Posted by bleauberry on May 19, 2009, at 20:15:27
In reply to Re: Clinical testing for mood swings? » bleauberry, posted by ricker on May 17, 2009, at 20:21:07
Yeah, I got the 4 salive samples in a day test which shows the whole story. A single sample doesn't say much except where your cortisol was at that very moment.
I had that eye test too. Interesting. In adrenal fatigue, the pupil quickly responds to the light, but then weakens and begins to pulsate or go back to where it was, even though it shouldn't do either of those with the continuing bright light. There isn't enough hormone/adrenaline to keep the pupil doing what it is supposed to do.
Another test is the blood pressure test. Lie flat, rest, and have blood pressure checked. Immediately upon standing, have it checked again. There is a certain amount of fluctuation in blood pressure in a normal healthy person, but an abnormal fluctuation in adrenal fatigue. Just not enough hormone/adrenaline to keep up with the sudden move.
All I know is how dramatically my cortisol determine whether meds would work or not and at what times of the day they would work or not.
Diet is real important but honestly takes 6 months to a year to make a solid difference. And when switches to the healthy adrenal-specific diet, it is not unusual to actually feel worse for a few weeks during the adjustment phase. But the goodness on the other side is worth it. Basically, heavy on veggies and fruits, light on carbs, generous proteins, very limited sugars and limited caffeine. Lots of water, and believe it or not, lots of salt.
I tried all the alternative treatments for adrenal fatigue. They work for some people. Adrenal extracts, licorice, isocort, stuff like that. For me, the only thing that agreed with me was Hydrocortisone itself. And all I needed was a stupid little tiny 2.5mg, starting with just crumbs and working up to that over 2 weeks. I know someone else who took 2.5mg for a year and was cured. People often talk about 20mg doses and such, man, I don't think we need that much. It is amazing how far a little crumb of the real stuff can go.
poster:bleauberry
thread:896076
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090515/msgs/896674.html