Cortisol - Adrenal Issues

[Miso]

Does anyone out there have any knowledge of how to lower cortisol levels? I'm am not the best "Googler" and I keep finding the same sites when I google "cortisol" that aren't that helpful. I know that it is hormone related and high levels of cortisol can be related to excess weight around the stomach. High levels are also supposed to be hard on your adrenals. I caught the tail end of a health show regarding this topic and am having a difficult time researching it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks.

Miso

[voices]

Hi Miso,

Do you know if your cortisol levels are elevated? I ask because I just went through a bunch of tests with my daughter and it was her thyroid. Her TSH (or is it TSA?) was normal but her Thyroid was twice the size that it should be.

She had all the initial symptoms of what I think was Addisons or Cushings Disease and the Dr thought that her cortisol level was high but it wasn't. She said that if it was, there was medication available for it. You may want to go to WebMD - Better information. Better health. they are pretty helpful.

Have a great day!

-V

[kiagmin]

Here is a web site I found... Adrenal fatigue – the effects of stress and high cortisol

This can be tested but usualy not by your PCP. I work for a doctor and looked it up in our lab book it is a pretty complicated test that most primary doc's do not do. You can check with your provider though..

[cowgal]

I have heard that lifting weights lowers it, stress increases it, and high protein diets lowers it, Rob Faigan's Hormonal Enhancement book talks about it...............that's all I got, sorry..............

MA

[southernbelle47]

The book
"The Anxiety Cure" is wonderful and covers the subject in detail.. It is written by Dr. Hart.
Check it out.
Nancy

[myra]

alcohol increases cortisol

[Miso]

Thank you all for the helpful information. Myra, I don't doubt for a minute that alcohol increases cortisol. Fortunately, I am over the 100 mark of being af. Still carry much weight around the middle, bad for diabetes II also. I am slowly but surely getting healthier, but have a ways to go. The cortisol issue is intertwined with many things. Thanks all for your reading recommendations. I'm looking into them all. Amazon.com is having a special too!!

Again, I welcome any insight anyone has on cortisol, adrenal, diabetes II, weight in the belly etc.

Thanks!!

Miso

[MyOwnWoman]

Hi Miso,
Do you know of a naturopathic doctor in your area? Mine had recommended hormone testing, including adrenals, to me when I was having issues with depression, anxiety, weight, etc. I ended up not doing the tests because taking supps seems to have solved those problems - oh, except for the weight. I too carry mine around the middle and it is very concerning.
Anyway - if I can rememmber the lab that does the tests I'll let you know. But I would think that if you find a naturopath he/she will be able to help you out. It's best to get testing done rather than guessing at causes and trying to treat on your own.
Remember, weight around the middle is also a genetic tendency. My mom had it, my daughter looks like she's going to struggle with it too. Sucks, eh?

[Miso]

Hi MOW,

I don't know of a naturopathic doctor, but I am definitely thinking about getting my hormones checked. I know for sure that my many years of drinking took a big toll on my female cycle. I know that I am approaching menopause, I am almost 49. The last two years (which were my heaviest drinking years) I had no "cycle". One could argue that it's my age etc. However, I've now been af for 110 days. 14 days after I first went af I had the first cycle in almost two years, it was light, but still a cycle. Now with more af under my belt I seem to be getting back on schedule (not regular, but not absent either). So, I know all that al messed me up in ways I may never know. I've seen several posts/threads that have talked about drinking increasing around pms and menopause time. I'm definitely a member of that club. I am really trying to watch the processed carbs, they were a big part of my diet. I'm learning more how bad the "bad" carbs (white sugar, white flour, processed cakes, cookies, chips, crackers etc, oh and let's not forget the BIG one AL) are for you in so many ways. All those ways bringing me back to the diabetes II issue, adrenal symptoms, high cortisol symtoms etc.

Has anyone out there had blood work done on their hormones? I doubt insurance covers it, so what kind of costs were involved?

Thanks,

Miso

[Accountable for Me]

I just had blood work done. A complete panel which included testing of my hormones.

I am in Canada and do not have to pay for this as it is part of my 'yearly' physical, and is a common blood test that is performed.

Ask you doctor. I am sure it won't cost you a dime, as it is routine.