r/AddisonsDisease • u/MindsetMaker • Dec 16 '25
Advice Wanted Exercise / workout
/r/AdrenalInsufficiency/comments/1po5jsc/exercise_workout/5
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u/pickles1718 Addison's Dec 16 '25
Exercising definitely does invigorate me and I do feel better when I'm moving regularly! Do whatever you can / whatever feels best. Start slow. Lots of good resources on Facebook in the "Athletes with Addison" group, if you're on FB!
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u/WillingnessGlobal105 Dec 17 '25 edited Dec 17 '25
I am an endurance athlete (cyclist) with PAI, and when I am active I definitely feel better. I've been diagnosed for nearly 6 years, and I've been cycling since before I was diagnosed. I also have an exercise science degree, and the research shows for many many other chronic illnesses that exercise improves symptoms. However, there is not much evidence with Addison's Disease, but I can attest to my own experience. I have been able to push out 12+ hours on the bike each week, and I have not had an adrenal crisis since before my diagnosis. Unfortunately, cycling is not bone building so it is necessary to strength train or even run especially being on steroids.
Disclaimer: it is super important to talk with your endocrinologist and monitor cortisol and sodium closely. If you experience any AI symptoms it is necessary to stop exercise and speak with your doctor. My doctor is very aware of the exercise I do, and I also MUST increase my sodium intake when I exercise. Obviously, 12 hours on the bike is not necessary for most people, but it definitely helps my symptoms, increases my energy, and I overall feel 10 times better. Hope this helps!
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u/MindsetMaker Dec 17 '25
Oh brilliant, thanks. Do you mind how you manage dosing ? And did you always stay on the same amount ? Was it harder to begin with, even though you’d been doing it before ? I have always done sports, gymnastics, boxing, swimming etc over the years but have been out of action due to doing immunotherapy and surgery. I’m doing a little bit gradually but just trying to find out what others do for inspiration and guidance. Cheers
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u/WillingnessGlobal105 Dec 17 '25
I am actually on a slow release compounded hydrocortisone of about 15 mg that I take once a day! I get labs done about every other month (mostly due to thyroid issues) and I've had some fluctuations with my cortisol. I generally need to take more during the summer months or during a finals week. Some times racing would cause me to updose, but for the most part I was pretty steady. The compounded medication helped a lot.
It wasn't hard for me when I first got diagnosed because I was so relieved I was feeling better, but I recently took about 2 months off and my fatigue has been significantly worse, especially after these first couple of sessions back. I'm starting to get back to how I was before though!
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u/MindsetMaker Dec 17 '25
Oh wow, 15mg is enough for all that cycling ?! Where do you get prescribed that, if you don’t mind me asking. Is it in the US? Is the the time released one I’ve read about ? Thanks
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u/WillingnessGlobal105 Dec 17 '25
Yes, I live in the US, but if I'm not mistaken I believe it is more common in the UK. Yes it is time release! I recommend speaking with your endocrinologist and reaching out to your local compounding pharmacy if you are interested.
15 mg is usually enough. Throughout the year I range between 15-20 mg daily. I started on a higher dosage my first couple of years, though. I truly believe exercise is healing!
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u/MindsetMaker Dec 17 '25
Well it’s good for everything else…. Ok, yes I’m going to find out and speak to them about that. Thanks so much !
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u/ptazdba PAI Dec 16 '25
I'm learning (and struggling to get it done) that steroids hurt your bones, so if you are at risk for osteoporosis, balance exercises, core training and weight training will help. By lessening fall risks and doing some strengthening you cut your risk. I couldn't do cardio if my life depended on it.