Adrenal fatigue

I've spent the past couple of days reading this site: Women to Women

I've learned a lot. First off, I want y'all to know, I'm not promoting their program -- I've never tried it. I can say that their information has been eye-opening.

For one thing I gathered was that if your adrenals are severely stressed, it is unlikely that you will lose weight. In fact, the opposite is likely to occur -- that you'll gain. I've sure experienced that :(

The online test they offer is fairly accurate. I've had adrenal stress panels done before (using the lab they recommend, btw) and I've shown severe adrenal exhaustion both times in the past when the test has been done on me (2 and 3 or 4 years ago.) This test didn't show I was that bad, only "moderate/severe." I believe I am worse than that because of my previous testing/experience, but it is still a good online indicator. It is the only one I know of, to be honest.

I plan to go see my ND soon and get some of these issues dealt with.

This is not a condition you want to try to self treat for, unless you score only on the lowest side of it. In my experience, an MD won't be able to help either. One actually patted me on the head when I asked about it originally!!

Oh, and one last thing: They recommend the Schwarzbein Principle 2. I've never read it, but I'm hoping my library has a copy

[Shelleyg]

Sharron,
Thanks for posting this. I did the reading and the test, and guess what?? Yep......just as I suspected...well, DUH! LOL. I also think I am going to see if I can get a copy of SP soon.
Anyone else out there doing SP? Terrytoons, if you check in here, let us know how you are doing, please?? Been missing you, Terri!

Shell

Shell, how severe was your score, if I may ask? I'm sorry you tested "positive" with this, but maybe this will be the step we both need to take for healing???

(((hugs)))

[Shelleyg]

Sharron,
I re-did the test and I'm in the moderate severe category. I think I will try and make it to the book store next Saturday and see about getting SP 2. Maybe both!
Yes, this is definitely worth looking into.
(((hugs back atcha)))

Shell

Sure explains a lot doesn't it?? I'm gonna have to go to the library for mine -- can't seem to make with web catalog work today!

[crystalrp]

Eek..I took the test. It said I tested in the moderate area, the demands I place on my body are severe and the support I have is seriously inadequate! That doesn't sound very good, does it?

No, it doesn't Crystal :o

However, you were succesful in losing your weight, so you must be doing somethings right

[barb keith]

HHHHmmmm, I can't seem to find the link to the test, am I missing something? Sharron, can you post a link to it??? Please, please, please???? Schwarzbein is a very interesting book, although it's a bit confusing.

Did you do ephedrine pills? That will burn out the adrenals quicker than anything!!!!!

Yes, Barb, I did, years ago. You are right -- they burned out my adrenal glands :(

Here's the direct link to the test: http://www.womentowomen.com/profile1.asp

[barb keith]

I took their survey. I thought it was specifically just on adrenal function, that's why I thought I didn't find it. Thanks Sharron. I ranked very mild on it. Some of their questions I wanted to answer "never" to but didn't have that option. I've never had any major medical problems so far. (knock on wood) I did do some ephedra (ma huang) stuff a few years back, but only for about 3 days. I couldn't stand how it made me feel, all jittery, like I was vibrating. So I stopped. PLUS I was only taking HALF the dose they recommended. Although I'm an herbalist, I am glad they banned ephedra from Illinois. People just don't know how to use it properly and it can cause way more harm than good. I question now if there IS a proper way to use it. I knew even back then that it could burn out the adrenals..........so I listened to my body and quit.

[Maggie]

Barb, I took the survey and I'm fine ... 'cept they hate that I wear an estrogen patch. Too bad. I love that I wear it.

I finally figured out that if the answer is "never" you just leave it unanswered. LOL. (Duh. Only took me three tries to figure it out.)

That is wonderful, both of you. Maggie, I didn't expect it in you. Barb, I was wondering because you GO so hard.

I got part of my bloodwork done yesterday. I don't have insurance for my ND, so I went to my MD for the thyroid and iron tests. She argued with me, but finally consented to what I wanted. She wants me to follow up in 2 weeks. Not!

By then, Lord willing, I'll have some $$ and then I can got to my ND for the rest of the testing I need...

[barb keith]

Hehe, Sharron, I do plenty of relaxing too!!!!! My house is proof enough of that!!!! LOL I'm a member of the Fauxtato thread for a reason!!!! LOLOL

So if you don't answer the ones that you would rather answer "never" to it will change their diagnosis???????? Hmmmm, I'll have to try that!!!! Thanks Maggie!!!! LOL

[barb keith]

Okay I did it again and ranked MILD on their graph. But when I go onto what to do, the page is for Mod-Severe!!!! pffffffft.

[barb keith]

Sharron, I dug out my Prescription for Nutritioanl Healing by Balch and Balch (both MD's) and they have 2 pages in there about adrenal function and nutritional ways to help. The biggest thing they say about vitamins is to take B complex plus extra B5. 100mg of each and also 4,000-10,000mg vitamin C in divided doses (with bioflavinoids) They also recommend L-Tyrosine to be taken with the above sups (but on an empty stomach) The above sups help with its absorption. Raw adrenal glandulars are recommended too.........you could probably get this from your ND. Plus a multi containing CoQ10, Germanium, Beta Carotene, copper, potassium and zinc. You may want to talk to your ND about all this. I'll bet he/she has a copy of PFNH in the office. It's a fabulous book. The also make food recommendations..........green leafy veggies, fresh fruit, olives, nuts, wheat germ and whole grains. Also salmon or tuna, garlic, onion, shiitake mushrooms. They say to stay away from fats, fried foods, ham, pork, highly processed foods, red meats, sodas, sugar and white four. They put stress on the adrenals. They recommend regular exercise, which will help stimulate the adrenals. And of course they say to avoid stress. (easier said than done) Oh and Astragalus is recommended but not if fever is present.

Addison's disease requires medication. You can do a blood pressure test to see if you might have addison's. Lie down and take BP, then stand up and take BP again. If the systolic (upper number) is lower when standing up, this is an indicator.

Addison's symptoms are: fatigue, loss of appetite, dizziness or fainting, nausea, moodiness, a decrease in the amount of body hair, and an inability to cope with stress, feeling cold, discoloration and darkening of the skin..............requires lifelong treatment.

Cushing's syndrome (over active adrenal cortex) Generally heavy in the abdomen and buttocks but have very thin limbs, and have rounded "moon" faces, muscular weakness, Rosacea-like appearance, swollen eye-lids, increased body hair and mustaches and beards in women, more susceptibility to illness, heal slowly or improperly, thinning skin, stretch marks and bruising.

Don't know if you knew this stuff already, but if you didn't I just wanted to give you some info to talk to your ND about. I figure the more you are armed with the more you can understand from your doctors. Afterall, knowledge is power, and I would like to help empower you with this. Definitely go see if your library has a copy of one Diana Schwarzbein's books.

HTH

OH BTW, K-tea is chock full of B vitamins!!!!!!!!!! So that's a gooooooooood thing!!!!!!