Hi all,

I've had a chronic condition that has not been successfully diagnosed by physicians. Based on reading I've done recently I suspect I have "adrenal fatigue" and am trying to find out more about how to first diagnose this and then treat it. I had a few questions I was hoping people might have some feedback on ...

1) I understand this is a controversial syndrome, i.e. not recognized by many GPs and endocrinologists, but the case "for" (the existence of this syndrome) seems fairly persuasive to me. What about the case "against"? Am I going down a blind alley in trying to find someone who can diagnose/treat this?

2) How do I find someone who can diagnose this? I did a web search and found one GP (Ludka Berkowski) in my area (sydney, australia) who was highly recommended by several people with thyroid and adrenal conditions, but she is not free until April (and I have to relocate to Europe before then). She did offer to do a pathology referral (order tests and then interpret them over the phone) -- I have agreed, but it seems better to also get an examination from someone. Should I also try a Naturopath or an endocrinologist? What is a good strategy to follow in finding someone who specializes in something not recognized by conventional western medicine?

3) Saliva cortisol test? This seems to be central method of diagnosis -- any feedback on how reliable it is?

4) Overlap with traditional chinese medicine (TCM)? Several of my symptoms also fit a pattern in TCM relating to kidney chi disturbance (especially yin deficiency), and in fact I have found some relief from Chinese herbal therapy. Does anyone know of research on "overlap" between these syndromes? Or of effectiveness/risks of using TCM to treat a problem with adrenal glands?

Many thanks for any ideas on these issues!

Isaac

Hi Issac.

I am not sure if you saw this in the other post. To find a doctor who uses saliva testing (and who would likely be familiar with adrenal fatigue), try calling compounding pharmacies in your area. They may be able to tell you which doctors order these kind of meds. Compounding pharmacies are often the ones who dispense adrenal and hormone medication and supplements.

A good book about adrenal fatigue is "Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome" by James Wilson.

Maybe the doctor who is booked until April can recommend someone for you to see?

John N Stiel, endocrinologist, 40 Pacific Hwy St Leonard’s 2065 61 2 9439 8447

he is amazing. he will take the time to listen to your concerns and do all he can for you.

Hi, I am so sorry to hear that you are suffering. I was diagnosed last year with hypoadrenalism with the saliva test. I feel it is very reliable. My DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) used the test.
Good luck and I hope you can get treatment and begin to feel better.

Hi, I am so sorry to hear that you are suffering. I was diagnosed last year with hypoadrenalism with the saliva test. I feel it is very reliable. My DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) used the test.
Good luck and I hope you can get treatment and begin to feel better.

I wish i knew where to start with finding who did Cortisol tests here in NZ- i am sure if i rang up a random chemist they would just laugh at me... suppose i could try though. Too embarassed to ask my GP- already annoyed him enough with many other probs...