Has anyone taken any of Dr. James Wi... 
Dreaman
20 y
25,340
BEFORE I BEGIN I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR READING! THIS IS A HARD TIME FOR ME AND I WILL BE GREATFUL OF ANY ADVICE THAT IS GIVIN.
SO here it goes- I have tested way below normal levels for cortisol using a saliva kit sent to Great Smokies Lab, but I have normal levels of DHEA Output. So inorder to find more info about cortisol I read the book Adrenal Fatigue- the 21st century Stress Syndrome. In it the author recommends vitC, Licorice Root, Ashwagandha Root, Panaz Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, and Ginger root. He also recommends Adrenal cell Extracts. I have just recently started taking a pill that was formulated by him called Adrenal Rebuilder.It contains:
"A proprietary blend containing adrenal, gonad, hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid concentrates from porcine sources; and calcium glycero-phosphate. Contains no hormones".
I am also taking another herbal concoction that he formulated(called herbal adrenal formula) with all the above herbs in it.
So here are my qustion for all my fellow adrenal insuffienct people out there.
1) I was wodering if anyone had any experience with the herbs ashwaganda, licorice, siberian ginseng, and Maca root. I only recently started taking these products and I actually have become more fatigued than I usually am. Any Idea why? I was thinking it was probably because of the Aswaghanda in the herbal. I think it is actually supposed to suppress cortisol so that your adrenal can heal, but I am not sure. Has anyone had any experiences in which they took either adrenal cell extracts and or these herbs and felt like sleeping all day? If so did this go away after a while and then give you more energy later on?
2) I am quite worried about about the extra cell extracts in the Supplement that I am taking (eg hypothalamus extract,gonadal, and pituatary extract). Do you think I should be worried about getting getting diseases like MAD COW. Also do you think these extra extracts could be causing me the fatigue? Should I change to a product that only has Adrenal Cell Extracts?
3) What are some good adrenal cell extract products that people have taken and had a good response to?
4) Since Iam not DHEA deficient, do you think taking these extracts will increase both my DHEA, which is already high enough, and cortisol at the same time. What can I do to avoid getting too much DHEA while at the same time increasing my cortisol level?
5) Does anyone know of other forums specifically for adrenal fatigue?
6)Anyone know of any other things I should consider to help out my adrenals. Any one had any lucK with accupuncture?
Heres Dr. Wilsons Website if you want to look it over
(not an advertisement)
www.adrenalfatigue.com
THANKS AGAIN TO ALL THOSE WITH ADVICE
*Dreaman*
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- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... UserX
20 y
17,471
This is a reply to # 554,502Since your cortisol levels are so low you will probably need to supplement cortisol in order to feel any significant difference as your adrenal glands are healing. A good source of information is SAFE USES OF CORTISOL by Dr. William Jefferies. You can obtain natural cortisol supplements from a physician who will prescribe Cortef...or you can try Isocort (available over the internet) which contains 2.5mg of natural cortisol per tablet. I have used Isocort with excellent results.
No need to worry about DHEA as long as you are not taking it as a supplement. The herbs and glandulars will not raise your DHEA levels to an unhealthy level.
You might also find some valuable information about adrenal fatigue on Dr. Lam's website...he has an excellent protocol for healing adrenals. I'll post the link for you in a follow-up post.
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- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... UserX
20 y
17,074
This is a reply to # 554,503Since your cortisol levels are so low you will probably need to supplement cortisol in order to feel any significant difference as your adrenal glands are healing. A good source of information is SAFE USES OF CORTISOL by Dr. William Jefferies. You can obtain natural cortisol supplements from a physician who will prescribe Cortef...or you can try Isocort (available over the internet) which contains 2.5mg of natural cortisol per tablet. I have used Isocort with excellent results.
No need to worry about DHEA as long as you are not taking it as a supplement. The herbs and glandulars will not raise your DHEA levels to an unhealthy level.
You might also find some valuable information about adrenal fatigue on Dr. Lam's website...he has an excellent protocol for healing adrenals. I'll post the link for you in a follow-up post.
