Posted by bleauberry on November 7, 2009, at 6:33:24
In reply to Link between cortisol(adrenal fatigue)+depression, posted by sac on November 6, 2009, at 5:19:50
It is my belief that adrenal fatigue is caused by many things...too much stress, too many deadlines, too much sugar, too much caffeine, and diseases of all kinds...they all put undue stress on the adrenal glands.
But there is also another cause I am fairly sure of, but lacking in scientific backing. That is, antidepressants, especially the serotonin ones. As serotonin is increased, the body/genes attempt to rebalance norepinephrine upward to match the high level of serotonin. When that successfully happens, the antidepressant effect is good. When it doesn't, the antidepressant effect is apathy, tiredness...too much serotonin.
When it does work, over time...months, years...the adrenals are working overtime at an unnatural accelerated rate to keep norepinephrine up high to balance the aritifically high serotonin. They were not designed to do that. Eventually they exhaust themselves and give up the fight. Like a car going uphill running out of gas.
It is not easy to fix. Starting points usually involve adrenal herbs. In my experience, the best of the best is Eleuthro (Siberian Ginseng, NOT the other ginsengs...they are too overtaxing. Siberian is balancing)
Rhodiola rosea works well for some, worsens others...like me.
Adrenal cortex extracts and sometimes the addition of tyrosine are popular. The most popular potent brand is Isocort.
When adrenals are weak, thyroid is also affected. They are partners. Impacting one impacts the other. Any adrenal adjustments will cause thyroid adjustments as well, which take months to balance, so it is important to go slow in small starting doses so as not to rock the boat too much in any single move.
For some people, like me, none of the natural stuff was helpful, or actually felt bad. For us, the real benefit came with the real stuff...physiological replacement doses of oral hydrocortisone. Many people find 20mg the target dose. Me, my best dose was a mere 2.5mg. These are low safe doses that do not have the complications of higher dose HC used to treat inflammation and other conditions. HC gets a bad rap, and many doctors won't prescribe it for adrenal fatigue, but that's because they are basing their opinions on: 1)lack of knowledge, 2)results of high doses treating other diseases. You just want to replace what is missing, no more, no less. That is usually under 20mg. My doctor did prescribe it, and I found it very helpful, but only after he had me try everything else first. Low dose HC is in fact, as my doctor showed me, right in the medical textbook as the proper way to treat hypoadrenalism. It had several pages dedicated to just that.
Siberian ginseng requires 6 months. Take it like a vitamin, set your sights on the calendar.
Diet is important. Low sugar, low caffeine, well balanced with lots of veggies and fruits.
Exercise is important...don't do it! Kidding, you want a little exercise, but do not strain the already exhausted adrenals. You don't want to waste away either, so a little bit of exercise is good. Heavy exercise, heavy activity, is bad.
With adrenal fatigue, your body is a defenseless host to many opportunistic problems. Such as Candida primarily, and various bacteria. You will want to embark on a strong anti-Candida herbal protocol, or Diflucan, and take potent pro-biotics every day. Don't assume it is not an issue. It is. Don't assume it is just adrenal fatigue. It isn't.
A good antimicrobial to boost energy, clear headedness, and mood, is Olive Leaf Extract 500mg 3 times per day. Use it as a part of a comprehensive cocktail, not by itself. Benefits are noticed within days.
Healing success stories abound. Two things they all have in common...it took a comprehensive plan (herbs, diet, anti-microbial, exercise, HC, regular sleep pattern) and it took time. Six months is a reasonable time frame to see obvious results, with up to 2 years needed to see full recovery. It took a lot of years for the damage to occur, and it won't be undone in a short time...so don't be discouraged. Face the enemy, know the enemy, and go into battle determined to win. The enemy right now thinks he is winning, and he may win a few more small battles along the journey, but stick to a comprehensive plan and he will be defeated in the war, much to his surprise.
Along the way, whatever you do for depression...herbs, supplements, meds...be sure it is a balanced mix of neurotransmitters, not just a serotonin focus.
poster:bleauberry
thread:924686
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20090727/msgs/924828.html