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What Causes Elevated Cortisol Levels While Having Orthostatic Hypotension?
Question: My cortisol level is slightly elevated; I have had orthostatic hypotension this past year. Are they related?
Brief Answer:
The relation is vice versa.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I would like to inform you that usually is the low cortisol level that can cause orthostatic hypotension not high cortisol.
Orthostatic hypotension is common in those who are age 65 and older. As your body ages, the ability of special cells (baroreceptors) near your heart and neck arteries to regulate blood pressure can be slowed.
Also, when you age, it may be harder for your heart to beat faster and compensate for drops in blood pressure.
Mild orthostatic hypotension often doesn't need treatment.
Many people occasionally feel dizzy or lightheaded after standing, and it's usually not cause for concern.
The treatment for more-severe cases of orthostatic hypotension depends on the cause.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
The relation is vice versa.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I would like to inform you that usually is the low cortisol level that can cause orthostatic hypotension not high cortisol.
Orthostatic hypotension is common in those who are age 65 and older. As your body ages, the ability of special cells (baroreceptors) near your heart and neck arteries to regulate blood pressure can be slowed.
Also, when you age, it may be harder for your heart to beat faster and compensate for drops in blood pressure.
Mild orthostatic hypotension often doesn't need treatment.
Many people occasionally feel dizzy or lightheaded after standing, and it's usually not cause for concern.
The treatment for more-severe cases of orthostatic hypotension depends on the cause.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Just a comment...This problem was quite severe. I fell 4 times in the past year, the last time I was unconscious. Lots of dizziness and some slow walking and slow thinking. I thought my body was breaking down and I thought that it could lead to death. The Fludrocort has been a lifesaver for me. If you know of anything I need to be wary of please let me know. Thanks
Brief Answer:
A neurological pathology should be ruled out.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back!
The orthostatic hypotension you had does not seem to be mild or moderate, from your prescription it is a severe form. So it is not just a problem related to the age.
I do not know if your treating doctor checked the adrenal function before starting florinef. If the cortisol and other adrenal hormones were within the normal ranges before treatment than it may be idiopatic orthostatic hypotension.
In these cases a careful neurological examination and probably a CT scan of the head would help to rule out different neurological pathologies.
If it results normal than continue the treatment with florinef as it seems to be effective in treating your idiopatic orthostatic hypotension.
Wish you good health.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
A neurological pathology should be ruled out.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back!
The orthostatic hypotension you had does not seem to be mild or moderate, from your prescription it is a severe form. So it is not just a problem related to the age.
I do not know if your treating doctor checked the adrenal function before starting florinef. If the cortisol and other adrenal hormones were within the normal ranges before treatment than it may be idiopatic orthostatic hypotension.
In these cases a careful neurological examination and probably a CT scan of the head would help to rule out different neurological pathologies.
If it results normal than continue the treatment with florinef as it seems to be effective in treating your idiopatic orthostatic hypotension.
Wish you good health.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
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. Raju A.T
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