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- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... Dreaman
20 y
16,736
This is a reply to # 554,503Ptree I will definitely order the safe Uses of Cortisol. I also looked at Dr. Lams website. It had some good info and stuff that I had no idea about.
So I was wondering about the isocort. How long have you been using it? What kind of syptoms did you have and in which were alleviated by the isocort? Also after you stop taking Isocort do your syptoms come back? What I am getting at is do you think that the isocort heals your adrenals or just replaces what they produce? Since IsoCort is Freeze Dried can I still order it online? It wont be destroyed in the shipping process. Where did you purchase yours?
never mind about the source I see you posted that in a previous post.
Thanks
*Dreaman*- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... UserX
20 y
16,304
This is a reply to # 554,505I used Isocort to deal with chronic fatigue and adrenal exhaustion. It was also very helpful with generalized inflammation and improved my allergies considerably. I am not currently using it and don't recall how long I used it for...it was several years ago.
Isocort will not heal your adrenals...but will give them a boost and a much needed rest while you are taking other steps to heal. Depending on how severe your adrenal fatigue is it may take several months to a few years to get them functioning normally again. Isocort is potent...start with the lowest dosage and make sure that you use it earlier in the day so that you don't experience elevated cortisol levels in the evening that could interupt your sleep cycles. (Paradoxically low cortisol levels can also result in sleep problems, but make sure to follow the natural cortisol rhythms when replacing cortisol...higher in the morning and lower in the evening.) Isocort is freeze-dried adrenal cortex...it doesn't require refrigeration and there is no problem with it losing potency in shipping. While Isocort can help tremendously with fatigue, etc....it is very important that you use it in conjunction with a complete program to heal your adrenal glands.
I saw on another forum that you also tested for hypothyroid...high TSH. Are you working with a physician to address all of this? As I stated in a previous post...it is very important that you begin addressing the adrenals before you start any thyroid treatment. If your TSH is significantly elevated you will also have to address your thyroid or you will continue to experience symptoms and the healing process will be compromised. I would suggest that you find a doctor who is well-versed in both adrenal and thyroid conditions and uses a holistic and natural approach to addressing them. Natural (OTC or prescription) hormone replacement is much safer than synthetic pharmaceuticals...and healing involves so much more than just replacing the missing hormones. You should also have your testosterone levels checked since adrenal problems can also result in low testosterone levels...which can also result in fatigue, etc. You may also need to supplement with pregnenolone and/or progesterone. The endocrine system is very complex...each part influences the others...and you need to proceed cautiously so that raising one level doesn't result in an imbalance in another.
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... UserX
20 y
16,304
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... UserX
20 y
17,074
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... cubfan23
20 y
16,723
This is a reply to # 554,502Hi, Dreaman,
I haven't tried Dr. Wilson's supplements but I have read his book. And I've read Dr. Jefferies' book and tried Cortef for 9 months. It was a great help to me along with testosterone because I tested low in that. However, I didn't really have a qualified doctor. I had a hard time finding a doctor who'd let me try it. He insisted I come off and my problems returned. So I'm searching for another doctor now. But I highly recommend Dr. Jefferies' book and approach if you can find a reliable doctor. It is a good idea to check out your thyroid too because the thyroid and adrenals work together and often when one is weak the other is too.
Linda in Va.- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... #16087
20 y
16,417
This is a reply to # 554,507you say you were taking cortef for 9 months, how long did it take for you to wean off it? How much were you taking a day? what problems were fixed on cortef?
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... cubfan23
20 y
16,146
This is a reply to # 554,670Hi,
Gee, I'm trying to remember how long it took. Maybe a month or 6 weeks? I think it should have been longer, more gradual. I was taking 20 mg. for most of the time. I think when I got down to 5 mg. or so, I began to take it alternating days. I'd read that helps to kick start the adrenals.
The first problem fixed was sleep. I was able to go to sleep at a normal time, sleep through the night and wake to an alarm. My inability to function was fixed. I had always been told this problem came from depression, but recently learned it's "paralysis of will" from ADD inattentive type. With added testosterone shots (I am a woman, but tested low in testosterone), this "paralysis of will" completely went away. But it returned when I came off the medication. But it worked perfectly, much better than the medications the psychiatrist is giving me now for the problem.
