What Causes Fatigue When Suffering From GERD?

Posted on Wed, 25 Feb 2015

Question: I am 72 years old. I HAVE ONE KIDNEY AND GENETIC HAEMOCHROMATOSIS. Also suffer from GERD, Osteoarthritis and Glaucoma (Acute angle). Currently I have no energy and multiple aches and pains. Dr. has put me on 5 mgs of Prednisolone and I have some relief from pain and fatigue. Just wondering could i have adrenal gland insufficienty? Many thanks. Your answer could help with my next appointment and discussion with my GP. She is very helpful.
Many thanks, Colette F.

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need to do blood tests.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Colette F,

Welcome to HCM. I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Lack of energy, fatigue and tiredness can be due to many reasons in haemochromatosis like:

Hypothyroidism
Adrenal insufficiency
Hypogonadism
Diabetes
Vitamin D deficiency
Polycythaemia
Liver or kidney disease etc

This is due to increased iron load damaging the thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, pancreas, liver or kidney.

So adrenal insufficiency can occur as a complication of Haemochromatosis. We need blood tests to confirm it. We can't do cortisol test while you are already started on prednisolone. Please consult an endocrinologist to assess the cortisol axis.

What we endocrinologists commonly do is replace prednisolone with hydrocortisone for 1 week and check 8 am cortisol, serum ACTH (blood tests) and cortisol stimulation test (synacthen test) after stopping hydrocortisone for 1 day. If the levels are low, you are having adrenal insufficiency.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help
With warm regards,
Dr Ajish TP (MD,DM)
Consultant Endocrinologist.

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