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Rathmussen (Montreal, Canada) on 03/20/2008

I recently read that people who suffer from chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia benefit remarkably from cortisol treatments (75 per cent showed significant improvement, and 62 per cent reported substantial improvement). This is because they have adrenal dysfunction, meaning their adrenal glands, which produce sex hormones and cortisol, don't work effectively. I suspect this is due to viral damage. Cortisol is that stress hormone...you get a shot of it in fight or flight situations for a quick burst of energy, decreased pain sensitivity, etc. Proper levels are important for proper glucose metabolism, regulation of blood pressure, insulin release for blood sugar maintanence, immune function and inflammatory response. Maybe this is why when you exercise it makes it worse because your cortisol levels should increase with aerobic exercise to help deal with the wear and tear. The bulk of cortisol release happens when we sleep, which would also explain why you might not wake up feeling refreshed. If you read up on cortisol, you'll see that if you don't have enough, you just don't have access to energy to burn.

I would definitely try the cortisol therapy, but perhaps there is a more natural way to stimulate the adrenal glands. Research has found that the nutrient Phosphatidylserine (PS) helps balance both high and low levels of cortisol. Usually our brains manufacture sufficient levels of PS, but if there is a deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B12, or of essential fatty acids, the brain may not be able to make sufficient PS levels. So get lots of fish, ridiculous amounts of dark green vegetables, and even rice and soy (or lecithin, I imagine). You can find PS supplements...they used to make them from cow's brains, but now they make a soy lecithin-derived one. (Phew!) At the very least, this nutrient would help with brain fog.

(My interest in chronic fatigue stems from having the Epstein Barr virus. I couldn't shake the fatigue for years and years. I did find getting fish oil and a teaspoon of chlorella everyday finally produced some results, which I would recommend to absolutely everyone!)

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Replied By Susan (Stroudsburg, Pa) on 10/08/2009

In response to mentioning cortisol treatments for chronic fatigue. I did this, but only for 9 months, as I was suffering from chronic fatigue after mold exposure which caused adrenal burnout. I would not suggest this for everyone. You have to realize that when you choose to do this, it shuts down your adrenal glands. And you risk the possibility of having them not be able to function again on their own. I did not know this when I started the treatment. I gained over 50 pounds as a side effect which was not fun. I can honestly say, it was a temporary help on an energy level, maybe in fact much needed, but I still was not able to function up to par. After 9 months and finding out I risked not having a functioning adrenal glands at all if I stayed on the drugs, I chose to go off of the, I consulted my M.D. about weaning me off of the cortisol, and he agreed. (Note: I did a saliva adrenal test first before being placed on the cortisol). As I weaned off the cortisol, I took a regiment of Adrenal support, Cod Liver oil was also taken 1 tablespoon in the a.m. (as EFA's are important),other supplements, Traditional Weston A. Price Diet, as well as Phosphatidylserine at bedtime, along with a pill called 7 flowers. Sleep is very important...So getting to bed at 9:30 or 10 the latest....was part of my regiment. (your body repairs itself from 10 pm to 2 am) Avoid caffeine and sugar as this stresses and stimulates the adrenals. And if your adrenals are not functioning...caffeine stays in your body much longer, because the body can't function properly to get it out.

If your adrenals are not functioning, then chances are neither is your thyroid, or hormones. It's all CONNECTED. Adrenal fatigue, I have found can not be self diagnosed or messed with without first getting adrenal saliva testing, hair analysis, thyroid and hormone testing. And all has to be addressed according to each persons body chemistry. It is all a delicate balancing act. I tried many avenues of trying to help myself, but found relief after finding the right holistic doctors who understand natural therapies and proper testing. Doctor who helped me Dr. Bogazot.
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