Re: Low dose hydrocortisone

== reply below

I have finally made the decision to go on HC per my doctors recommendations.
Do you know if you have to start low and taper up? I've read that for someone with AF, this is the right approach, rather than for someone with Addisons/AI who has to jump into a full on replacement dose to stay alive.

== That is my understanding and what I've been hearing from members here and in the heavy metal detox groups where AI/AF is so common.

== I've heard too many reports of "adrenaline surges" from people who unwisely jumped in with 15 or 20 mg HC.

== Also be alert for changes in appetite and waistline : (

Since I posted last, I have continued to do worse with the licorice.

== My impression is that it is safer to use it for temporary "stress dosing" than as the primary long-term solution to AI/AF.

I've stated having my potassium checked again before I start on HC, as I heard it can lower potassium. I've been starting to get muscle cramps/spasms since being on the licorice..

== Some of us do better with some extra electrolytes. My understanding is that most of us will need more sodium; however needs for potassium vary and of course it can be dangerous when taken in excess. I just add some Lite Salt containing potassium chloride to my salt shaker containing mostly Sea Salt . A close friend likes to drink some "coconut water."

When I did the saliva test, my DHEA & pregnenalone look fine. Cortisol, progrsterone, & testosterone were all very low.

== That is interesting. I wonder if you have problems with the 3B-HSD enzyme involved in converting preg and DHEA to downstream hormones.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Steroidogenesis.svg
Note DHEA is not abbreviated.

== I don't know which vitamins and minerals are important for that enzyme but zinc would be a good one to investigate.

I'm going the HC will help those down stream hormones regulate. If not, I was given a prescription for compounded progesterone that I just received today. I was instructed to use it at night. I still have anxiety about the progrsterone cream for some reason. May start to use it once I get the compounded HC.

== Honestly if I were you I'd start with the progesterone cream since that appears to be where your body has the bottleneck.

== Then add HC, sex hormones as needed.

== If zinc is low and indeed involved in 3B-HSD, your body might start using pregnenolone more normally with zinc intake--(25-50mg?). You might then be able to take preg and DHEA in small amounts.

== I would not be surprised if the adrenal support helps a little with the apprehension in your personality.

== It has been wonderful for a close female friend who had a long history of PTSD. She also takes various amino acids--GABA, glutamine, etc. Now she can give talks at support group meetings, no longer gets so overwhelmed when driving on highways, etc.

== I'm excited for you! : ) Please update us. Tweet