Adrenal Fatigue Remedies

does anyone know if topically applied cortisone cream could affect cortisol production over an extended period of time? I am having all kinds of endocrine issues and am trying to figure it all out, and realized that I have heavily used Hydrocortisone cream for everything over the past several years wondering if could be inducing cushings type symptoms... thanks

Sarah

Yoga, Yoga, Yoga: It does wonders, believe me. I am the living example. No topical cream, no pills to swallow. Be regular with yoga workout, ideally soon as you wake up.

regards
Ravi

Sarah, Applying cortisone cream for a long period of time can absolutely throw off your endocrine system. Your skin, being the body's largest organ, absorbs things fairly well into your system, so topical steroids can be quite potent. Your body will naturally start reducing its own production of cortisol because you're getting an outside source of it.

So if you've been applying it for a long time, you want to taper off, not go off cold turkey. I didn't know this and for years dealt with a host of serious side effects from adrenal insufficiency.

One of the best ways to get your system balanced again is to take an adaptogen called Maca root. It's one of the only substances I know of that actually resensitize your hypothalamus. This is crucial because your hypothalamus governs how much hormones (of all kinds) you should be manufacturing. It works amazingly well at balancing the endocrine system.

Best of luck to you.

Bill- How much of the Maca root do you take daily? I have thyroid issues and AE. I am about at my wits end. I used to live in St. Pete. And I may be moving back there. Can you recommend a person or place to go for treatment there? Thanks!

Thank you, Bill, for the Maca tip!!! It worked wonderfully for me. One thing that I think helped, as well, was that I had already made drastic diet changes for about 4 months prior- removed gluten, dairy, soy, corn, sugar/artificial sweet, eggs, & peanut products from diet. These are very allergenic and mess with the endocrine and hormonal system.

Yes, Hydrocortisone Cream can do this.

Yes, I had a friend that used Topical HC and got swollen, but she used it a lot and for years. She got better, but had to stop using it for a few months before we could see a difference.

Me, however.......

on the Flip side, it can Also help with Adrenal Fatigue in the final stages...

but I can't take it anymore, it makes me feel weird, Almost Panicky.

Different times in my life I had too much Cortisol due to first getting OFF the birth control pill, then after having a baby, and now...menopause.

I did not know it at the time, but the HC actually helped me lose the weight I gain after each "Super" Episode I call it, since there was EXTREME Panic Attacks with each incident.

I would Balloon up (from my OWN Cortisol) and then would be overweight for a long time and tired....now looking back, I had begun to use the HC for my rosacea right around each AF incident, and then the weight came off....hmmmm, I never put it together till AFTER I learned about Adrenal fatigue.

I did not get Moon face from the cream, only my OWN Cortisol, oh and THIS time, I am Moon Facing for a LONG Time because Menopause takes a while, I say a prayer every night: "Please make this go away..."

I Truly believe it will, only I must wait until the Menstrual FINALLY Stops, for THIS is the "Big One! " the AF that comes from the change of Life.

Hope this helps someone out there.

Right now, I am just using Vitamin C for it.

(the AF)

Wendy in California. age 52 8/8/16

I found out thru muscle testing with my chiropractor that my adrenal gland wasn't working well. Call that adrenal fatigue or not, I don't know, but she gave me a supplement called adrenal, desiccated (that says it's only sold thru health care professionals unfortunately.) that has really seemed to help me already. I'm only half way thru the bottle so far, but I'd reccomend it. My chiropractor is also a nutritionist by the way.

Response to Angela,

Actually, your chiropractor is not being honest with you. You can purchase dessicated adrenal cortex from a large number of vitamin suppliers. Go to iherb.com and do a search for adrenal cortex.

Actually iHerb says "However, modern adrenal extracts are manufactured in such a way that they do not contain significant levels of adrenal hormones. Therefore, it is difficult to find any justification for their use along these lines.

That reason is precisely why you need to get a quality supplement thru a good source. My chiropractor wasn't being dishonest, the bottle was simply stating the fact that you cannot find this quality brand on a shelf in the drug store. There are also vegetarian forms with herbs that they recommend. Also, I have since found a natural food store,(run by a naturapath mind you) that carries the brand.)

Whatever the supplement, you need to make sure of your sources. A lot aren't even digestible, or are toxic if taken in excess. Most natural ones of quality are hard to overdose on, and are fully assimilated.

These are all great recommendations (the list pasted from that site), but I don't think they'll be enough to get you back on track if you truly have adrenal exhaustion. I would do some research into Maca root. This is an amazing plant from Peru that is an "adaptogen". Adaptogens are wonderful natural compounds that actually help your body get back to balance, whether your endocrine system is overactive or underactive. Really amazing stuff.

