An interesting thing about AF is that the symptoms are the same for both low and high cortisol, so automatically taking cortef without testing would be a mistake, I have excessive cortisol levels, but have all the same symptoms of those people with low. Either way the adrenals are messed up, but me taking extra cortiosl would be a big no no. So i suggest saliva testing. it is relatively cheap and my ND had the kit and was able to go over the results with me. Before i had the test I thought i needed isocort, a natural form of cortisol from sheep, and in fACT took some as my herbalist recommended it. I stopped it before the results of the test came back as i did not feel right on it, and it was an unneccesary supplement. Excessive cortisol causes apot of problems with the body and the adrenals usually are pushing out too much in reaction to stress, etc until finally in the last stages of AF they become depleted. I have horrible hypoglycemia from this and that in itself causes more cortisol to be produced. My cortisol pattern is actually flipped upside down and i have been working a year now to correct that. leslie

I am having success after starting raw glandulars. I suspect that after many years of long-term severe stress that my Adrenals are more depleted. I take Adrenal extract, and also Thymus extract for my depleted immune system, allergies, and inflammation. I also take DHEA. It seems to be working and I have much more energy.

I try to avoid most pharmaceutical drugs at any cost.

Hi ~

Sorry to hear you are not feeling well. I am in the process of writing a e-book on Adrenal Fatigue and would be interested in hearing more about your condition. I am looking to feature an actual Adrenal Fatigue sufferer in my book as a case study as well.

I do not blame you for wanting to go the natural route and I am familiar with all the different modalities you mentioned above. The problem with them, though, is that it is not very effective to just take 1 or 2 specific supplement for 1 specific problem, ie; Adrenal Fatigue. The body first needs to be treated with a balanced vitamin/mineral and anti-oxidant supplement in proper form FIRST. This is the foundation to healing. Then, and only then, can some of the above modalities be added to target a specific issue such as yours. I have some excellent information for you that could be very beneficial to your condition, hence the reason I am writing the book...

Talk to you soon,

Andrew, NC

I took cortef - switched to compounded hydrocortisone because the cortef hurt my stomach. Please, please read the following before considering going on it.

http://www.successfulhealing.com/tactics-with-issues.htm

Also, please get fully tested before considering what to do. I didn't read all the posts in this thread so you may have done this alread, but get your thyroid fully checked and try the underarm test (you can google that for directions) which can be more accurate than blood in many folks opinions.