posted
My LL doctor prescribed Cortisol (5MG in the morning and work my way up to 10MG) for low adrenal levels, but I thought I read some where that steriods are bad for Lyme patients. I also think I've taken Cortisol before and gained 15 pounds and saw no benefits. Can anyone offer some advice about the cortisol? C.P.
Posts: 106 | From Colorado | Registered: Jul 2012
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posted
I just checked and I did take Cortisol back in 2008 and I gained 15 pounds and it did not help. I've tried gladulars before too. I don't know what to do. I don't want to take the Cortisol.
Posts: 106 | From Colorado | Registered: Jul 2012
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Clarification: Does your prescription actually say "Cortisol"?
If so, I'm not so sure about that. You'd need clarification.
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You are fine with the dose, C.P., IF Cortef or Hydrocortisone.
However, be sure to first read both Wilson's and also Jefferies' book. You may want to start with herbal and nutritional adrenal support and then add the cortef.
Or just try the other support methods and see how that goes for a while if you think your past experience with Cortef and lack of response would be the same.
However, before, if you had lyme and were not being treated while taking the Cortef (?) it would not work as desired.
posted
Cortef was prescribed before and now again by my LLD. I was being treated for both Lyme and mold toxins at the time I first started taking it in 2008. I'm going to try a natural alternative and will do the suggestive reading and ask the advice of other doctors. Thank you all for your valuable advice. It's difficult to decipher what's right and wrong in regard to treatment and I question what ALL doctors prescribe.
Posts: 106 | From Colorado | Registered: Jul 2012
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96220 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- C.P.
Yes, you can start with the herbal approach and that may be fine - and enough - for you (along with some habit & nutrient changes) but, be aware, that although there are some who say they could not manage the Cortef
there have been others who say that all the natural approaches were simply not enough for them and it was not until they were stabilized on the Cortef for a while that they felt their adrenal system was actually getting better -
- having started slow and steady to gradually increase to desired physiological dose for THEIR body.
The herbal adaptogens and the Rx Cortef both are adrenal supports yet they achieve that by different actions, so to speak. One is not just stronger or weaker than the other.
It's just good to keep their differences in mind so if the herbs are not enough, you don't waste too much time before moving on to the next step. Of course, read from the professionals about all this.
Adding that book title here that LymeToo suggests in her post above:
The Hormone Solution - by Thierry Hertoghe. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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WPinVA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33581
posted
Is cortisol the same as adrenal desiccated? If so, I took it for a while and it really helped. I would not have been able to overcome my adrenal fatigue without it, and I would not be where I am now in my recovery without out.
You don't want to be on it forever but it's not in the same category as the steroids that you are supposed to avoid at (almost) all costs.
Posts: 1737 | From Virginia | Registered: Aug 2011
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posted
I too needed cortisol... hydro cortisone for adrenal fatigue and to tolerate thyroid problems. Been on them for several months and it seems to be helping. It is hard to know what to do when you read that you should not take cortisol but then the specialist says you won't get better unless you do!
Posts: 68 | From NE | Registered: Aug 2012
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- peonyprincess,
the classification of drugs is what matters as does the dose. Links above help to explain the "No Steroid" advice (except for life or eye saving emergency and then, just how) for lyme - and other posts explain why
low dose hydrocortisone just below or up to a dose that your body would be making on its own (but is not) can help adrenals heal.
I hope the posts & links above will clarify questions you have. Good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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