Maca is a good one to try for adrenal problems because the regulation of your adrenal hormones entails more than just the adrenal gland - it requires proper functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands as well. (Referred to as the "HPA" axis. ) These glands all communicate to one another and work in concert to produce the right amount of a myriad of different hormones - all at the right times.

In my own experience, Maca root has helped immensely...

Best of luck!

Adrenal is a perscription herb remedy from Otho Molecular products. You can only get it by a perscribing Dr. or nutrionisist. You can get adrenal cortex online, but not Adrenal. Not that I have seen anyway.

To Bill from St. Petersburg-- It was great to read your post. Finally, someone who seems to understand Adrenal Exhaustion and the body in the Tampa Bay area. I have AE and wonder if you know of MD, DO, or other heath practitioner in our area that could help me. Not a just a pair of adrenal glands, low thyroid, low hormones, etc. But, as a whole person that would like to heal as well and naturally as possible.

Going through this as well. Aside from taking whatever the supplement may be, it may be equally important to stop the coffee, sugar, alcohol, and the uncountable number of junk foods, some of which are touted as health foods. I suspect vegetables with a good source of protein along with some grains and a little fruit is the core diet.

Exercise should be more along the lines of yoga and deep breathing since that will provide the oxygen and circulation to various body parts; I suspect hot yoga would not be good - probably depends on your overall health, age, etc. Quality rest is obviously a factor.

Adaptogens will help but with herbs it is always a good idea to talk with a professional because there may be other conditions that would be adversely affected by the herbs. For example, deer antler may boost energy but if you are depleted, however it may be too "hot" for your current condition. Bottom line - I'd talk to an herbalist or an acupuncturist trained in herbs so that you can take something that is suitable to your overall condition. Acupuncture may provide you with a little extra help in making the changes. Homeopathics may be helpful as well and I don't think there is much downside to them. Almost always, there is some kind of mental or emotional thing going on as well, so look at how you are living your life and then follow the advice that you would give someone else if they had your lifestyle or habits.

Lastly, you have to be patient with yourself and accept the exhaustion as a sign that you are being asked (or maybe told) that it is time to change.

Just want everyone to have a heads up; I have found that continuous overuse of stevia affects the adrenals. Stevia can block the enzyme (11-beta-HSD hyroxylase) that breaks down cortisol to cortisone metabolites. Levels of cortisol can rise and cause blood pressure problems and others. Avoid the use of stevia in any quantity. It is usually safe, but in small occasional use.

Hi Sweetie, I'm very curious where you have found this information. All the information I have researched on stevia is how it does not feed candida, raise blood sugar levels, cause weight gain or rob the body of minerals.

What exactly do you mean by continual overuse of stevia affects the adrenals? Actually, continual overuse of anything is going to create an imbalance in the body. And the statement, "It is safe, but in small occasional use. " That's ridiculous. I use it daily and have been for about four years now. Donna Gates uses it to help kids who have ADD/ ADHD and candida to overcome their desire for sugar. Certainly, we know that sugar use leads to many problems.

There are many who I consider quite erudite in the alternative health/ health fields who advocate its use. I won't list the many as that would be overkill but among the many are well-known figures such as Dr. Oz, Dr. Weil, Dr. Mercola and David Wolfe.

Best to you, Lisa

Are you sure you are? I thought it was splenda that was causing all the damage not stevia. Where did you get your info? Stevia is a natural sweetener not artificial. Take care, art

Re use of stevia and in defense of "Sweetie" and in response to Lisa. If you google "stevia 11 B Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase" or just the terms Sweetie used you will find the source you want. It is the Open Journal of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, 2012, no 2. p. 49-52, the full text on line. Very impressive to demonstrate potential "chronic" use of stevia can produce edema, hypertension and hypokalemia. That last one is a decrease in potassium which the ingestion of stevia can induce, says the scientific article. Many problems with loss of potassium as everyone knows... heart, muscle issues etc.

Please define "chronic use of stevia".

Hi David, Thank you for at least providing the source of this information posted by Sweetie. My problem with this source is, it is an isolated case of one 32 year old Caucasian woman. It is also rather vague just citing, "On persistent interrogation, patient admitted to daily consumption of sweetener stevia for over 9 months. " This is too ambiguous for me to take seriously.

I have consumed it daily for probably 4 years now to sweeten my one cup of coffee I drink in the morning. Stevia comes highly recommended by very notable doctors and those from the alternative health field as I said in my response to Sweetie.

The study also does not define what chronic is, as stated in its conclusion: "This case report indicates that chronic consumption may induce edema, hypertension and hypokalemia... " I would need the definition of "chronic" before I would become alarmed about this isolated case. I would also like to note the word "may" in there. Honestly, chronic use of anything is most likely going to lead to problems! At any rate, thanks for the source. Lisa

To Terry and Lisa re Stevia consumption. "Chronic" as discussed in the article I cited is certainly greater than the modest once a day use which Lisa practices (in her coffee in the morning). The article does not state quantity, but I can imagine what the patient told her doctor: She likely substituted stevia for sugar and if she was a heavy sugar user then she might be consuming an equilavent amount fit to meet the required sugar volume. I'm just guessing but could that be 40 drops a day? 50?

