kkc, Author at CSRF - Cushing's Support & Research Foundation

Author Archives: kkc

Tumor on Remaining Adrenal Gland Following Unilateral Adrenalectomy

Question: Three years ago, I had an adrenal gland removed due to an adrenal adenoma that was causing Cushing’s. Now, I am told that I have another tumor on my right adrenal gland. Is this possible, and what is the best way to tell if it is secreting cortisol? Answer: Removal of a solitary… Continue Reading

Replacement for Surgery Years After Discontinuation

Question: I had one adrenal gland removed about 15 years ago and have not needed replacement medication for 14 years. I am scheduled for hip replacement surgery. Will I need any replacement medication during or after surgery? Answer: It is very unlikely that you will need corticosteroid replacement before, during, or after your surgery.… Continue Reading

Recovery of Atrophied Adrenal

Question: What percentage of patients with Cushing’s syndrome resulting from an adrenal tumor recover full use of their atrophied adrenal after a unilateral adrenalectomy? How long does this process take? Answer: The majority of patients who have undergone a unilateral adrenalectomy recover adrenal function within 1 to 2 years following surgery. By Dr. Beverly… Continue Reading

One Adrenal Gland and Stress or Illness

Question: Does one adrenal gland really completely take over full adrenal function even during times of illness or stress? Answer: The adrenal glands are very resilient and one adrenal gland is usually enough to sustain an adequate cortisol production; however, after the removal of a cortisol-producing adenoma from a solitary adrenal gland, the other adrenal… Continue Reading

DHEA and Testosterone After Bilateral Adrenalectomy

Question: Since my adrenal glands were removed, my testosterone and DHEA levels are low. Is there value in taking replacement doses of either one of these? Answer: Although it is not part of the standard of care to treat women or men with primary adrenal insufficiency (and bilateral adrenalectomy is such a state) with adrenal… Continue Reading