I tried many cortisol replacements in the first five years post op bilateral adrenalectomy (BLA) — hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, prednisolone, and in many combinations. None worked for me. So much wasted time! I don't even have gastroparesis or gut issues.
Last week, I asked my endo to review my results from the genetic test, www.genomind.com i used to find the best anti depressant last summer to see if he saw anything that affected endocrine issues. He said I have an issue with my CYP3A4 gene that causes me to process cortisol rapidly. Labs always showed I had enough cortisol but my cells disagreed. I was always feeling low with extreme fatigue. Now that I have been on the cortisol pump for 14 months, that low feeling is gone. My body gets much more of what it needs in small batches of cortisol delivered slowly and directly. Even still, I have to take a higher amount than many due to this gene. I still take 30-35 mg solucortef daily even though it drips straight into the blood stream.
If you aren't feeling well post op, get the Genomind test. It could improve your mental health as well as your cortisol replacement issues.
I'm still learning about the genetics stuff. Feel free to help me research and share what you learn. I have a theory that this CYP3A4 gene may also hinder cyclical Cushies like me to always get normal results on 24-hour urinary free cortisol tests (UFC) while always getting high hydroxycorticosteroids (OHCS) on those same UFCs. I feel this is a major scientific breakthrough.