But if used in moderation which is Lisa's practice then the outcome would be without the negative that may be associated with heavy consumption.

Also, to Lisa: Do you have a source for a similar study as that which I cited that could demonstrate heavy consumption (40 drops daily or more) does NOT produce any symptoms? I'd like to read it.

I also use Stevia. Just a few drops, say in Oatmeal in the morning. But as a user, I also welcome information that puts me on notice as to possible overuse.

Dear David, the article cites on page 2: "... 6 g - 8 g. Were added to 4 to 6 oz of coffee consumed 2 - 3 times a day". That's 12 to 24 grams daily which is a huge amount! Any sweetener at such dosage would probably have some colateral effects...

My experience with stevia was a bad one. I tried it for a week and it made me very dizzy. Stopped it and the dizziness stopped. I would take precautions with stevia especially if you are hypoglycemic.

I was sitting here reading posts wondering why I was so dizzy and thinking about what I ate or drank today... Forgot about the stevia on strawberries in yogurt until reading this post. Two days in a row. I usually don't eat stevia.... Problem solved.... Stevia causes dizzyiness. Thank you!

Joy and Heather: I'm curious what brand of Stevia you were on? Not all Stevia is created equal. In fact, many of the stevia brands that are even carried at Whole Foods actually have aspartame and other artificial sweeteners in them... Back in the day when I used to use aspartame I know it gave me headaches and made me very dizzy. Just a thought.

Hy top white was my most recent bad experience on strawberries, but had a bad experience with the RAW brown colored stuff once before but only had one pack that time. Just felt ill that time. NO lingering misery all day and night and day.

I've always been hyper sensitive to everything and only recently been able to venture into new things.

I rarely eat out or buy prepackaged food or anything with color or dye or additives , breads make me feel like puking. Allergic to semolina in all pasta, pizza, chinese food, sensitive to most fruits, SOYyeast, berries(because of mold and fertilizers), most peanut butter, jelly, most juice, pop and many vegetables... Canned goods are a no no... Frozen foods, blah... If I freeze something... Triple bag it. Can taste refridgerant, don't eat much meat, don't add much seasoning. Rarely milk or cheese, vinegars, wine almost never(but mini cup for communion) , no alcohol, no packaged teas, sauces, most coffees, all creamers, sensitive to soaps, perfumes, make up, shampoo skin creams sunscreens hair control products dyes holds permanents lotions conditioners flowers plants grass molds synthetics, rayons, nylon, some other fibers. Aloe vera , fish oil, olive oil , oils in chips crackers cookies cakes , baked goods , most pies, mushrooms, margarine marshmellows, smoke from woodburning, vitamins, any medications, scented candles toothpaste, oils on nut mixes.. Molds on dried fruits, bleach, no kiwi melons or ripe bananas petrol products and solvents and cleaners.... Dust, pet dander and dirt.. Doughnuts are poison and LARD IS BAD.

But for the most part, I haven't had to take shots or meds to counter any allergy attacks in years. I can have some things once in a whlie and be okay... Like birthday cake with ice cream and a pop, two days in a month. The water cure helped me the most after years of agony. I've been forced to LEARN or suffer. WHAT DOESN'T KILL US MAKES US STRONGER

Have the people on here w/ adrenal insufficiency had all the labs on DHEA, cortisol, ACTH, etc... that must be done to have conclusive proof that one has this disorder? Before using any medications or supplements, one must get a thorough exam and blood work by a physician. Speaking of the Stevia, I drank about 10 packets a day, and my dhea and cortisol were at near zero. I went off the Stevia and they numbers went up some. Still I have secondary adrenal insufficiency.

I have used liquid stevia to sweeten my coffee for over a year now and have not had any side effects. I don't think it wise to make blanket statements about side effects. It would be better to make clear that the effects were for that individual.

I personally have had no dizzyness or any other discomfort. It should be taken into consideration as well that if one has eliminated all processed sugars in favor of stevia, you may possibly experience withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts (which could possibly include dizzyness).

It's also important to note that there are numerous companies producing stevia extracts now and probably not all equal in quality. Just my 2 cents.

I've been using Stevia for over 7 years and consider it a Godsend as I am sugar addicted. Raw stevia should be consumed rather than the processed "white" version but it's not that easy to find and with all the stevia sweeteners on the market making it's even more confusing. Most of the stevia at the supermarkets are mixed with other sweeteners that are not that good for you. 100% stevia is the most important thing to look for and if you can find raw stevia that would be best. It's very difficult to overdo stevia as a tiny amount is very powerful. We don't all respond the same way to foods and it's often difficult to determine what your sensitivity actually is without going through an elimination diet. For adrenal fatigue, attention to what you eat and when you eat it is most important so a trusted source (and they don't all agree) is important to locate for that type of advice, after it's determined you actually have adrenal fatigue...

