Does anybody know why Cortef is making me more fatigued and increasing brain fog at 10mg? Potentially too high of a dose? I have low cortisol at all points on an adrenal saliva test.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Sorry to hear not just of your symptoms but also the disappointment and confusion that I'm sure goes along with this.
Well, if you get those reactions, it is most definitely too much for you. Your body is a wonderful reporter in that way. You have the answer.
Did you start at that dose? Is that your total daily dose? Are you taking all at once or dividing up?
Check the physiological replacement dose range . . . and then, it's always best to start at 1/4 to 1/2 that for a week or two with very gradual increases if needed. There is a book here on the safe uses of this Rx.
Discussing the very low, safe Physiological replacement dose range of hydrocortisone for some with adrenal dysfunction. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Another thought. If you experienced any degree of increased energy from Cortef and overdid it, that could be the clobber "payback".
Anytime anything at all might help us muster a bit more available energy, our bodies still require very careful consideration before "energy withdrawals" are made from our body bank. -
Posted by Teamjdubb (Member # 48001) on :
I decreased the dose to 5mg and am doing better. Do you know of anything else to help recover from adrenal insufficiency? Plenty of rest, B-complex, vitamin c, magnesium. I can only tolerate 50mg of magnesium at one time because it lowers my cortisol too much.
Posted by Teamjdubb (Member # 48001) on :
My doctor gave me adaptogens which backfired. I heard you're not supposed to use adaptogens with adrenal insufficiency because they lower cortisol further.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- you say: "I heard you're not supposed to use adaptogens with adrenal insufficiency because they lower cortisol further."
Not at all correct. I can see how some articles may have misinterpreted and missed the more complex manner in how they work.
Adaptogens give you what you need at various times. Some help your body manage cortisol - and work with your body to help with stability.
If the herbal formula you posted the other day "backfired" my guess is perhaps the rhodiola in it as it can be a bit too simulating for some, though it was in low proportion to others, you might do better with a formula that does not contain rhodiola.
Maybe get separate: Cordyceps; Ashwagandha; Eleuthero.
Each of those should be very easy for starters.
IMO, it is absolutely a requirement to have some kind of adrenal herbal adaptogen consistently on board if you are taking cortef, absolutely essential. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :