Cushing's Info

Hello!

I am currently on the hunt for a diagnosis, and as you probably all know, it's incredibly frustrating.  It all started with some weight gain... 30 pounds of weight gain in 4 months, without a change in diet or activity habits.  Then the hair growth started... weird, dark, coarse hairs on my face, neck, and chest.  Just a few at first, but now I'm plucking out new ones every couple of days.  I started getting dark purple streaks on my inner thighs and hips, and I've had intractable headaches now for over a month.   My skin is dry, but my face is breaking out, and hair is brittle, dry, and coming out.

My original GP was no help and told me that it was my SSRI and my birth control pill causing my symptoms, but I have been on the same birth control for almost 7 years and my SSRI has been changed 4 times recently.  I convinced him to order some blood work. anyway.  Of course, he only ordered thyroid tests (T3, Reflex T4, TSH) and some hormone levels (FSH, LH, Estrogen, Testosterone), all of which were normal.  He ordered a cortisol level, but since it was drawn at noon, who knows what it means.  It was apparently on the high end of normal for an AM cortisol and high for a PM cortisol.  He told me I was "fine" and to change my SSRI and stop taking birth control.

I'm scheduled to see a women's health specialist (who does a lot of endocrinology work) at Hahnehman Hospital in March, but it seems so far away.  I am constantly frustrated by my inability to lose the weight, and in fact, am continuing to gain weight, despite my watching my diet (1200-1500 calories a day).   I currently can't exercise due to a swollen and painful knee (reason for this, also unknown).  I'm hoping to at least get some ANSWERS soon.  Good luck to everyone else out there searching for answers.

- Alison

Note: Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or add comments to this bio below.