Re: Newbie with questions, PLEASE help

This may be of help to you: http://www.adrenalfatigue.org/doi.php

My doctor recommended an excellent book that I'm now reading called, "The Mood Cure" by Julia Ross, which details many endocrine related issues such as thyroid, hormone & adrenal imbalances, etc. The book title is misleading in my opinion and she does an excellent job in explaining how neurotransmitters, vitamins & supplements, etc., all impact our endocrine systems (and subsequently energy, vitality and mood). She includes tests for each category, plus provides symptoms, as well as methods to address imbalances. Many of the "cures" she recommends are easy and safe to implement (such as eating and not eating certain foods, basic vitamins and supplements). I do think it's important to be a little cautious with self-diagnosis because some symptoms are common in more than one area. For example, lack of energy could be lack of estrogen, or an issue with adrenals or even depression. The endocrine system is interconnected to everything and I would suggest you work with a good ND to help you assess your symptoms.

I had a hysterectomy 6 years ago at an early age (due to endometriosis). I've been chronically exhausted, but just kept working through it all until I just couldn't get out of bed anymore. I went to 9 different doctors (OBGYN's and endocrinologists). They were all pretty much useless, telling me everything from it was all in my head to telling me my numbers were fine to trying to force me on antidepressants. Finally, I found a good ND who specialized in endocrine and hormone imbalances. She performed blood & saliva testing and a very in-depth evaluation of my symptoms. The test revealed a lot of imbalances: low cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, estrogen, thyroid, etc. She diagnosed me as having adrenal fatigue, and she has successfully addressed the estrogen and thyroid issues already. Next, we need to tackle the actual fatigue related issues with the adrenals.

Another good book: Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome by Dr. James Wilson.
Julia Ross’ website for the mood cure: http://www.moodcure.com/
Holistic medicine website (referrals): http://www.holisticmedicine.com/
Naturopathic website (referrals): http://www.naturopathic.org/

I wish you luck and hope some of this information might be of help to others. Tweet