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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bobbyswitchblade on November 3, 2003, at 16:48:50
Hello, I recently began seeing a wholistic doctor who, through a saliva test, determined that my adrenal system is functioning abnormally but neither he or I are sure how to treat it, if it is in fact a crucial element contributing to my long standing symptoms (brain-fog, fatigue, diziness, poor memory). The test shows that my morning cortisol levels are depressed but are elevated in the evening while my DHEA level is relatively low. Coincidentely I have more energy at night than during the day, but not much. He started treating me with adrenal glandulars, Seriphos, and licorice tea. The tea is fine and tasty, if ineffective, while the supplements made my head and stomach ache and seemed to contribute to my fatigue. Now he has suggested DHEA and hydrocortisone as supplements which from what I have read, seem to conradict eachother in their raising and lowering of cortisol. Also, I do not yet completely understand how either could actually contribute to long term recovery. I am desperate for something/anything to get me on my feet but I don't want to take something out of desperation that may work against me as I have been there one time too many and then again. I would apprecite advice from anyone who has any experience with any of these matters. Thank you very much, BOB
Posted by Ron Jones on November 3, 2003, at 17:10:49
In reply to adrenal disfunction, posted by bobbyswitchblade on November 3, 2003, at 16:48:50
This is very common in depression as high cortisol levels lead to this as the result of high NE output .Read The Antidepressiant Survival Guide .PS or DHEA can stop this.They lower cortisol.I do not think you have anything wrong with your adrenal gland unless it is Cushings or a tumor .Read a book by MARK GOLD.Has list of all known causes of mental illness.B5 is good for adrenal glands under stress.DO you have anxiety with your depression.This is very important !
Posted by bobbyswitchblade on November 3, 2003, at 18:19:22
In reply to Re: adrenal disfunction, posted by Ron Jones on November 3, 2003, at 17:10:49
Thank you for you're quick response. I have read about the correlation between high levels of cortisol and depression but I still have many concerns and am unclear on the matter. As I said, I do tend to have high levels of cortisol in the evening(when I feel the best) but low levels in the morning (when I absolutely cannot function)which makes it difficult to be gung ho about lowering cortisol. Also, I haven't been able to obtain any reliable info or speak to anyone with personal experience about dosage of DHEA and the amount of time it takes before noticable results occur if in fact it is an approprite approach to take. In answer to your question, anxiety has never been a primary symptom of mine, of course I experience it in response to social demands but I tend to let things roll off my back quite easily. In short, I do not sweat the small things and I have always been an optimist. I am not indifferent but my fatigue drains my passions. That is why I have trouble accepting the notion of lowing levels of cortisol which, from what I have read, seem to acts as a stimulant. I would apprecite any corrections, further knowledge or personal insight on this matter from you or anyone who reads this and I will take at look at that book. Thank you, BOB
Posted by Ron Jones on November 3, 2003, at 21:02:08
In reply to adrenal disfunction, posted by bobbyswitchblade on November 3, 2003, at 18:19:22
If you would read The Antidepressant Survivial Guide it would show you what to do.it talks about the very problem you have.Disruption of cortisol output causes by depression.Cortisol is highly toxic to brain cells and can cause them to die.It does cause depression.Your NPY levels are messed up and your sleep wake cycle is controled by NPY .Read the Bipolar Child.Also an overactive acetacholine system causes sleep problems and rem latancy.You can get a DST test to see if cortisol is abnormal.Depression will not stop untill cortisol returns to normal.Read THe Biology of Mental Disorders.
Posted by Ron Jones on November 3, 2003, at 22:37:05
In reply to adrenal disfunction, posted by bobbyswitchblade on November 3, 2003, at 16:48:50
By no means take hydocortisone .This is nuts.Take B5 .The book says this is a common result of depression and high cortisol.cortisol is toxic to brain cells.This is what is causeing your symptoms .It attacks the hippocamus.Deep breathing really helps.Go to an indoctrinologist.Get away from this man.
Posted by Ron Jones on November 3, 2003, at 22:48:09
In reply to Re: adrenal disfunction, posted by Ron Jones on November 3, 2003, at 21:02:08
I really do not think this guy knows what he is doing.You could have a medical problem like cushing diseaese which causes high cortisol and depression.
Posted by JLx on November 4, 2003, at 9:25:11
In reply to adrenal disfunction, posted by bobbyswitchblade on November 3, 2003, at 18:19:22
In case you didn't notice, as this board can be quite confusing until you get used to it, you received two other responses to this post when it was under the "DHEA Pros? Cons?" thread.
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031023/msgs/275599.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031023/msgs/275771.html
Posted by loolot on November 4, 2003, at 19:06:57
In reply to adrenal disfunction, posted by bobbyswitchblade on November 3, 2003, at 18:19:22
I think I have a similar problem as you do. I have more atypical type depression symtoms and I feel worse in the morning. Really tired and spaced out. I also have bad asthma and allergies. I suspect my cortisol is low in the A.M as well.
I think for atypical depression, cortisol is low not high.
I tend to do well on meds that produce NE, I guess thats bc I need more cortisol? I dunno. Maybe this is making it worse in the longrun?
You could try some cortisol supplements in the morning, I guess
This is tricky stuff.
Posted by bobbyswitchblade on November 4, 2003, at 23:24:36
In reply to Re: adrenal disfunction, posted by Ron Jones on November 3, 2003, at 22:48:09
Thank you for your response, I appreciate your concern but I do have a certain amount of trust in this doc and do not plan on giving up on him just yet though I am fairly certain that hydrocortisone is the wrong way to go, so I am now taking just 20mg of dhea and I'm meeting with him tomorrow. WHat do you think? As I said, my primary symptoms are fatigue and brain fog. I simply have no energy or clarity. Also, I am very constipated and I get extremely dizzy when I go from sitting to standing. If I drink caffiene I get a small boost and then I'm left shortly after feeling even more dizzy and fatigued. I was looking into the possibility of Magnesium deficiency as well as participating in a trial of rTMS. Any advice appreciated.
Posted by bobbyswitchblade on November 4, 2003, at 23:30:49
In reply to Re: adrenal disfunction » bobbyswitchblade, posted by JLx on November 4, 2003, at 9:25:11
> In case you didn't notice, as this board can be quite confusing until you get used to it, you received two other responses to this post when it was under the "DHEA Pros? Cons?" thread.
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031023/msgs/275599.html
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031023/msgs/275771.html
>
>Thanks for pointing that out. Also, what does it mean when it says your message needs to be reloaded?
Posted by JLx on November 5, 2003, at 12:21:52
In reply to adrenal disfunction, posted by bobbyswitchblade on November 4, 2003, at 23:30:49
> Thanks for pointing that out. Also, what does it mean when it says your message needs to be reloaded?Sorry, I don't know.
This is the end of the thread.
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