Adrenal Fatigue & Hormones...Any Insight?

[[La...]]

Hi All, I'm now at 13 months and while I'm not back to 100%, whatever that even is anymore, I have had some very encouraging windows when I've felt better than I have in a long time.

 

I'm sure this is discussed a lot on here, I don't come on very often, but I'm wondering if a lot of what we're experiencing is related to adrenal fatigue? It seems like it would make sense given I have most all of those symptoms. Related, I think my hormones are pretty off too. I've developed man boobs and a tummy which are incredibly sexy, coupled with water retention and bloating.

 

My doctor is running 4 point cortisol test and hormone blood work, which I'm hoping will reflect what I'm feeling, but I don't know if anything can be done about it. Possibly testosterone replacement therapy? Does anyone have any experience or insight into this?

 

Thanks much and please be kind to yourselves. Easier said than done!

[[Bu...]]

Glad you are doing better Lakesguy.  I had adrenal fatigue before benzos and the symptoms are very similar.  I imagine the side effects of these drugs and the withdrawal can affect our adrenals and central nervous system, too. The doctor I work with for adrenal fatigue believes that these drugs can affect us like that. Hope you get some answers and your hormones rebalance. 

[[La...]]

Thanks, BurnedOut! I'm curious how your doctor treated your condition? Is there anything you can do, or take, that's helpful? Will keep you posted on my results. I'm pretty sure everything will come back just fine, which will be even more frustrating!!

[[Bu...]]

He treated my adrenal fatigue based on my symptoms and level of adrenal fatigue.  People in the early stages can be helped by vitamins, herbal supplements, hormones, etc.  He's not a fan of pharmaceuticals at any stage unless absolutely necessary.  I was pretty bad and had to go very slowly taking anything.  I had a lot of paradoxical reactions I never had before to stuff like vitamin C, B vitamins, etc.  He equates feeling wired and tired after taking a supplement as "a classic sign of energizing the body in the wrong way".  He said to start adding things in at a low dose and very slowly, watching for reactions.  He emphasized rest, de-stressing, a healthy diet and a lot of patience.  Sounds a lot like what we have to do recovering from benzos!  I'm taking vitamin C now (adrenals use a lot and stress depletes it in the body), glutathione (for gentle detox), and collagen (helps with muscle breakdown).  He likes B vitamins, magnesium and quercetin, too.  He also likes adaptogen herbs like Ashwaganda and Rhodiola but, some can't tolerate them because they can be too stimulatory. He is very cautious about hormones because, he said they are very powerful. 

 

Diet is key too and, high or low blood sugar affects adrenal fatigue recovery.  He has me salt everything because of low blood pressure, eat 5-6 small, balanced meals a day of carbs/protein/veggies, a little fruit, vegetable juices, little sugar and lots of water.  Good sleep is VIP, too-not easy though.  I try to get to sleep early and have a snack nearby if I wake up hungry.  He has a good, informative website at:  www.drlam.com.  I found his AFS book very helpful, too.

 

Hope your tests come back ok, frustrating, but you can rule out other issues like adrenal fatigue at least.  I'm constantly trying to figure out if my symptoms are still adrenal fatigue (which has gotten a lot better despite the benzos) or benzo withdrawals. Please do post about your results.  Take care!