LymeNet Flash: Cortef for adrenal fatigue

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Cortef for adrenal fatigue - how many times a day?

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Topic: Cortef for adrenal fatigue - how many times a day?

opus2828
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 15407

posted

If you are taking cortef for adrenal fatigue, how many times a day do you take it and when?

My LLMD has suggested this for me in addition to other adrenal support supplements and said once a day in the morning.

For some reason I thought Cortef was taken many times throughout the day.

Thanks.

Posts: 581 | From CT | Registered: May 2008 | IP: Logged |

thomasx
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13431

posted

I believe it's supposed to be taken at breakfast, lunch and dinner, in diminishing doses. Too much in the evening might keep you awake.

[ 03-03-2012, 10:31 PM: Message edited by: thomasx ]

Posts: 386 | From Southeastern PA | Registered: Oct 2007 | IP: Logged |

opus2828
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 15407

posted

Thought so. Up for more.

Posts: 581 | From CT | Registered: May 2008 | IP: Logged |

opus2828
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 15407

posted

Nobody else takes cortef?

Posts: 581 | From CT | Registered: May 2008 | IP: Logged |

skies
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 28064

posted

Yes, I take it. I take 5 mg. with breakfast and 5 mg. again at lunch (around noon). Taking it for low adrenal fuction. My cortisol is lower than normal at those times of day according to the results of my testing, so that's when I take it. If I take more than that, I feel way too wired and jittery, but the above dose seems to help me.

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"The simple things can get you through the hardest times."

Posts: 628 | From Connecticut | Registered: Sep 2010 | IP: Logged |

opus2828
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 15407

posted

Thanks skies. Did you do blood testing or saliva testing to find out your levels?

Posts: 581 | From CT | Registered: May 2008 | IP: Logged |

fourwinds
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 14114

posted

I also take Cortef, usually 5 mg when I wake up, and dosing about every 3-4 hours for a total of 20 mg.

I have had to stress dose a couple of times (once when I had stomach flu last year...)

Excellent book is "Safe Uses of Cortisol" by Dr. William Jeffries...

Posts: 396 | From EAPennsylvania | Registered: Dec 2007 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

I take it once in the morning. I used to take one at lunch but I've cut back.

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--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

opus2828
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 15407

posted

Thanks everyone. It seems to vary - some take it once a day, some twice or more.

I thought my doc was crazy to only recommend once a day, but perhaps not........

Posts: 581 | From CT | Registered: May 2008 | IP: Logged |

mbdq
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 26277

posted

I took it just once per day in the AM

In the early AM is when cortisol is naturally supposed to be the highest.

Posts: 233 | From Hudson Valley | Registered: Jun 2010 | IP: Logged |

opus2828
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 15407

posted

Yes, in the AM is when my new LLMD (and you know who that is!) is recommending it in addition to an adrenal supplement protocol.

But if my testing comes back super low, may need it at other times as well.

Posts: 581 | From CT | Registered: May 2008 | IP: Logged |

lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230

posted

the times you take it depends on what your testing said

i take 10mg in morning now---used to take 5 and also took 15 at one point.

cant taake if afdter lunch or insomnia

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Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself.

Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004 | IP: Logged |

cactus
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7347

posted

I take it also... 15 mg in the am, and 5 mg with lunch.

I also take Florinef in the am.

With any colds/illness I stress dose - 30 mg per day. Had the flu recently and LLMD upped the stress dose significantly for 3 days.

You might ask about stress dosing, see if that is necessary. I have Addison's, so it may not be necessary for you.

BTW, I suspect that had I cared for my adrenals earlier in Lyme treatment, I might not have moved into full blown Addison's, so good thing you are supporting your adrenals!

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�Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?� - A.A. Milne

Posts: 1987 | From No. VA | Registered: May 2005 | IP: Logged |

skies
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 28064

posted

Opus--my issues were confirmed using a saliva test.

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"The simple things can get you through the hardest times."

Posts: 628 | From Connecticut | Registered: Sep 2010 | IP: Logged |

opus2828
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 15407

posted

OK, my saliva test showed a normal morning cortisol level and then very low levels the rest of the day - within range but barely. My second saliva test showed a low morning cortisol. Seems to fluctuate.

So, LLMD is saying adrenal fatigue and I think I am going to try the supplements first.

Thanks for all the replies.

Posts: 581 | From CT | Registered: May 2008 | IP: Logged |

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