Adrenal gland dysfunction and MS Dx

[KellyTour]

Hi, does anyone know of a relationship btwn adrenal gland issues and MS? Little about me: pending CIS or MS Dx, working with MS specialist who needs to review 2nd brain MRI, evoked potentials. Two other neuros believe I have MS. Upon seeking treatment at ER for probable MS attack my blood pressure was super elevated. BP now stable with meds and am working with endocrinologist to figure out problem. Today this doc found adrenal gland hormones extremely high; probable cause of hypertension. AND, now upon returning home I have found articles online that state many MS patients have malfunctioning adrenal glands. All of the docs I have visited have denied a correlation btwn BP and MS, but this has me thinking I have found a missing link. MS + compromised Adrenal glands = Hypertension. Hmmmmmm.

[Seasha]

Hi Kelly,

I haven't heard of this before, but I found a book online called "Overcoming Adrenal Fatigue" by Kathryn Simpson. She has MS and discovered that adrenal fatigue was the root of her physical condition. It states that she was able to treat her MS symptoms by treating her adrenal insufficiency!

It might be worth reading, although I don't know if she addresses hypertension without reading the book.

Interesting subject! Hope all is well.

[MSer102]

The link between adrenal glands and blood pressure is pretty well known. I think the surprise here is how many people with MS have malfunctioning adrenal glands.

[rdmc]

Hi Kelly,

When I started having BP issues (mine spikes) the first thing they tested for was a pheochromocytoma which doesn't have anything to do with MS, but can mess with your BP. (after several tests including MRI of my adrenals they couldn't find a pheo)

Pheos are usually benign tumors on your adrenal glands which cause increased levels of adrenaline (catecholamines) and thus BP spikes. I thought I'd mention the pheo bp connection since you mentioned adrenals.

I'm sure your Endo is on top of the situation. Hope you get some answers.