Linda in Va.- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... timbo
20 y
16,095
This is a reply to # 554,674Are the improvements that you got from the cortef supplementation still with you or did your improvements diminish. What made you supplement with cortef and did you take any tests before to see if your adrenals were underfunctioning?
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... cubfan23
20 y
16,041
This is a reply to # 554,675Hi,
With having problems for so many years, that I thought were adrenal related, I read alot on the adrenals. The doctor ran a saliva test, testing the cortisol levels 4 times a day. It showed low normal in the morning, normal at noon, and slightly high in the afternoon and midnight. (One doctor said this showed my adrenals struggling all day to pump out the cortisol). Cortisol should be the highest in the morning.
For years, after an episode of extreme stress, I have suffered from depression, inability to function, fatigue etc. After coming off the Cortef, all the symptoms returned. Perhaps it was too soon. This doctor seemed nervous about he Cortef.
Linda in Va.- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... timbo
20 y
15,895
This is a reply to # 554,677That's very interesting I had my saliva checked and I also was on the low side in the morning and my noon, early evening, and midnight was a little high out of the reference range, I suspected I have low adrenal fatigue but my doctor said I have high hyperadrenia throughout the day. I have hypoglycemia so thats why I thought my cortisol was high cause my adrenals were trying to compensate. So don't know what to do should I take something to lower my adrenal output or should take some cortef to higher my cortisol?
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... cubfan23
20 y
15,756
This is a reply to # 554,681That's a good question. You probably need to do more research and list your symptoms. See what hyper and hypo symptoms you have. I'm not a doctor so I can't really say. Do you have trouble sleeping at night? I can't remember how to spell it and can't find it. But it's something like phosphidatylserline? Anyway, see if you can find something like that and if it says it lowers cortisol, you can try that at night. You can go to www.drrind.com and write to Dr.Rind and explain your problems (as briefly as possible, he has alot of e-mails), and see what he says. I know he's more into supporting the adrenals, than using cortisol (Cortef). He sells his own products. But at least you can get his ideas on what's going on. Have you read Dr. Wilson's book on the adrenals? Another good book, is Dr. Jefferies' "Safe Uses of Cortisol" but it's expensive. (Sorry if I already mentioned it.) I know the adrenals are interrelated with hypoglycemia but I don't remember exactly how it works. Have you read Hans Selye's work on adrenals where he explains the stages? You could be on your way to hypo. I don't know. But researching will help you decide what to do.
Sorry, I'm not more help. How old are you? Male or female? There could be other hormones involved also. I can't remember, do you have a thyroid problem?
Good luck.
Linda in Va.- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... timbo
20 y
15,855
This is a reply to # 554,684You're probably right I'm probably heading to hypo, if I'm not already there. Yes I do have trouble with sleeping and my symptoms suggest hypoadrenal like getting dizzy when I satnd and my weight loss, but my weight loss could be because of my diet cause I'm trying to also get rid of candida so don't eat much carbs. No I haven't read both books but I would like to read Dr. Jeffries book so am going to look for it in the library cause it is pretty expensive. Itried some natural stuff like Isocort a hile ago and it did nothing so I think Cortef would help me out but will have to discuss with the doc. But I think he is a little hesitant cause of the tainted studies of cortef and other steroids done a while ago where massive amounts were given to patients, just got to convince him low dose usage is safe.
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... cubfan23
20 y
15,478
This is a reply to # 554,685It might help to get him to read Dr. Jefferies' book. How long were you taking Isocort?
Linda in Va.- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... timbo
20 y
15,608
This is a reply to # 554,686I tried it for a couple months and it did nothing so I stopped. Hey when you wee taking 20mg of cortef a day were you taking 5mg 4x a day, and if yes what were the times you were taking it, I heard that you should take it with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before bedtime, but people have different times they eat and sleep so is there a set rule in timing of taking cortef?
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... cubfan23
20 y
15,559
This is a reply to # 554,687I took 10 mg. in the morning, with breakfast. Then I think I took 5 four hours later and another 5 four hours later. If you find it bothers your stomach, you'll want to take it with food.
