How I can replace or supplement my hydrocortisone with the Adrenal Stress End capsules?
Hi Dr. T, I am a 36 year old female who was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency and hypothyroidism at the age of 9 and adrenal insufficiency at the age of 12. I also have nystagmus. While all these conditions point towards a general hypothalmic dysfunction and not exactly CFS, I have thoroughly enjoyed and have been helped by the information in your books. I also have very frequent pain and fatigue. I have been taking d-ribose and the energy revitalization powder for about 5 months now and it is really helping. I recently purchased the Adrenal Stress End because I would like to replace or at least supplement the hydrocortisone that I have been taking with something more natural. However, I can tell that my adrenal levels are too high (I can feel a pressure in my head, I have nosebleeds and a slight headache, and feel dizzy and foggy). I take 15 mg hydrocortisone (10 with breakfast and 5 at 4pm). Can you please tell me how I can replace or healthfully supplement this dosage with the Adrenal Stress End capsules? What would be the correct dosage for someone taking 15 mg of hydrocortisone a day? If it helps, I also take 75 mcg of levothyroxine (last week my TSH was .21 and my Free T4 was .1). I also take a calcium supplement because I have osteopenia, and as previously stated, I take the d-ribose and energy revitalization powder daily. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question.
Answer
Given your case, you do need to check with your physician before making any changes but in general asked to consider: one – adding one of the Adrenal Stress End each morning and see if this allows you to lower the dose of the Cortef, two – sounds like your free T4 level is low and the TSH is not meaningful if hypothalamic dysfunction is possibly present, three – I like to add strontium 680 mg a day which can help improve healthy bones and bone density. I have people take it at a different time of day than any calcium or vitamin D they're taking.
L&B,
Dr. T
Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. is one of the world's leading integrative medical authorities on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. He is the lead author of eight research studies on their effective treatments, and has published numerous health & wellness books, including the bestseller on fibromyalgia From Fatigued to Fantastic! and The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution. His newest book (June 10, 2024) is You Can Heal From Long COVID. Dr. Teitelbaum is one of the most frequently quoted fibromyalgia experts in the world and appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide including Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and Fox News Health.
