimulation test done last week to test my adrenals and it came back abnormal which means my adrenal gladns arent producing enough cortisol. I am actually happy because now I have something to treat which may help me feel better! (I have other health issues.. CFIDS and hypothyroidism mainly and I have been very sick for a long time now- 6 years). I still have no idea if the adrenal insufficiency is what caused my hair loss... There really isn't that much info online connecting adrenals to hair loss.. but I guess I'll find out. I meet with him next week to discuss treatment which will most likely be a low dose synthetic hydrocortisone (like Cortef) to replace the cortisol that my adrenals cant produce.
My doctor said that the rest of the blood work he did is still pending (he rechecked my iron, ferritin, copper, and a bunch of stuff) but I will update as soon as I get that back. I want to see if the iron I have been taking is working!
I know this isnt 100% hair related.. I just wanted to share with you girls because this is a big discovery for me and my health. Sorry this is so short.. I am so fatigued today :(
*HUGS*

[Angela]

I'm glad that you at least have something to work with! Wow, how awesome is that.

Here is a cool article about the connection between the adrenals and thyroid function.

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/shamesadrenal.htm

[Elissa]

THANKS HUN! YOU ARE THE BEST!
I am printing out that article right now as i type this! I am seeing the doc tomorrow to go over all the results and to discuss treatment. I'll keep everyone updated. Meanwhile I give up on the "hair loss expert" I emailed him like 2 weeks ago and he never responded :mad: I think my internist will know more about my hair loss than this guy!

*HUGS*
Thanks for the article! :D

[Angela]

Too many "hair loss experts" are just salesmen unfortunately, trying to get you to purchase their latest product and then upgrade to something too expensive and finally making you feel like shit because you can't afford it. Therefore you must not care too much about your hair loss. LOL They'll push those laser treatments and Rogaine and if it doesn't work out "I guess you're just one of the people that it doesn't work for." Sorry, but that much money and no real results? Geez.
Yeah, stick with your internist. :rolleyes:

[mymanego]

How is your adrenal fatigue treatment going? I am taking Cortisol (bioidentical compound) and Armour Thyroid - the thyroid and adrenal glands impact each other so it's supposed to be a good idea to monitor both and treat at the same time.

However, my hair loss has gotten worse. I called the clinic (they specialize in hormonal issues and allergies) in a panic and they increased my dosage of Cortisol. I have lost more hair in the past month than I've ever lost in a month and am still in a panic. But, I'm telling you about this because I was told by the nurse and the doctor that sometimes the situation can get worse before it turns around.

A book was recommended to me "Adrenal Fatigue -The 21st Century Stress Syndrome" by James L. Wilson which I just read. I am going to try to follow the food recommendations in his book and hope that helps. You might want to read it since you're going down the past of treatment for Adrenal Fatigue.

[Elissa]

How is your adrenal fatigue treatment going? I am taking Cortisol (bioidentical compound) and Armour Thyroid - the thyroid and adrenal glands impact each other so it's supposed to be a good idea to monitor both and treat at the same time.

However, my hair loss has gotten worse. I called the clinic (they specialize in hormonal issues and allergies) in a panic and they increased my dosage of Cortisol. I have lost more hair in the past month than I've ever lost in a month and am still in a panic. But, I'm telling you about this because I was told by the nurse and the doctor that sometimes the situation can get worse before it turns around.

A book was recommended to me "Adrenal Fatigue -The 21st Century Stress Syndrome" by James L. Wilson which I just read. I am going to try to follow the food recommendations in his book and hope that helps. You might want to read it since you're going down the past of treatment for Adrenal Fatigue.

Hi. Thank you so much for responding to my post. I have been on Methylprednisolone (Medrol) for almost 2 months now.. I was started at a VERY low dose because I am very sensitive to meds. He is eventually going to switch me to a hydrocortisone and space out the doses.. this was just for him to get it in me in a long-acting formula at first and to monitor my blood work. So far I am not doing any better, but i am hoping that changes soon. I am trying so hard to be patient. I will hopefully get back the latest blood work tomorrow. I really think my thyroid is off now so I am wondering if he will have to adjust my dose of Armour.

Oh--I am also on Armour. (I'm hypothyroid.) I was on Synthroid for many years, but switched to Armour 2 years ago in hopes it would make me feel better. Didn't help..haha.

Just curious-- did you expereince body hair loss as well? I experienced pubic hair loss and the hair under my arms and on my legs.. It's patchy... Like it's sparse. My doc thought that was from the adrenal insufficiency as well. Just wondering if you experienced it too.

It's funny you mentioned James Wilson's book because I did get and read the whole thing.. and didn't like it. I just didn't agree with many of his philosophies. And he didnt really talk about hormone replacement with cortisol much or make any mention of the test I had done to get properly diagnosed (the ACTH Stimulation test). I dont know-- I guess what is helpful for one person isnt for another ;) It's funny because when I told my doctor I read that book he pretty much rolled his eyes (he was familiar with it). It seems that not many books have been written on Adrenal Dysfunction, so there isnt much to choose from! But I really do appreciate your recommendation.. that was very thoughtful of you to share your experience with me.

I really hope you feel better soon. So how long have you been on the cortisol treatment? Did your doc say how long it will take for you to feel better? My doc said it can take months. I hope we both feel better SOON. Keep me updated :) And nice to meet you :)

[mymanego]

Good luck with your adrenal fatigue and hypothyroid treatment. I've been on my treatment since April and am discouraged that not much seems to have changed except that I've gained more weight and lost more hair - I didn't realize they had an inverse reaction (ha).

Same as you I thought switching to Armour would get me in a better place, but disappointing at this point. Yes, I have lost some pubic hair and I don't pay attention to any other hair except the hair on my head.

I noticed in the James Wilson book some inconsistencies with other advice I've read elsewhere. His advice for a daily routine to follow would be really difficult as it requires many hours in bed. However, because he pegged the symptoms and identified things that could contribute to adrenal fatigue, he caught my attention. He did make a little mention about Cortisol at some point but he does sell his own supplement that's supposed to be good enough to not have to use Cortisol. I don't plan on trying that.

The diet he promotes is healthy and is the sort of things we hear all the time (reduce bad fats, reduce processed foods, reduce simple sugars and refined carbohydrates, balancing protein/complex carbohydrates/good fats, no caffeine, etc.). For me that's not so easy but I've got some resolve to follow it for a while and see if I feel better. When I want to eat or drink something that I shouldn't, I just remind myself that maybe I'll get to keep some of my hair if I behave!

Keep me updated too! I hope you feel wonderful soon.