Coco
This blog is about my life with adrenal insufficiency, especially isolated ACTH deficiency. I write about my daily life, what I’ve learned, and how I keep trying different things to feel better, while staying focused and not getting lost in confusing information.
I was diagnosed with idiopathic adrenal insufficiency in June 2022 and started taking hydrocortisone (Cortef). Even at 20 mg daily, my symptoms just wouldn’t go away, but by reviewing medical papers and case reports from both Japan and abroad, I learned how to reduce stress on the HPA axis through lifestyle changes.
Over time, my natural cortisol levels, which had been as low as 1.6 μg/dL, gradually returned to the normal range, and I was able to stop taking hydrocortisone in November 2023—about a year and a half after starting treatment. Because information on this condition is limited in Japan, I continue learning from global research and patient experiences, aiming for a sustainable, side-effect-free lifestyle that supports remission and overall stability.
What became essential in managing this condition was not simply increasing the dose, but understanding how CBG and CYP interactions influence cortisol levels and learning how to avoid unnecessary stress and risks. Many of the insights that guided my recovery and self-management are detailed in the reviews and textbooks by Dr. Vaidya (2025), Professor Hindmarsh (2024), and Dr. Husebye (2021).
It has been 9 years since I first noticed some health issues, 3 years and 7 months since I was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency, 2 years and 2 months since switching to occasional dosing, and 1 year and 9 months since stopping inhaled steroids for asthma — and overall, I feel I’ve been maintaining a good balance.