I stay away from ALL sweetners! I remember a day way back when they said splenda, sweet N low, etc was great. Yeah not so much, your body may take something for 4 yrs once a day or more, some may not, however, In time you will read somewhere somehow it is not good for you. train your body & mind to do without. There is alway an ingredient to help preserve the stevia from drying out, clumping etc......none are any good, give it time.

Stevia plant grown and used raw is one thing. You are all talking about an extract from stevia. There aren't studies done on the extract. And like everything else, the processing matters. Most are poorly produced allowing chemicals to be added to our toxic load.

Blood tests are unreliable and show that moment in time. Many other tests can show where our bodies are along side of blood work ups.

Saliva testing for for cortisol levels should be considered.

Thanks for the maca suggestion.

mind body work is helpful, too.

I cannot define chronic use of Stevia, but the word "chronic" in medical terms refers to the duration of the problem, such as:

Chronic disease: A disease that persists for a long time. A chronic disease is one lasting 3 months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. Chronic diseases generally cannot be prevented by vaccines or cured by medication, nor do they just disappear. Eighty-eight percent of Americans over 65 years of age have at least one chronic health condition (as of 1998). Health damaging behaviors - particularly tobacco use, lack of physical activity, and poor eating habits - are major contributors to the leading chronic diseases.

Chronic diseases tend to become more common with age. The leading chronic diseases in developed countries include (in alphabetical order) arthritis, cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks and stroke, cancer such as breast and colon cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and seizures, obesity, and oral health problems. Each of these conditions plague older adults in the US (and other developed nations).

Had a similar situation but unable to connect the dots went on with my life as a vegetarian since meat seemed to give the most distress. As it turned out it was poor food combining with meat that was the problem. Not that I didn't have a serious digestive problem but the lack of knowledge about the proper combinations of foods to eat or not with each other, brought on a wrongful action. I did go back to meat 13 yrs later when my body begged for it. I did however still have poor digestive ability. To get to the main point, my neck was out of alignment at the 1st and 2nd vertibrae causing my brain stem to touch and suppress the nerve signals going to my entire digestive tract. That touching shut down the whole system. 20 years later saw a NUCCA chiroprator. After adjustment hungry again for first time in decades. May want to get your neck and spine aligned.

Hello: I went for years spending money on top-of-the-line supplements and foods wondering why excellent nutrition wasn't working to restore my health. It's possible that because of conditions you have, nutrition is going from your mouth to the toilet without any stops in-between. Please consider checking out the following and eliminate them as the source of your problems: gluten intolerance (or possibly Celiac), leaky gut syndrome, food allergies. Gluten intolerance manifests in many ways: distended belly after eating offending foods, aches and pains in joints/muscles, etc. You can find ample information about these conditions on this website.

I had the same condition and used a Chinese Herbal formula for digestion - they have a few out there, do an internet search to suit your problem (eg. Abdominal swelling, pain, diahorrea or constipation, unable to digest meat/protein properly, unable to digest wheat... ) It stopped my diahorroea and I have put on 10kg.

I lost a vast amount of weight for 2 years. Towards the end, I started taking my glucose at the nurse's office at school. I did not know it, but I was diabetic, type 1. Very unusual at age 42. That is why no one could figure it out. It was adult onset and I was very thin, not overweight. Get a glucose test done ASAP.

It sounds to me like you are suffering from lack of good bacteria of the gut. You need to eat food that have probiotic good bacteria present like KIMCHI, and KOMBUCHA. You could buy probiotic pills but they are not as effective as using a food source on a daily basis. Also reduce you diet to only natural homemade meals with fresh salads using only olive oil or coconut oil....NO OTHER TYPES OF OILS ARE ACCEPTABLE. And buy all your foods organically grown only.

I don't have this book and haven't read it, but based on the excellent info on this person's site which also is in the book and the fact I did my last post's research at this site, someone might want to look into the book itself.

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/book/

Dr Teitlebaum is a Fantastic doctor and a great humanitarian; his website (EndFatique. com) offers a very good FREE diagnostic program (and a very extensive one too for a reasonable fee) that is effectively sorts out fatigue issues of all types/causes... and it provides specific treatment recomendations for BOTH natural products and RX's, (AND various alternatives for people on a tight budget). The results can be printed out easily, along WITH a professional referral letter to your personal doctor containing his diagnostic criteria/results and the various treatments he recommends for YOU specifically. This alone can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in Dr visit & referral fees; and is extremely helpful if you have complex issues! If you already have some lab tests, you can plug that data in as well!