I tried the last 5 at bedtime, but went back to four hours after the previous. Some people find they do better taking it at bedtime and others don't. It's a personal thing.
Linda in Va.- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... timbo
20 y
15,356
This is a reply to # 554,688Thanks for the information and your help, what I'm probably going to do is 10mg upon waking around 8:00am and 5mg at 12:00pm and if I feel I need it 5mg at 4:00pm, or I might do 5mg at 8:00am and 5mg at 12:00pm and 5mg at 4:00pm, it just depends what I feel best at
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... cubfan23
20 y
15,447
This is a reply to # 554,689It usually takes time (weeks) to feel the full effects. So good luck and let me know how you do.
Linda in Va.
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... cubfan23
20 y
15,447
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... timbo
20 y
15,356
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... cubfan23
20 y
15,559
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... timbo
20 y
15,608
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... cubfan23
20 y
15,478
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... timbo
20 y
15,855
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... cubfan23
20 y
15,756
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... timbo
20 y
15,895
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... cubfan23
20 y
16,041
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... timbo
20 y
16,095
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... cubfan23
20 y
16,146
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... #16087
20 y
16,417
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... timbo
20 y
15,835
This is a reply to # 554,502May I ask how you are doing now and what actions did you take? Also may I ask what your Great smokies test results were?
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... Dreaman
20 y
15,748
This is a reply to # 554,671Hey timbo, hope those ?'s were directed at me
>>May I ask how you are doing now and what actions did you take?>
Well only took the wilson's adrenal cell extracts for a short amount of time maybe a few weeks, but I took the herbs that I mentioned for adrenal support for 1 and half months. This did not help my condition in anyway and I am thinking that it could have done me a slight bit of harm. Recently I have found out a reason for my multiple symptoms including low adrenal status. I now know after 4-5 years of hell, that I have lyme disease. Actually taking synthetic steroid hormones like cortef is thee worst thing that a person with a bacterial infection like lyme disease can do to themselfs because it turns off your immune system.
>>>>Also may I ask what your Great smokies test results were?<<<
The results showed below normal production of cortisol in all four testing times during the day. My DHEA was normal. Now that I know I have lyme disease I also am pretty sure that this long term infection is the reason my cortisol/adrenals were struggling so much. In my opinion anyone with low cortisol levels should be tested for lyme disease and the other accompaning infections. Visit www.lymenet.org for info on lyme disease.
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... timbo
20 y
15,600
This is a reply to # 554,679So Dr. wilsons protocol didn't work? You must have some blown adrenals cause i thought an infection usually raises cortisol level due to stress on the body, but when you have an infection as long as you have no wonder your adrenals aren't working up to par. What are you doing for your lyme disease?
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... timbo
20 y
15,600
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... Dreaman
20 y
15,544
This is a reply to # 554,671Hey timbo, hope those ?'s were directed at me
>>May I ask how you are doing now and what actions did you take?>
Well only took the wilson's adrenal cell extracts for a short amount of time maybe a few weeks, but I took the herbs that I mentioned for adrenal support for 1 and half months. This did not help my condition in anyway and I am thinking that it could have done me a slight bit of harm. Recently I have found out a reason for my multiple symptoms including low adrenal status. I now know after 4-5 years of hell, that I have lyme disease. Actually taking synthetic steroid hormones like cortef is thee worst thing that a person with a bacterial infection like lyme disease can do to themselfs because it turns off your immune system.
>>>>Also may I ask what your Great smokies test results were?<<<
The results showed below normal production of cortisol in all four testing times during the day. My DHEA was normal. Now that I know I have lyme disease I also am pretty sure that this long term infection is the reason my cortisol/adrenals were struggling so much. In my opinion anyone with low cortisol levels should be tested for lyme disease and the other accompaning infections. Visit www.lymenet.org for info on lyme disease.
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... Dreaman
20 y
15,748
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... jagzb
20 y
15,906
This is a reply to # 554,502If I were you, I would be VERY leery about basing any sort of endocrine therapy on the results of saliva tests. GSDL and Diagnostechs (two of the biggest proponents of saliva testing) claim all sorts of success, but if the experience of a friend of mine is any indication, you might want to think twice.
