Just saw it on another post for Lyme
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Prednisone - the demonized "steroid" in Lyme forums - is most closely related to Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands in the body.
Progesterone & Estrogen are not adrenal steroids, they are reproductive hormones, produced by the ovaries & uterus.
Posted by MichaelTampa (Member # 24868) on :
The hormone your adrenals make, called cortisol, actually is a steroid. People taking replacement for this take hydrocortisone, which is supposedly chemically the same thing.
Prednisone is also a steroid, but will have different effects from hydrocortisone and cortisol, as it is not the same thing. There is no body equivalent to prednisone, i.e., the body doesn't make prednisone.
I was not aware of this, but apparently, at least according to wiki, progesterone and estrogen, are also steroids.
- Yes, progesterone and estrogen are steroids. So are so many other kinds of human steroids. So it can be confusing to just group all steroids together.
For male and female hormonal steroids, many need some kind of support. Bio-identicals are best considered in that case, with guidance from a naturopathic doctor or one of similar training.
It's often best to get the level and kinds of hormones that our bodies need from food sources. A well rounded diet helps here.
However, the kind of steroid that can damage those with lyme is typically the prescription kind intended to subdue the immune system. Prednisone is one of the worst. Steroid shots for pain, too.
Steroids, of the kinds and degree, used by body builders or athletes can also carry a huge risk for those with lyme.
Although it VERY, VERY low dose, Cortef can be a life safer.
We NEED steroids to survive. Normally, our body makes what we need. If not, certain foods can help supply what we need or we may need very specific prescription &/or naturopathic help.
The key is the classification and the dose. Details:
Topic: what do Prescription STEROIDS actually do to those with lyme? -
[ 11-01-2012, 04:03 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Also consider how food additives, plastics and exposure to certain chemicals DISRUPT our human steroidal hormones.
Google: Endocrine Disruptors -
Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
so if told to take desiccated adrenal,would you just take alone or with other support?
I know adrenal/cortisone are back wards ,per test. Advised to supplement
As if there wasn't enough to figure out with supplements. Have heard many times hormones need to be right/corrected to heal Posted by peonyprincess (Member # 38611) on :
I have been put on bio identical hormones, estrodoil, progesterone, and testosterone in addition to armour thyroid and hydrocortisone for adrenals. My Dr. says it is very common with lyme to have hormone imbalances and every book I have read says you need them balanced to recover.
Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
did it take long to figure out the right mix?
even before Lyme I had been trying to get it right with help. haven't yet.. do you add to the dessicated adrenal?? does that just support or change things up?
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Dessicated adrenal will support your adrenal glands.
But you also need to be taking Vitamin B 5 (pantothenic acid), to help nourish the adrenal glands.
Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
Has anyone tried DHEA or pregnenolone? I wonder if they're safe (pcp suggested them to me)?
Posted by jarjar (Member # 8847) on :
My doc told me recently she recommends going the natural route to support adrenals. She found taking cortef often caused more problems in her patients.
That's interesting what Keebler said as perhaps really low dose is the way to go for some.
I have seen people post on here before that cortef ended up being the only way they could get their adrenals back to normal after trying the alternative way.
I take Metagenics Adreset as it helps me some when I feel I need it.
Posted by MichaelTampa (Member # 24868) on :
I tried pregnenolone. It didn't work for me. I just recently started hydrocortisone and then thyroid (T3 & T4), and they are really making a difference.
I tried it the herbal way for a couple years with no progress.
There is no evidence at this point that what I am doing is returning function to adrenals/thyroids through rest, although it could potentially be doing that, and that is the theory. What they definitely are doing is giving me some necessary function, with that, maybe the future holds triumph over lyme and healing and then eventual return of function.
Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
Wow, maybe I should check out the hydrocortisone. It's good to hear that it works Michael! I energy tested the DHEA. I feel better on it (over a week now), but really don't know much about it. My body doesn't want the pregnenolone though.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by peonyprincess: I have been put on bio identical hormones, estrodoil, progesterone, and testosterone in addition to armour thyroid and hydrocortisone for adrenals. My Dr. says it is very common with lyme to have hormone imbalances and every book I have read says you need them balanced to recover.
- Agree .. I take all of the above except for the armour. I also take Estriol.
Check out the book The Hormone Solution by Thierry Hertoghe.
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