Great post. It's so important to differentiate between adrenal fatigue, with elevated cortisol levels, and the advanced adrenal insufficiency, where the adrenals are more burned out, and hardly making any cortisol and all. Some things, like Ashwagandha I find, as an Acupressurist, Herbalist, and Health Educator, to be remarkably helpful as an adaptigenic herb for overall health and reactive stress response. But also a lot of the research attests to the Ashwagandha LOWERING cortisol levels, which is very contraindicated with individuals with adrenal insufficiency.

Licorice, deglycerized, is nice for GI mucosal lining and throat soothing, is a great herb, and if you research it, is really not an herb to take loads of for a long time. It's tough on the liver. Consider in conjunction with well researched natural protocols that provide needed nutrients, natural ant-inflammatory support ( Zyflamend?) and safe gentle ways to optimize eliminative supports ( liver, digestion, respiratory, kidney, skin, with immune support but not stimulation. Look around carefully, cross reference carefully!!!!

If it can't get past your gut, ie be a good fit for ingestion, it stresses the organs. Learning to do Health Dowsing often helps people find what actually fits and in what dosage. Everyone is individual.

Dyana, Adrenal fatigue does not happen overnight and most sources say that it takes a few years worth of lifestyle changes, including diet and rest. Hope you start to notice a difference soon.

Blessings, Heather

Dyana - have you tried the Maca Root that others have recommended and the whole food dietary changes? Good luck. It's hard to deal with this and other similar conditions.

I don't know about coconut oil helping Adrenal Fatigue but Electrolytes have been a life saver for me for over 4 years now. I notice a big difference between if I take them or not and can I can get much worse if I haven't taken them for like a week.

Hi Coco... I wrote a much more in depth explanation on the benefits of coconut oil here which might help you:

Coconut Oil Benefits

The only reasons why you might have had such a skin reaction to the coconut oil are:

* Allergy or sensitivity to VCO.

* The skin problems could also be an expression of your detox using VCO.

* An inabilty of the liver to clear out the trash and toxins from the blood which will have an effect on the skin. Your liver is under stress in other words.

When I had systemic candida in my own body, I had psoriasis, eczma, tinea cruris, bad athletes foot as well as a whole host of other awkward problems. And when I cleared up the candida successfully -- everything, including my skin ailments, just disappeared. These were just symptoms or expressions of my own candida problems caused through my acid blood and weakened immune system.

By all means cut down the VCO dose if you think it will help. But I would also simply try and improve your blood quality and blood alkalinity by supporting both your liver and kidneys more. The easiest option for you here is just to take Milk Thistle(1500 mgs twice a day) and Chanca Piedra(1000 mgs twice a day) at mealtimes. Adding Alpha Lipoic Acid(300 mgs twice a day) and Selenium (200 micrograms/day) would also greatly aid in supporting your liver, blood and kidneys. This remedy is essentially a powerful triple anti-oxidant and anti-pathogen remedy which will work to revive the kidneys and liver.

As well, it would also help you if you alkalized your blood(outside mealtimes) using Ted from Bangkok's lemon/lime and Baking Soda remedy. You can check out his alkalizing remedies here on EC:

Ted's Alkalizing Formulas

Finally, since most problems are related to diet, I would try eliminating all dairy products, all wheat products like bread and baked products, sweetners like aspartame, sugar and glucose as well as eliminating MSG (monosodium glutamate) products from your diet for a while to see if this helps you. All these foods tend to greatly acidify the body and weaken the immune system as well.

Hi Bill, thanks for your answer. I am absolutely sure I have no allergies. This is the detox. I have to cut down. All my pains in nerves and lower back are gone first time in 10 years. I feel still anxious after waking up at the morning and need a few hours to calm down. Again the pain is gone and I am on 2 table spoons of coconut oil only about a week. Nothing will stop me to continue, doesn't matter how long it will take. The rash/pimples/ are around my lower back and liver area where I am using it twice a day topically. I believe I am experiencing cleaning. So that's great. Thanks for your advice on the other suplements I hope I can find a decent company-seller who is selling organic as many do not.. Hope to hear from you again.

Hi Coco, how do you apply coconut oil, just rub it into your skin over the liver area and for how long do you keep it? I tried to take it internally, but get pain in the liver area, I guess my liver needs a detox, and hopefully it would also help with my adrenal issues. Thanks!

I read your post about adrenal fatigue - what book did you get and supplements did you take exactly - I have had this for YEARS. Stress is finally better, but still taking a long time for me to recover. I am specifically interested in what supplements worked for you. Thank you. Do you think it is the supplements or the coconut oil?

Debra:

Are you saying that for the past 4 years you have been producing no cortisol at all?

Did you have some severe trauma or illness back then that initially caused the cortisol to drop to zero (adrenal failure)?

