The body has an amazing hormone called Cortisol. It helps to metabolize glucose, regulate blood pressure and insulin levels, supports the immune system and prevents inflammation. In a perfect world, it is at higher levels in the morning right when we wake up, acting as a cruise control for the day. As the day winds down, and it is time for the body to start to relax and prepare for sleep, cortisol levels come down. They are replenished with a good nights sleep and the body is back in balance.
Unfortunately, my life has been very stressful for the past year. So instead of going down through the day, my cortisol levels became very elevated. As a result, my brain became increasingly foggy (on top of never being able to find my car keys where I knew I left them, I just felt overwhelmed most of the time unless I was too exhausted to even care); my suppressed thyroid led to a goiter on my thyroid, aching joints, hair falling out, the acne I never had in high school showed up; my blood sugar levels shot up as I was storing sugar (and craving sugar all along); and I had a “fat donut” around my abdomen that no amount of exercise would touch. I felt run down and tests indicated that my bone and muscle density were at risk of decline.
In summary, “My get-up-and-go had got-up-and-went.” And I was too darned tired to care.
I continued to drag through exercise. For the most part, I ate well but did give in to cravings from time to time. And I managed to stay reasonably healthy but always felt like I had a low level grunge.
Dr. Young gave me two herbal supplements to help level the cortisol to the correct levels during the day. In the morning and at noon, I take an herbal supplement called Isocort, that is intended to level out my cortisol levels. While this is a safe supplement, it really requires close supervision by a doctor and adrenal function should be tested regularly. In the evening, 5HTP helps me to relax so that I can sleep well through the night.
Almost immediately, I noticed a marked improvement in my sleep. After a few days, I noticed that I was feeling much less drained and that my thoughts were much clearer. I regained my zest for life and jumped into my days with purpose. And at night, instead of doing laundry or messing around on Facebook because I was wide awake, I was ready to fall asleep. And the fog on my brain lifted. I was much more patient dealing with life’s little stuff. And the greatest thing of all is that my keys are right where I remembered leaving them!
The adrenal gland is tricky and not up for experiment. The supplements I am using are safe and are often effective when used properly. But they must be monitored while under the care of a trusted health care provider.
My first follow up appointment is next week. In six weeks, we will do follow up tests and make adjustments.
Its good to feel like myself again!
For more information about Adrenal and Thyroid Support, visit ThyroidHelp.org
To learn more about Cortisol, visit the article, Cortisol and Stress: How to Stay Healthy at eHow.com
