So I've been suffering with adrenal fatigue for over 28 months now, and recovered by only about 60% to my pre-adrenal crisis state. A saliva cortisol test taken a few months ago indicated only slightly disturbed (low) cortisol levels, with optimal levels in the morning but dipping too low throughout the day. It also indicated borderline-low DHEA levels, which caused me to suspect poor cholesterol-pregnenolone conversion compromising adequate hormonal production. I'm also suffering from mild secondary hypothyroidism, possibly as a result of HPA axis dysfunction, a weakened endocrine system or just poor overall adrenal output. Here's brief a breakdown:
Adrenal crisis (2013-2014):
- Severe blood sugar fluctuations and reactive hypoglycemia
- Debilitating cognitive impairment and performance
- Neurological issues
- Chronically low body temperature
- Bedridden, eventually completely regained ability to walk a few months post-adrenal crisis
- Breathing difficulties
- Frequent urination
- Low libido, erectile dysfunction
- Pale, anemic-looking skin
- Excessive sleep, possibly chronically low cortisol levels
- Steady weight gain
Evidently I experienced a critical adrenal crisis, which I didn't quite comprehend at the time. I never sought any medical treatment and eventually most of these symptoms improved. This was probably Stage 3 of adrenal fatigue, possibly bordering Stage 4. There were moments when I felt like I was dying, I was physically present yet emotionally and mentally incredibly detached and confused. I can't remember much of this period, my memory was severely impaired and I struggled to enjoy simple conversation and social interaction. I toyed with the idea of adrenal fatigue, or even possibly a stroke, but I wasn't aware of saliva cortisol tests or even the term 'cortisol' for that matter.
Today:
- Mild hypoglycemia, there are periods when it isn't noticeable
- Moderate cognitive issues, still somewhat debilitating
- Rapid weight gain, almost 70 lbs gained since my adrenal crisis
- Inability to exercise without being depleted or experiencing acute adrenal fatigue symptoms
- Social anxiety
- Inability to cope with stress, typically followed by a crash
- Depression
- Poor stamina and sex drive
- Poor dental health; cavities, weak enamel etc.
As you can see, it's still pretty dismal. I did not recover as quickly as I expected, considering a period of almost two and half years of rest, nutritional balancing/nourishment and minimising stress.
Any experiences with increasing cortisol levels? What has worked for you?
Symptoms
Adrenal crisis (2013-2014):
- Severe blood sugar fluctuations and reactive hypoglycemia
- Debilitating cognitive impairment and performance
- Neurological issues
- Chronically low body temperature
- Bedridden, eventually completely regained ability to walk a few months post-adrenal crisis
- Breathing difficulties
- Frequent urination
- Low libido, erectile dysfunction
- Pale, anemic-looking skin
- Excessive sleep, possibly chronically low cortisol levels
- Steady weight gain
Evidently I experienced a critical adrenal crisis, which I didn't quite comprehend at the time. I never sought any medical treatment and eventually most of these symptoms improved. This was probably Stage 3 of adrenal fatigue, possibly bordering Stage 4. There were moments when I felt like I was dying, I was physically present yet emotionally and mentally incredibly detached and confused. I can't remember much of this period, my memory was severely impaired and I struggled to enjoy simple conversation and social interaction. I toyed with the idea of adrenal fatigue, or even possibly a stroke, but I wasn't aware of saliva cortisol tests or even the term 'cortisol' for that matter.
Today:
- Mild hypoglycemia, there are periods when it isn't noticeable
- Moderate cognitive issues, still somewhat debilitating
- Rapid weight gain, almost 70 lbs gained since my adrenal crisis
- Inability to exercise without being depleted or experiencing acute adrenal fatigue symptoms
- Social anxiety
- Inability to cope with stress, typically followed by a crash
- Depression
- Poor stamina and sex drive
- Poor dental health; cavities, weak enamel etc.
As you can see, it's still pretty dismal. I did not recover as quickly as I expected, considering a period of almost two and half years of rest, nutritional balancing/nourishment and minimising stress.
Complexity
Even during the early stages of my adrenal crisis, I attempted supplementing with desiccated adrenal and thyroid glands, several minerals and vitamins and even hormone replacement. I reacted more severely to hormonal replacement supplements and glandulars, but even magnesium and vitamin D aggravate many of my symptoms. I have even recently reattempted to supplement with pregnenolone, DHEA, adrenal cortex, magnesium, B complex and B5, with the same results. There really isn't much research regarding paradoxical reactions. Dr. Lam acknowledges such reactions but doesn't provide any explanation for them, and why many people recovering from such critical states of fatigue experience them later in their recovery. Perhaps it's insufficient cortisol, or underactive receptors/neurotransmitters. The only thing I have not experimented with is adaptogens/herbs.
Any experiences with increasing cortisol levels? What has worked for you?