I looked at the hormone pathways,and producing zero cortisol should be impossible unless perhaps you were initially given Rx cortisone in error, and that shut down your body's production completely! This is well documented medically. I can see your desperation to get off the drug since it could be causing the no cortisone production problem!:

In addition to a chronic underproduction of cortisol, adrenal fatigue syndrome can also be caused or aggravated by corticosteroids ? synthetic hormones like prednisone that are often prescribed for many illnesses in dosages that far exceed the amount of cortisol the body requires.

This heightened level of cortisol can, in effect, shut the adrenal glands down, suppress the immune system, and in some cases bring on ...

It then gives a link to 'find a good doctor' to rebalance, but these are all USA places. There might be affiliates there in Oz?:

...............................................
Here are some diagrams showing the anabolic-metabolic
pathway for the hormones, starting with pregnenolone the master hormone:

http://www.networkforhealth.com/images/steroidpathways.jpg

Note in chronic stress that the pathway gets shunted totally away from the DHEA route leading to the sex hormones, in favor of exclusively making cortisol/cortisone!
But in your case, instead of a very high ratio here, you have 0 in the numerator where normally the cortisol number goes!
..................................................
http://herkules.oulu.fi/isbn951426844X/html/graphic99.png
..................................................
http://www.networkforhealth.com/testing.cfm
The result is an elevated cortisol to DHEA ration. This is measurable with the Functional Adrenal Stress profile. Simply divide the cortisol sum by the DHEA(s) average to get the ratio. A normal ratio is approximately 5:1 to 6:1.
.................................................
Since pregnenolone is the master hormone, it makes sense that the body disperses its manufacture out over many organs and tissues.
But, cortisol is made exclusively in the adrenal cortex region of the kidneys.

I believe you have a national health plan there in Oz?
If so, try to get a DHEA blood level test to make sure that the pregnenolone hormone is functioning OK or at all, since it is needed for everything.
....................................................

Here is a quick note on licorice, but you must get the correct type, and it must not be "deglycyrrhizinated.
Apparently one must also be especially careful of the dosage:
http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_licorice.htm

This is possibly why a condition which medical literature terms as pseudoaldostronosm is brought about in licorice by glycyrrhizin. This condition is similar to the one brought about by excessive secretion of aldosterone which is an adrenal cortex hormone. Excessive quantities of this in the human body can be disastrous. It can lead to high blood pressure and in some cases even heart failure and cardiac arrest. Other symptoms like headache, lethargy, sodium and water retention and excessive excretion of potassium are also seen.
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Its affinity for the endocrine system makes licorice a most remarkable herb, which when used judiciously can be very helpful in treating many human ailments. Licorice has an anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and antiarthritic effect similar to that of cortisone but without its side effects. This is because of glycyrrhizin which has a structure similar to hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Its antiallergic effect makes it very useful in treating allergic rhinitis, hay fever, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma. Licorice has mild estrogenic properties and can be very helpful during menopause. It gets these properties from the steroid like compounds present in it which can change to estrogen precursors like estradiol and estrone. Licorice can act as a mild laxative and can also relieve indigestion and heartburn by lowering stomach acid levels.

do you know if you have a QRA Practitioner (Quantum Reflex Analysis) in your area? That is something you may want to look into.

LICORICE: I'm in a DIRE state of adrenal exhaustion due to serious stages of Systemic Lupus. Sys. Lupus is probably the most serious adrenal exhaustion disease in existence. I have tried EVERYTHING over the last 15 years. Regular Dhea definitely gives alot of cortisol but also testosterone which I dont want. It can get as many unwanted side effects as chemical steroids which I've also tried to avoid throughout my illness. I do take 7-keto but with little results.

MY QUESTION: I recently have gone to LICORICE which I prefer... But I must take ALOT of capsules to get any benefit. No side effects that I've noticed but how can I get the BEST results from Licorice?? WHAT COMPONENT is in LICORICE that seems to soothe my adrenal inflamation and severe exhaustion?? And HOW DO I GET THE BEST OF THE BEST of what I need??

I'm looking at long term use and want to avoid any side effects from long term. I have no high blood pressure issues normally, thank God. So I hope to keep it that way. ANY HELP WOULD BE SO APPRECIATED... My condition really is desperate. ( I've spent years in Western medicine and Holistic and have tried EVERYTHING for all my symptoms.)

I also tried Maca years ago when it became popular but didn't see results. Rhodiola Rosea as well as Magnolia I've also tried. Was on all three for a couple of years. Maybe I didn't give them a long enough chance. Thanks greatly....jacquelyn

Jacquelyn, I would work not just from the source pathway of energy (glands), but all along it for a holistic cure. What I mean is try some energy supplements like L-Tyrosine, Iodine, Pyruvate, Malic Acid, D-Ribose, Inosine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Co Q10 or Ubiqinol, Coenzyme 1 (NADH), Dimethylglycine (DMG). Of course I wouldn't use any of these without first using therapeutic levels of vitamin/mineral supplement. Coenzymated or "activated" B-Vitamins are preferred over standard B's.

