I was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency of unknown cause, likely isolated ACTH deficiency, and started replacement therapy in June 2022. Even on 20 mg/day, I didn’t feel fully stable. My initial natural cortisol level was 44 nmol/L. As I continued learning and made lifestyle adjustments to support my HPA axis, my cortisol levels gradually returned to the normal range. By November 2023, I was able to stop using replacement therapy. This blog shares my journey, including how my condition changed and how I learned to manage it.

Diary

Sep 20, 2026 4 years 2 months after diagnosis Episode 123: A Step Further in Treatment NEW Sep 15, 2026 4 years 2 months after diagnosis Episode 122: Infection with Hypothermia NEW Sep 5, 2026 4 years 2 months after diagnosis Episode 121: The Specialist Jul 30, 2026 4 years 1 month after diagnosis Episode 120: Taking or waiting Jun 17, 2026 3 years 11 months after diagnosis Episode 119: The Effects of Low Cortisol Jun 12, 2026 3 years 11 months after diagnosis Episode 118: A Warning Sign Jun 2, 2026 3 years 11 months after diagnosis Episode 117: A Tough Weekend

About the author

It has been 9 years and 8 months since I started having unexplained symptoms, 4 years and 2 months since I was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency, 2 years and 9 months since I switched to taking Cortef only when needed, and about 2 years and 5 months since I stopped using the inhaled steroids I had been taking for asthma for several years. Overall, I’ve been doing well and living a pretty healthy life.

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