Hi

Yeah, I got the 4 point saliva cortisol done last year as I was feeling symptomatic, GP wasn't interested as my blood serum was in range at 308. I'm planning to recheck both in a few weeks.

The only thing that makes me slightly doubtful about saliva testing is that levels of cortisol detected in the assay are significantly influenced by saliva's % water content - this will vary on how well hydrated someone is. I expect the ratio of saliva/free serum cortisol will be unique to each individual, along with their own natural variation and how this all compares to the lab ranges. Conversely, serum testing is claimed to over inflate results due to 'needle fear'. Ideally you need both to guide you.

Have you had your 8-9am serum cortisol level checked?


In terms of indirect adrenal supplementation:

you're on the right track with C (1000mg), D3 (5000IU), Mag (Citrate or Bisglycinate) and Zinc. In terms of B's for AF, I'd choose B3 Niacin (flushing) and B5 Pantothenic Acid as individual supps and leave the B multi. There are also mitochondrial stimulators for cellular-level energy stimulation - Co Enyzme Q10, D-Ribose and Creatine.

Going up a notch - Licorice Root Extract definitely boosts cortisol too and in a matter of an hour or so, side effects are it increases BP and is known to reduce testosterone (as any cortisol booster will). It's rise and fall nature means it could be harsh on the adrenals too long-term/high doses. I'd avoid any other adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola etc which tend to boost cortisol in the early stages of AF and reduce it the further down the path you are.

If you're looking at bovine adrenal glandulars, as you've indicated, a cortex-only extract is safest to start with and there is a popular product called Adrenavive (II or III are the cortex only), which sources from NZ cows (BSE free).

Otherwise, its hydrocortisone from a GP - which is known to ruin natural cortisol production over time.


If you suspect thyroid, I'd get full thyroid panel bloods done (including thyroid antibodies) before supplementing with anything - especially if planning to use iodine/kelp supplements; they will stimulate the thyroid in the same way licorice root does the adrenals, so you could end up unintentionally hyperthyroid.

Selenium is a safer initial treatment; l-selenomethionine is best due v high absorption.

If you get tested and decide you need more Free T4 and Free T3, you could look at thyroid glandulars.

The final option would again be GP / pharma based - levothyroxine etc.

Rule of thumb is to support adrenals somewhat before thyroid. The latter can put more stress on already-weak adrenals.

Eventually selenium is a must-try for thyroid support.

If you live in a place where pregnenolone is OTC, I suggest that you start with it since you already have some adrenal cortex on board. You might start with 10mg in AM and lunch but even 50mg per day won't likely be enough to correct such low cortisol levels.

There are blood tests for pregnenolone. Was your DHEA low as well?

Remember there are many adrenal cortex hormones and the downstream sex hormones (DHEA is not abbreviated)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Steroidogenesis.svg

From what I've heard, small 10mg doses of hydrocortisone (equiv to maybe half that much prednisone) daily in a person that needs it will not hurt your adrenal production of cortisol over the long term. If you can't function due to low cortisol you have to do something!

Eventually you'll need to try to determine *why* you have these problems. Oxidative stress from heavy metals, other toxins can be a factor.

Getting enough vitamin C for adrenal support, etc?