Be careful w/ Licorice as it increases Aldosterone levels which causes the body to retain sodium; it's advised to ALWAYS increase Potassium and decrease Sodium intake while using Licorice. Rotate the tonic herbs: Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Dong Quai, Fo Ti, Astragalus, Rhodiola, Sarsaparilla, Cordyceps Sinensis, among others. Stinging Nettles and Avena Sativa recycle otherwise useless Testosterone metabolites (which can cause enlarged prostate in men) thus raising T levels that one may find hard to achieve through other boosting methods like DHEA etc.

H2O2 may help but I would do only min dose of 5 drops 1X day. NADH constantly recycles Oxygen, but it is one of the more pricey supplements.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Try earthing/grounding.You will find tons of info on the internet.I'm 82 n no aches

This may be a dumb question, but How are you taking the VCO?? Like straight TBS's (not sure I could do that) or mixing it in something, cooking with it?? I do not drink coffee, but I've heard of putting it in coffee as some sort of a "fat bomb"/laxative, but if it works for adrenal fatigue & joint pain, I'd like to figure out a way to incorporate it in to my daily routine, just not in coffee.

ghislaine,

Look into vitamin D as deficiency is common in CAH as is insulin resistance (IR). Vitamin D helps reduce IR.

Read about Ashwagandha as it can also help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance while helping males and females in terms of certain fertility issues.

Ashwagandha has shown also the ability to be helpful for CAH as outlined in the following study :

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crie/2017/1869560/

Here is a relevant quote from the study :

' As has been shown with lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery, metformin, vitamin D repletion, and thiazolidinediones, Ashwagandha use is associated with amelioration of at least some forms of CAH, without the adverse effects of glucocorticoids. The ability of withanolides to affect the activity of GABAergic receptors and the presence of the latter in the adrenal cortex raises the possibility that these compounds could ameliorate inherited and acquired defects of adrenal steroidogenesis. '

Vitamin D, when replete can also help with CAH symptoms based on the following study :

https://www.journalmc.org/index.php/JMC/article/view/1352/794#:~:text=Hence, CAH patients with vitamin, confirm its possible therapeutic value.

Here is a relevant study quote :

' Hence, CAH patients with vitamin D deficiency may benefit from vitamin D supplementation to reduce their symptoms and biochemical abnormalities, although evidence from randomized clinical trials is needed to confirm its possible therapeutic value.'

Lastly vitamin D deficiency can be an issue in female infertility as discussed here :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6210343/

Here is a relevant quote from the study :

' While vitamin D is important for musculoskeletal health, there are accumulating data suggesting that vitamin D may also be important for fertility, pregnancy outcomes and lactation. '

Good luck and keep us updated!

Art

Connie; I agree that nutritionals should be the first line of treatment for Adrenal Insufficency. Personally, I've had to deal with this issue in conjunction with a Hypothyroid condition (low basel temperature) followed by the stress of 3 operations.

Once I'd identified my situation I first started taking Bovine Thyroid 3gn/day, 6 gm/day vitamin C, and recently started taking 2 Licorice Root Extract 380 mg tables in the morning and at noon. This seems to be helping. I have also started Raw Bovine Adrenal 300mg (4.6 gn) which also appears to be helping. I'll give it 3 weeks to stabilize my hormones before I add anything else.

After reading "Safe Uses of Cortisol" I am considering taking 2. 5mg of Cortisol 4X day if I don't see the Adrenal Insuffency moderate on my current regimen.

Tom

How many did you take per day? I got mine from a chiropractor too but he wants me to to take 10 per day for the first week and it seems like a lot. I just started yesterday, I took a total of 7. I'm going to up it today to 8 and try that until I get to the recommended 10.

My adrenals were determined to be low from a saliva test after my alternative MD believed my fatigue was due to adrenal depletion. Results of the test were that he was correct. I had been under severe stress for years and the effect was lack of energy which no amount of vitamins, herbs etc could seem to help. My MD put me on dessicated addrenal glandulars, two with each meal.

In a month I was feeling my energy level totally return. Maintance was two a day as directed by another alternative MD (many years later).

Also in the first saliva test, my testosterone levels were also low so small "drops" were prescribed. That level also improved. With the two: adrenal supplementation and testosterone supplementation, I'm in great shape in terms of energy level, now into my mid 60s.

HI U LAURA, , , , , , , , , let me say that you addressed two smart folk. The problem is that neither know squat about hormone modulation and would just be pissin in the wind. My wife and I have been into hormone modulation for some 10 years with the help of an Anti-Ageing doctor trained in this field. There are lots of tests to see where you are and me, nor Bill, nor Mama, have a clue. You have to be tested .

