My llmd thinks my cortisol is low and prescribed a low dose of hydrocortisone . Llmd said it's not the same as taking prednisone and that it should be safe to take.
I'm still concerned I've heard so many bad things about steroids of any kind. Does anyone take this? Did it help? Would give anything to feel better.
Also my results were within reference range but dr. said they were on the low end. My result was 3.8 and it was tested in the afternoon.
Reference range for p.m 2.3-11.9
Low enough to need meds?
Posted by WPinVA (Member # 33581) on :
Have you read the book "Safe Uses of Cortisol"?
I'm probably about to start the same thing. I'm going to a very Lyme literate doctor who specializes in hormones and she said it's fine because it's a small amount and it's replacing what our bodies don't produce naturally, so it's totally different than the high dose steroid packs.
I too would like to hear experiences from people who have done this.
Posted by tommyboy (Member # 35954) on :
No. I have not read that book. I will look into it.
I'm going to pm youWpinva
Posted by foxy loxy (Member # 47053) on :
I have done this since march. It has helped my POTS (low blood pressure upon arising)tremendously. (but my POTS is mild)
Also my thyroid was hypo at the time. I checked my vitamin D and it was almost nonexistent.
I started the mild hydrocortisone and took 10,000 iu of vitamin D daily till now and my thyroid righted itself.
The hydrocortisone has not made my infection worse in any way that I can tell. My Lyme Dr. thinks it is quite safe and It seems most LLMDs think it is ok at a low dose.
I take 5 mg which is really low. Good to boost the adrenals if they are suffering big time.
Posted by MichaelTampa (Member # 24868) on :
I have taken that at times and it has been helpful.
The theory is that this is not and immune suppressive high dose--it is merely providing your body what would normally be there, and it is key to helping your body function.
Getting over and through a severe illness such as chronic lyme disease without enough cortisol is not realistic.
Regarding whether you need it ... I can't speak specifically to your test results, so I don't know. It sounds like you did a blood test. Perhaps it is so off that it can be read as deficient without a saliva test, I don't know. I do believe a saliva test, taking samples four times in a day, can be a better read on overall function and need.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I've been on 10 mg for about 15 years. I kinda wish I had tried natural methods first to save my bones. I'm losing bone mass, but I also have other conditions which can cause that .. plus aging.
It helped with fatigue and pain when I first got on it. I may need more now, but have not been evaluated recently.
Posted by tommyboy (Member # 35954) on :