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What Causes Constant Adrenalin Rush?

Posted on Tue, 23 Dec 2014

Question: Hi, I'm a 37 year old female who is experiencing constant adrenalin rushes sometimes it feels like it is in my adrenal glands and during sleep in my heart. I've had my thyroid tested and had a TSH level of 2.4 so was put on 25mg of thyroxine which helped with the heavy body, forgetfulness, energy levels and brain fog. Sometimes my thymus also shakes and my ovaries also feel affected. I've had a full heart check - ECG, X-rays, ultrasound and stress test and all were normal but I do have raised blood pressure so am on inderal. I've had many many blood and urine tests but nothing is showing. It's been 3 months and I'm going crazy due to lack of sleep and the constant adrenalin feeling in my body. Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Pheochromocytoma

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your troubling symptoms.

There is a rare condition called pheochromocytoma. It is typically a benign tumor that produces excess of adrenaline type of hormones. It can cause symptoms similar to the ones you are reporting.

There is a simple screening blood test for this. It is called Plasma free metanephrines. This does not require any fasting and can be done at anytime of the day.

The results are best interpreted by an endocrinologist, who may consider ordering further blood or urine tests to confirm the diagnosis. An example is a 24 hour urine test for fractionated catecholamines and metanephrines.

Secondly. most endocrinologists worldwide would not start thyroid medication for a TSH of 2.4
I understand you are saying it seems to have benefited you but the decision to start thyroid medication requires comprehensive and systematic assessment

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (4 minutes later)

Thanks for your response. I have been tested for the tumor you discussed above and the results were negative. I have previously had a severe case of postpartum thyroiditis and in addition to the TSH of 2.4 my antibodies were also back up so I suppose this was why the medication was started and within a week I felt dramatically better but as yet I have no diagnosis so I have no idea if the thyroid medication is helping or hindering except that it had brought my thyroid levels to a pretty perfect level now... The shaking adrenals etc are still a mystery...

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
I see.

It is perplexing indeed.

Inexplicable symptoms are best served by continued follow up to look for emerging signs of disease.

I hope you find an endocrinologist/internist who can keep working with you to get to the bottom of this.

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar