THE Adrenal Fatigue Thread - Page 5

[NocturnalDaze]

I got mine, 2 for $10, on Ebay. I couldn't find them in any stores at all.

[Pookietooth]

Does it have to be a glass mercury thermometer. I had one, but broke it and will not be getting another one!

[NocturnalDaze]

It doesn't have to be but they are the best because they are the most accurate.

[Pookietooth]

I'm doing licorice root extract, 1/4 teaspoon twice a day. My ND says not to take it after 2 pm or you won't be able to sleep.

[wendy1221]

Hey, I'm back. I sent in my spit test yesterday through the canary club. It was a lot harder to fill up those little vials than I anticipated. lol

I'm willing to bet my estrogen is high as well. I have been suicidal the week before my period since it came back a few months ago, which was my main reason for seeking help. I also have a really high libido, which is weird considering my depression, but makes sense if I have too much estrogen. I saw a regular MD, she had my thyroid levels checked--came back normal--and she told me to see a therapist b/c she thought my life was too stressful (where would she get that idea? My dh is a grad student who works 10-12 hours per day 6-7 days a week, and we have 2 kids on the spectrum, and we live over 400 miles away from closest family, over 800 from our most helpful family members.) The therapist I saw told me my depression sounded hormonal and I needed to see a medical doctor to have my sex hormones checked, stress alone wouldn't cause this weird cycling depression. The MD I saw did tell me to take melatonin and magnesium before bed to try to get more sleep and to come back for more testing if it didn't help, though, so she was pretty good as well. But she takes summers off, so I won't be able to see her again until mid August.

Now I just have to figure out who to see once I get my results back. What kind of health care provider have you found to be most helpful w/ this sort of thing?

There are some ND's in town, but they're SO expensive! I have a chiropractor, but he is just a chiropractor, he doesn't deal w/ anything else. There is a practice that has an ND with a chiropractor who does acupuncture as well, but my friend was really unhappy w/ the chiropractor's personality. I usually just go to the campus clinic b/c I get a discount b/c my dh is a grad student. I usually see a nurse practitioner, but they also have family doctors, general practitioners, and gynecologists there.

[KMK_Mama]

I was just diagnosed as estrogen dominant and the doc I see said that is why I have a low sex drive. ???

I see a ND and that is what I would suggest. The one I see is in a Dr's office which all office visits are billed under the doctor in charge so I pay only a co-pay of $25. Sneaky, yes, but so awesome!

If you can't see an ND, I would go with a OB/GYN since they deal with the hormones more so than regular doctors.

[Metasequoia]

The high libido sounds like high testosterone. My estrogen is low (as is my testosterone & progesterone, heck, everything's low) & I have no libido - but Ds still nurses every 3-4 hours around the clock & no PP AF yet.

[wendy1221]

Well, I'm not sure if it's really considered high or not, but I'm in the mood at least once a week, more like all week near ovulation and twice the week before my period, which is the same time that I'm completely out of my head and depressed. It makes no sense. And that week before my period is weird, too. I'm fine all day and then bam, about 3PM, sometimes closer to 5, I just lose it and cannot function anymore.

I got 1st PP AF at 18 mos w/ ds1, 6mos w/ ds2, and at 12 mos w/ ds3, but it was 2 months apart at first, been every 28 days or so for the last 4 mos, which is also when the depression got bad. I breastfed all of my boys for over a year, Liam is still nursing (Jake just weaned a few months ago--AFTER AF started--isn't it weird that AF started so early while I was tandem nursing?)

I have read that both estrogen and testosterone can raise a woman's libido, so I guess it could be either. It might be related, but I have noticed the hair on my legs is darker than it used to be, my BO is worse, and the few hairs on my jawline that I have had to pluck ever since the awful experience I had w/ Depo Provera 9 years ago seem to be growing faster than they used to. Those could all point to high testosterone, I guess.

My other symptoms are no energy, I'm tired all the time, I don't sleep well, and I keep gaining weight, but it's all going right to my belly. I always gained weight all over and had an hourglass figure, even when I was overweight and now I'm just frumpy. I have this huge gut, but my arms and legs still look thin. I keep having people come up and ask me when my baby's due! ANd I try to exercise, but I'm too tired. I get tired just going up the stairs, which never used to happen to me. I've been riding my bike a lot, but it doesn't make me feel any better. My diet is really good.

[bigeyes]

Originally Posted by KMK_Mama

I go see a naturopath on Tuesday (6/5).....I'm hoping he can figure out what it wrong, although I am leaning towards Adrenal Fatigue. Is there anything I should be sure to ask? I already know I want to ask about the saliva test.

Do any of you have headaches? I have had this headache 24 hours a day/7 days a week for 14 months....it started 1 week after my son was born. It feels like my head is too full and I can feel my pulse pounding in my head at all times.

My symptoms-

Constant headache
Tired all the time
Have trouble getting out of bed in the morning
Have trouble falling asleep at night
Get a "rush" when I stand from sitting
Muscle aches
Anxiety attacks? Shortness of breath, heart pounding....started in March
I also had Hypoglycemia pretty bad while pregnant

I had an MRI last week and should get the results Monday or Tuesday.

What complicates my problem is that I have Interstitial Cystitis so taking vitamins is very hard for me as it causes extreme bladder pain....I do well on chewables and liquids, but no pills. On a GOOD night I get up about 3-5 times. BAD nights.....up to 30. This is probably what caused my problems in the first place.

pretty much YES to all of that

[bigeyes]

Originally Posted by smokeylo

I went to the doc yesterday and they drew blood to test my thyroid. I should hear back in a few days. After describing my symptoms she said, "Well, if it's not your thyroid then we should consider that it's a MOOD DISORDER.." That seems like a really, really ridiculous conclusion to draw or option to throw out there after having spoken with me for 3 or 4 minutes. I hate MDs. Anyway, if my thyroid bloodwork comes back normal, I'll consult with a naturopath about AF.

that's because they have a lot invested in keeping you sick. if you aren't treated for AF or hypo properly, they get to see you several times a year for blood pressure, heart problems, weight problems, psychiatric problems that are really medical problems......grrrrrrrrr

Make sure you get your numbers, don't let them get away with telling you you're 'normal.' Not all labs are using the currently accepted standards, and most naturopaths are using different standards than most endos use.

[bigeyes]

Originally Posted by wendy1221

Well, I'm not sure if it's really considered high or not, but I'm in the mood at least once a week, more like all week near ovulation and twice the week before my period, which is the same time that I'm completely out of my head and depressed. It makes no sense. And that week before my period is weird, too. I'm fine all day and then bam, about 3PM, sometimes closer to 5, I just lose it and cannot function anymore.

I got 1st PP AF at 18 mos w/ ds1, 6mos w/ ds2, and at 12 mos w/ ds3, but it was 2 months apart at first, been every 28 days or so for the last 4 mos, which is also when the depression got bad. I breastfed all of my boys for over a year, Liam is still nursing (Jake just weaned a few months ago--AFTER AF started--isn't it weird that AF started so early while I was tandem nursing?)

I have read that both estrogen and testosterone can raise a woman's libido, so I guess it could be either. It might be related, but I have noticed the hair on my legs is darker than it used to be, my BO is worse, and the few hairs on my jawline that I have had to pluck ever since the awful experience I had w/ Depo Provera 9 years ago seem to be growing faster than they used to. Those could all point to high testosterone, I guess.

My other symptoms are no energy, I'm tired all the time, I don't sleep well, and I keep gaining weight, but it's all going right to my belly. I always gained weight all over and had an hourglass figure, even when I was overweight and now I'm just frumpy. I have this huge gut, but my arms and legs still look thin. I keep having people come up and ask me when my baby's due! ANd I try to exercise, but I'm too tired. I get tired just going up the stairs, which never used to happen to me. I've been riding my bike a lot, but it doesn't make me feel any better. My diet is really good.

you sound exactly like me, right down to the moods and the hourglass/weight/tummy thing.

annoying, isn't it?

[applebtb]

Wow! I am so glad to find this thread! I did the saliva test as well and was diagnosed as level 5 about a month ago. I am getting more rest and drinking more water and taking a few different supplements. My practitioner says he's never seen anybody come back in less than a year! I have most of the classic symptoms. About 2 years ago I started drinking some coffee (so not me!) just because I was able to kind of whiz through my day but I have since quit coffee and do not miss it at all! The sleep routine I am working on - not easy for a night owl mama of 2 boys! My practitioner, who is very kind, told me "If I could give you one piece of advice it would be that you need to learn to float" This simple sentence has had a profound effect! ! I also want to recommend the CD Reconnecting to the Life Force by Charles Eisenstein. I get really overwhelmed by all the nutrition recommendations I find on the web and there is just so much info! I am really looking forward to reading all these posts!

[Metasequoia]

So I decided to give the licorice a try, I've read conflicting reports about the safety for the nursling & after my BP was down again at my last visit, I decided that I needed to give it a shot.

I've been taking it for about 6-7 days now & Ds seems fine - not sure what to look for, my doctor didn't want to tell me because he knows that I'll make mountains out of molehills (like if Ds is fussy, I'll think of the licorice rather than the teething, etc.)

6 days on the licorice & my BP was only 80 over "something low." My doctor asks me what I've been doing, meaning, how have I been over-exerting my body & I said that I've been really good about not doing anything strenuous & for the most part, I've been better mentally - with the anxiety stuff. He said, "The blood pressure never lies." So now I have to figure out where I'm stressing my body, is it physical? emotional? "80 over something low" is the lowest it's been since I've started treatment & it didn't rise upon standing.

The lack of response from 4+ months of treatment is not encouraging, it leads to more health anxiety, more "what ifs," "what if it's not working because it's cancer or bone TB?" or some other unlikely (but possible!) scenario.

My muscles still hurt as severely as they have for the last 8 months, some days are worse than others & I'm desperately trying to link a mind-body connection to the cause so that I can relax about it being something physical.

We upped my pregnenolone to 40mg/day.

I'm feeling really frustrated & discouraged right now.

[KMK_Mama]

Originally Posted by Metasequoia

The lack of response from 4+ months of treatment is not encouraging, it leads to more health anxiety, more "what ifs," "what if it's not working because it's cancer or bone TB?" or some other unlikely (but possible!) scenario.

I'm feeling really frustrated & discouraged right now.

You just summed up how I feel. For me it's only been a month, but I am on Cytozyme AD, Armour Thyroid, Iron, a vitamin, fish oils, CoQ10, natural progesterone, and DIM. I thought my headache would be gone by now. My mind keeps wandering, what I have something more serious that hasn't been caught, like cancer? Out of all my medical complaints, so far the only thing I have noticed is a smidge more energy, other than that, no improvements.

[BellinghamCrunchie]

Should I take pregnenolone if my DHEA was normal (4 and range is 3 to 10)? Also it says not to be taken when breastfeeding (we're still nursing). My cortisol burden is 15 and is considered non-adaptive, low reserves.

[Metasequoia]

Originally Posted by BellinghamCrunchie

Should I take pregnenolone if my DHEA was normal (4 and range is 3 to 10)? Also it says not to be taken when breastfeeding (we're still nursing). My cortisol burden is 15 and is considered non-adaptive, low reserves.

I don't know. I'm bfing Ds who nurses like a newborn & am up to 40 mg/day of pregnenolone. Do you have a ND or other holistic doc to work with?

[BellinghamCrunchie]

Originally Posted by Metasequoia

I don't know. I'm bfing Ds who nurses like a newborn & am up to 40 mg/day of pregnenolone. Do you have a ND or other holistic doc to work with?

No... I did the saliva test and am *ahem* self-treating. Do you think its worth it to go to an ND? The only thing that showed up as outside normal limits was the cortisol levels (all four were depressed).

[APmom2Libby]

Thyroid Doc that GETS IT! At last!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just had to share my experience with a doc I found on the Stopthethyroidmadness.com website.....

Here's the review on Top Thyroid Doctors that convinced me I should see this guy ASAP---

"Dr. Fred James Schultz, MD, Family Practice Specializing in Natural Approaches to Wellness. Center for Health and Healing 2150 Manchester Road Wheaton, IL 6018. 630-933-9722. A reader tells us, "I found a doctor who prescribes Armour. He had 15 years experience in conventional medicine before following his heart and founding his current practice in 1997 where he combines alternative with conventional methods of healing. Dr. Schultz works with each patient to find solutions. He successfully treats patients who have arthritis, asthma, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression, headaches, eating disorders, attention deficit disorder, diabetes and many other diseases. He treats many autoimmune disorders including scleroderma, lupus, multiple sclerosis and Sjogren's. He also specializes in neuroendocrine disorders such as hypothalamic, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and ovarian dysfunctions such as PMS, endometriosis, fibroids and menopausal conditions. Rather than merely covering up symptoms, the functional medicine approach involves looking for reasons behind health problems and working to resolve these underlying dysfunctions. The goal is to normalize and balance body function, thereby allowing natural healing to occur. He seems to be a very caring doctor, he listens and will work with you. You can even call him by his first name. All the women in the office are very nice and caring too!!! They all have experienced "the attitude of conventional doctors" and are not willing to follow in their footsteps. He has just started me on Armour. He takes the proper thyroid tests. Free T4, Free T3, TSH, thyroid antibodies, and lots more... He has also given a few supplements to build up my thyroid tissue. Next he is going to check my adrenals and female hormones. He also does IV vitamin therapy. He truly is an answered prayer from God. At the Center for Health and Healing, they do not accept Medicare or any insurance plans. They do provide the patient with a form to send to their insurance carrier for possible reimbursement from plans with out-of-network coverage. Payment is expected at the time of service. They accept all major credit cards. I asked and I was told that PPO plans will cover a percentage of everything except for any supplements (i.e. the supplements I am taking to build my thyroid tissue). Like myself, some people feel finding a good doctor is first priority and coverage is secondary"

AND here's my review that I just posted on my AP Mom's Group Message Board:

"Okay, I just got back not too long ago from seeing Dr. Schultz. I can not even begin to RAVE enough about this man. He is wonderful!!!!!! Knowledgeable (VERY, VERY, VERY), kind, sympathetic, professional, non-formal, etc etc etc.... (His office is BEAUTIFUL, gorgeous, clean, and then he comes out in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts---very clean, but very approachable and informal--then the first thing he tells you is you can call him Fred, Dr. Fred, or Dr. Scultz, whatever you feel most comfortable with)

I have not felt like I was in better medical hands EVER in my life. I could go ON and ON. I took in a lot of information (not that he was dishing out tons of it or trying to shove ideas down my throat AT ALL), but he was very generous in how he explained things and completely stayed on track with the symtoms that were most concerning to me. He did avery simple exam-blood pressure, pulse, listening to my heart and lungs, looking in my ears, nose and mouth/throat, taking my temp (which was ONLY 96.7) and palpating my neck/thyroid area. He was very detailed and wrote down just about everything I told him---he did NOT make me feel silly for mentioning stuff that i though COULD be relevant---like a lot of Doctors have in the past, and he asked what I felt to be very relevant questions. I wish I could share all the info that he shared with me, but I am just NOT good at ALL at explaining detailed information like that....I understood tons of it, but it would be hard for me to put that info into words.

The best way I can describe it is---GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, YOU GOTTA GO SEE THIS GUY! HE "GETS IT"!!!!! TOTALLY GET'S IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He started me on some supplements to help my energy and depression today, and I will go back to see him in two weeks once my bloodwork/urinalysis results are back. At that time, we will then decide TOGETHER what the best plan of action is.

I can't tell you guys how RELIEVED, HOPEFUL and excited I am about this guy. He is just awesome!!!!!!!!!

Oh, and his office staff was JUST AS wonderful as him. On top of everything else, the office was absolutely gorgeous and clean, and they got me into see him 15 minutes early---I took my Mothering Magazine to read, and didn't even have time to get it open. PLUS, they had some Polycarbonate non-leaching plastic water bottles on sale for $4 each, and when I asked if they included that on my bill- the receptionist said, "Oh, no, they're on me! " So, they gave me 2 for FREE!

It was a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to healing with this guy! I HIGHLY recommend you guys give him a call. Also, he DOES see children---although he prefers not to be their Primary Care Physician. I FULLY plan to take dd to him once I get MYSELF straightened out. I will probably keep her with ***** for a PCP, but have her see him for the important stuff."

[Metasequoia]

Originally Posted by BellinghamCrunchie

No... I did the saliva test and am *ahem* self-treating. Do you think its worth it to go to an ND? The only thing that showed up as outside normal limits was the cortisol levels (all four were depressed).

I don't know....I know the basics of this stuff but I'm not sure I know enough to self-treat. I guess if I were to do that, I'd stick with the natural stuff (not that bioidentical pregnenolone isn't natural, but let's face it, it's not something you'd be able to find in nature, yk?) I'd be more inclined to eat a lot of organ meats from grass-fed cows & take licorice extract, but sometimes that isn't always enough.

Did you try calling Clymer (where I go) to see how much it is to do phone appointments? You already have results, so you should be able to get recommendations quickly.

[BellinghamCrunchie]

Originally Posted by Metasequoia

Did you try calling Clymer (where I go) to see how much it is to do phone appointments? You already have results, so you should be able to get recommendations quickly.

I was thinking about doing that. I guess I probably should. But I'm too tired to pick up the phone

HOW do you deal with adrenal fatigue AND a two-year-old?: She deserves a more active, enthusiastic mom and I'm finding it hard to be that for her.