Hello, My adrenals are shot as evidenced by my symptoms and a saliva test. I am working on a couple parts of my adrenal system and my NP, who is extremely lyme literate, wants to put me on Isocort. My LLMD was not thrilled about this and I do not know what to do. My cortisol level is very low and it needs boosting, but I also know that you can overdue your treatment for your cortisol level and end up at the same place, or even worse. Has anyone used Isocort and do you think their are any negative effects/ Any thoughts would be appreciated. climber
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I would think it's the "same" as cortef, right?? Just another name??
Personally, I wish I had gone to natural methods first. I'd love to get off cortef now but when I tried several years ago I ended up with severe cranial nerve pain and my Raynaud's came roaring back really bad.
So maybe I just flat out NEED it .. but makes me wonder. I imagine it does NOT help with my having yeast issues.
You ND is correct. If you don't boast your low cortisol levels you will never get well. If you LLMD does not know this and is only treating spirochetes and protozoa, I'm not sure you are getting a true integrative approach to treating your illness.
It takes a lot more than dispensing ABX and anti malarials to beat this illness.
Isocort is one of many products used for adrenal dysfunction.
Posted by Abxnomore (Member # 18936) on :
It does what cortef seeks to accomplish but is natural and plant based. It's not a steroid and you don't get stuck on it. It used to be made from glandulars but it's been reformulated.
Wonder if I could switch?? abxnomore.. do you know if that bottle lasts a month? I take 10 mg of cortef.
Posted by Abxnomore (Member # 18936) on :
You would need an alternative doc or ND to advise you. I'm pretty sure that one can't switch without professional help. One needs to wean off cortef slowly as I understand it and you mentioned that you have been on it for a long time. I've never been on cortef, always did the natural route but may be some one else will know.
How long the bottle will last depends on a person's dose. I have not taken isocort in a long time so I'm rusty.
Posted by jl123 (Member # 15594) on :
I think for many of us the echanacia in it, will be too stimulating our massively overworked immune systems. ALso I think there is a big difference between glandular hormones and plant hormones. I believe the glandular have many more of the 10's of hormones that the adrenals put out whereas the plant only has one or two. I think the glandulars could be better. There are compounding pharmacies I believe that use glandulars in made the same way as isocort only without the herbs. j
Posted by Abxnomore (Member # 18936) on :
For quite some time ND's and integrative doctors have been staying away from glandulars due to mad cow disease and pathogens such as that.
In fact, I used isocort many years ago but was taken off and put on Adrecor with good results (non glandular).
Only recently did an LLMD (well known) recommend isocort to a friend and did I find out that it has been reformulated and is now plant based.
Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :
Isocort is a grandular from sheep in New Zealand. It does contain some echninacea and lomatium.
It a significant factor in me gaining energy from Lyme Disease, but I could only take 1/2 pill twice daily (total one pill).
It's very invigorating so don't take beyond 4 pm. If you take too much you can become anxious, so sometimes I'd skip a dose. I had given it up for awhile because I found it increased my appetite. I'm now back on it as I relapsed with myco pneu.
My LLMD recommends it and so do many LLMD's.
I now take NT factor (non-glandular)and that has been helpful, too.
Taking over 20mg of Cortef daily can result in your adrenals shutting down over time. One pellet of Isocort is the equipvalent of 2.5mg Big difference, but you can really gain energy from it.
My LLMD said that Dr. T (endfatigue doc) still takes Isocort when traveling or stressed.
Don't be afraid of it. You can buy it online from Dr. T.
Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :
Wow, I went to the website above and indeed, the formula has been changed. I wonder if it works as well??
Posted by Abxnomore (Member # 18936) on :
I can't say for sure but if one of the top doc's is still using it I would hope he is getting results from it. I use Adrecor now along with Siberian Eleuthero (Sibergin) with very good results.
Posted by dan67 (Member # 20344) on :
Does this stuff have the same negative impact that Lyme sufferers are exposed to when taking steroids like cortisone? What about 20mg of cortef?