To get into hormone modulation you have to be tested, tweaked and re-tested every 6 months or so. Your body changes with time.

Sorry to be so blunt but that's just me. When my wife went into menopause she was a crazy woman and driving me crazy. Finally , I told here to see a doctor and she did. It was an Allopathic doctor and it was Kentucky windage. " How do you feel" AYSM? Finally she went to an AA doctor who tested her to see where her hormones were and adjusted her hormones and we have lived happily ever after.

I wish you well.======ORH===

Hi Laura...Regarding menopause there are several ways to think about this. First you can take nutrients to help balance your hormones such as DHEA, Melatonin, pregnenolone etc. Taking lugol's iodine helps to make all hormone receptors more efficient in the body. Borax also helps to balance hormones.

Secondly, you could also decide to take natural hormone extract for your adrenals. And since the thyroid might also be affected then natural thyroid hormones might also be worth considering.

As to dosages for natural hormones etc, let me just say that ORH is right -- you should really be advised by a naturopath or health professional who is hormone-literate(who does more than just give you steroids) because no two people will ever have the same symptoms and you may have other disguised problems as well. Hormones are tricky, so monitoring and dosage adjustments from a knowledgeable health professional is really the way to go. The reason for this is that you will really need to be monitored for a while in order to eventually find the correct dosages that will successfully help to resolve your own individual problems.

Hey Bill/Robert...thanks guys for your quick replies. Will take your advice and have it checked....you guys are the best and so is this site.

Is this Cushing's Syndrome ?

Are you taking any medications for anything ?

Please update on this. I too have too much cortisol. Thanks!

On youtube there's a dr morse. He has a bunch of video on to heal naturally through nutritional suppplements and food he has some really good advice and teaches along the way this video of his might help....go on his site ..in his search bar type in 329 nit enter ...scroll down to the video parkisons fungus and asthma click the video an advance the time to 40minutes and 30 seconds and watch from there on he talks about how to heal the adrenals and how to fix asthma .I think his explanation will help.

How long did you fast for? Was it on and off or the whole time? What kind of detox did you do and what sleeping aid did you use? I have Adrenal fatigue and am just about to go on a juice fast and I've been working with a chinese doctor with great results. He recommended the juice cleanse. I am excited to see someone else get results with juicing. It gives me hope that I am on the right track.

I think that the person who posted on juicing didn't fast but added juice to their diet. I don't know since she hasn't written back. It's been a long time since I posted the reply. And I want to mention that I used to cleanse or fast often before 2012. But this year I never skipped a meal and ate when hungry. I also went for therapy and learned that my anxiety/ low adrenals might be connected to perpetually worrying about the future and the past. I always thought of myself as positive. But there was lots of mind chatter going on, also. My thyroid seems to have normalized since my basal body temperature has come up to normal and I'm not anxious hardly at all anymore. One other thing I've added to my diet is natto, the unfrozen organic kind. I think it has helped to normalize my hormones, also. Reg. the juicing. I have 1 glass fresh most mornings. Another thing that happened with lower stress and never starving my body, is, that I lost those pesky #15 lbs, got down to my ideal weight and don't gain easily like I used to when my body was deprived and holding onto every morsel once I ate again. I think food deprivation causes adrenal stress. To all you fellow yoyo dieters. Watch out, you might be exhausting your adrenals and get further away from achieving your ideal weight!

I love to hear about your experience, this is helpful. I totally agree that food restriction is stressful for the body. For more information read Diet Recovery 2 by Matt Stone. Really interesting read on deprivation and caloric restriction's effects on the body/mind.

Hi Jaquelynna, I just stumbled upon your response.

I seem to be improving more and more continuing not doing any calorie restiction but not overeating either. I basically eat mostly raw, tons of greens, fruits, some nuts and seeds, chia pudding and natto (not raw), flaxoil... I feel very healthy. There have been several shifts for the better in my digestion, sleep and mood. It seems important that I make sure to eat a minimum of 1600 kcal but I end up around 1800 in average. I'm 5'8" and my waist is 29". I don't push losing weight- not weighing myself for sanity sake- even though my ideal is 1-2 inches smaller, because it's not worth ruining my wellbeing. One thing that makes me sleep like a baby is eating lots of apples. I don't know why but they do.

I've also started to go to sleep early, at 9pm every night to prioritize my health. It's been over a year now that I'm back to sleeping like I did as a child. no more waking up at 2am once or twice a week and not being able to go back to sleep.

I also don't go out to night clubs or overly stimulating activities at night. And I even enjoy reading a book with my hubby instead of a movie. Calms the nerves and keeps cortisol down. Sleep is sooooo important and for free!

Best, Anji