In a nutshell he's been having adrenal problems for 2 years now. He's been repeatedly tested, with cortisol showing up virtually non-existent and very low DHEA. Yet treatment aimed at boosting cortisol makes him feel worse. This went on for years until he finally had blood tests done; contrary to the saliva tests, the blood work showed his cortisol to be way too high, thus suppressing his DHEA production. Treatment aimed at lowering his cortisol has worked wonders.
According to Paul Wakfer - former spokesman for the Life Extension Foundation - blood is still the gold standard for all endocrine testing. Even the saliva labs will admit that. But cortisol levels in saliva fluctuate almost by the minute and are not a reliable indicator of what's in blood.
My friend happened to have the chance to speak to one of Canada's leading immunologists recently. When he asked him about saliva testing, the guy nearly choked on his drink.
I also asked a naturopath why he only gave blood tests instead of saliva. He told me that during his first 8 years of practice, he dutifully ordered them, mainly through DiagnosTechs. After a while he got suspicious so he started comparing the results from saliva to the results of blood drawn the same day. His findings: there was absolutely NO WAY to correlate the saliva levels to blood, as the saliva just couldn't be trusted.
Best advice is to have blood draws (AM and PM cortisol) to get at least somewhat of a better idea.- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... #57112
18 y
15,723
This is a reply to # 554,758
i agree
i had salive tests done 4 point day test... all showed almost non existent cortisol and sky high DHEA... then had blood test which showed DHEA in normal range (tiny bit below mid range)... if i take B% i feel terrible...
i began taking dr wilsons adrenal rebuilder 10 days ago and feel better though so no idea what my situation is really... i only take one tablet per day but want to try another brand that doesnt contain all the thyroid stuff as my TSH was fine is anything was again slightly lower than mid range so seems ok... any input- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... hegunn30
14 y
13,115
This is a reply to # 556,135Actually blood test measure the total amount of cortisol in the blood, free and protein binded, only the free cortisol is used so the saliva is actually more accurate when it comes to measuring the amount of cortisol available for use. That's why so many people when they get blood test done at the doctors get the "your normal its all in your head" comments! I've never heard of anyone being recommended for supplementing with cortisol other than if its a doctor and they want to use drugs, bioidentical hormones ie adrenal glandulars is more natural.
- I tried Wilsons's supps - what's the... purplepixie
11 y
8,751
This is a reply to # 1,579,236I've been taking Wilson's Adrenal Trio = Vit C, Adrenal Stress mixed vits (mainly B's), and the glandulars.
For 3 months i've tried them and am not sure actually that they've helped an awful lot. As stated earlier in the thread i have been extremely fatigued and sleepy and am not sure if the glandulars are to blame for that. I've recently stopped taking those and will see how that affects me.
I'm beginning to wonder if severe adrenal insufficiency is past the point of supplemental help initially and might be worth trying to help out the adrenals with cortisol supps.
As much as i hate to even consider hormone replacements personally- i do think they have their place perhaps in relieving the severely compromised glands, giving them a chance to re-build themselves.
Having removed ALL stress completely and getting ridiculous amounts of sleep - the wilson's programme hasn't perked me up...as expected at least. At one point i was on 4 tabs a day of each.
Regarding testing hormone levels - i wish these specialists would come to an agreement as to whether saliva or serum is the most accurate.
I don't have the funds to do both and am about to launch into getting tests - surely free cortisol is more accurate from saliva rather than protein-bound and free cortisol from serum?
Is it possible for the body to somehow use the bound form of cortisol?
The story above suggests so if a saliva reading showed low cortisol but serum showed high - and improvements felt ONLY when given cortisol lowering medication.
I'm trying to prevent years of mis-guided test result actions!!
- I tried Wilsons's supps - what's the... purplepixie
11 y
8,751
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... hegunn30
14 y
13,115
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... #57112
18 y
15,723
- Re: Has anyone taken any of Dr. Jame... UserX
20 y
17,471
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