Posted by jerrympls on May 20, 2005, at 17:33:59
In reply to Re: Why are evenings worse? » jerrympls, posted by 4WD on May 20, 2005, at 14:26:59
> > HI Maxime
> >
> > I'm the same way. But I get more anxious and lonely than sad. Part of it for me, I think, is that my Dexedrine has worn off - but I also think that cortisol levels have some impact as well. If I am not mistaken, cortisol production/release? is *supposed* to taper down at night staying at lower levels throughout the night and then gradually tapering back up in the morning. I THINK?? But I wouldn't blame it all on cortisol - medication timing, hormones, melatonin function, etc all come into play. I had my cortisol levels checked pretty thoroughly a while back and they found that my levels were consistently LOW! Which kinda makes sense - since my depression is more anhedonic/lethargic, etc.
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> Jerry,
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> My depression is also anhedonic and lethargic. However, in the last couple of years, I have also begun to have problems with panic, anxiety and general lasting terror. My cortisol levels are consistently way way too high.
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> So since your levels are low and you are lethargic and feel bad at night, and my levels are high and I am scared and anxious during the day but feel good at night...doesn't it seem to follow that cortisol is possibly indeed the culprit. Or perhaps there is some other force at work which causes both effects - the type of depression AND the cortisol level.
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> > I know scientists are looking at meds that stabilize the cortisol system - otherwise known as the HPA axis. My pdoc think that my HPA system is out of balance - but haven't found any suitable meds to try to get it back on track.
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> Have you seen an endocrinologist?
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>
> Marsha
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>
Hi MarshaYes I have seen an endocrinologist. He was puzzeled that my cortisol levels were low knowing my history with depression & anxiety. My testosterone levels were a bit low as well. He put me on a small dose of oral hydrocortisone and testosterone replacement therapy. After months on them, I didn't notice any improvement. Eventually he said "Well, I'm not sure what else we can do." and sent me back to my pdoc - who later thought that my testosterone dosage may have been too low. Something worth investigating I think.
But yes - cortisol levels play a HUGE role in our balance of moods. HUGE HUGE HUGE!
poster:jerrympls
thread:499967
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050516/msgs/500475.html