After reading several posts and a few studies on 3 am dosing of hydrocortisone a while back, I discussed a potential schedule change with my 4 yr old SWCAH son’s endocrinologist. He said that he had not read any "good", scientific studies proving that this schedule would truly benefit growth and that my son was doing fine on his own growth curve (around 2 or 3 % for height and 25 % for weight). Since my husband hasn’t read any of the articles, he wants to go along with our doctor’s suggestion to leave our son on his current schedule of 1.7 ml Hydrocortisone X3 daily. (7 am, 3 pm & 11 pm).   

My son has never been a very good "sleeper", always waking up at least once during the night and I’ve always wondered if it has anything to do with his night-time dose . I’m also very concerned that we do everything possible to help him achieve whatever height potential he has (both me and my husband are fairly short, but managed to have a 6 yr old non-CAH daughter who is tall for her age.)

Just wondering if anyone else has gone ahead and tried this schedule change without their endo’s consent and if we were to change, what dose and schedule would you (Laura or anyone else who has been using this schedule) suggest. My son’s levels have consistently been good - we haven’t had any difficulty keeping him well controlled (other than some tampering with Florinef to keep his blood pressure down). Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou and take care! Jill T.