Re: adrenal burnout question

May 16, 2006

>> I had my cortisol (a.m.) levels and my DHEA tested about 18 mo ago or so. I had exercised before going for blood work that morning (which I understand should've made them higher than average). My cortisol levels came back just barely in range, and my DHEA was in the low end of the range. My Dr. wasn't concerned. However, I've been reading now that having both your cortisol and DHEA levels in the low range means you are in full adrenal burnout! >

That's where your heading

> I just had them retested. I didn't exercise this time. My a.m. cortisol level was 5.9 (6-28). I'm still waiting on the DHEA levels. I would imagine they'll still be low. Is that accurate then, that that would point to adrenal burnout?? Would that explain the fact that 8 hours of sleep a night isn't quite enough? Or that I get that *loss for words* fogginess? Or that later in the day I feel this almost dizzy/lightheaded/buzzy kind of feeling??>

Probably, but some docs don't know how to treat -so ignore it. Remember low ferritin will make you feel awful with no energy.

>> I read also, that you can't get an accurate test from having a blood test for cortisol levels, but need to saliva test. Is that true, and could someone explain why if it is? Maybe my blood test isn't accurate anyways? Although, why do they test that way then? If it's really important I'd check into saliva testing, though I doubt I could afford it. I mean, I'm not bedridden and unable to function. But the test results don't seem to be too good. Hopefully the DHEA level will be in tomorrow so I can really see. I guess the relationship between cortisol and DHEA tells whether you are healthy, or what stage of adrenal fatigue you are in.

The blood test is accurate, however, it only reveals the level at that particular time. Saliva tests are done 4X throughout the day, so you get a picture of where the levels are throughout the day. Also, the 24 hour urine cortisol test is useless, anyway it was for me as the urine test revealed high -in reality is extremely low then extrememly high. Example, I have low morning and noon, but high evening and night cortisol -which is just opposite of normal. Also, extremely low DHEA. Yes, the tests will reveal what stage your in -but the problem is finding a doc who will do anything about it. Most will not treat until you either have high (cushings) or low (addison's).

> BTW, the 2 HCP who tested me aren't concerned. Maybe my out of town Dr. whose been so good with thyroid would do something. What is the relationship between thyroid levels and adrenals? My thyroid has been doing good for a while.>

Check out Dr. Rinds website at:

http://www.drrind.com/

> Sorry for the many many questions! I just knew someone here would have some information for me! > > > >

I know its frustrating to find out what's wrong, but then can't find a doc to fix it or even one that knows how. ~Becca

May 17, 2006

Hi --

Yes, your cortisol levels are pointing to adrenal burn out which would explain the need for more sleep.

I had my cortisol levels done via saliva and what you need to do is have them done thorughout the day and not just in the morning. It’s very important to see if your levels are reducing throughout the day and into the night — mine don’t. Mine started in range in the AM and by mid afternoon had barely budged and by midnight were ALMOST the same as they were at 7 am which means I am headed for burnout in that I am over-producing... Makes sense since I have been a “high anxiety” person all my life.

You can get your saliva tests done via the Canary club and the also do your TSH your T3F your T34 your estroten, progesteron, your cortisol 4 x in day, your DHEA and your testosterone for about $140 bucks.

Here is the link for the saliva testing:

http://www.feelingfff.com/lab_diagnostechs.html

Secondly, there is an AWESOME book about healing your adrenals: The Schwarzbein Principle II: The " Transition " - A Regeneration Program to Prevent and Reverse Accelerated Aging

by Schwarzbein

This book has been my “bible” for the last month... It will give you all you need to know about diet, rest, sleep, exercise, supplements, fats, etc.. The whole nine yards to help heal your adrenals. It can take up to a year or more but once you get started you are on the way to recovery and it’s a good feeling to know you are doing something to nurture and take care of yourself.

Sue

I had my cortisol (a.m.) levels and my DHEA tested about 18 mo ago or so. I had exercised before going for blood work that morning (which I understand should've made them higher than average). My cortisol levels came back just barely in range, and my DHEA was in the low end of the range. My Dr. wasn't concerned. However, I've been reading now that having both your cortisol and DHEA levels in the low range means you are in full adrenal burnout!

I just had them retested. I didn't exercise this time. My a.m. cortisol level was 5.9 (6-28). I'm still waiting on the DHEA levels. I would imagine they'll still be low. Is that accurate then, that that would point to adrenal burnout?? Would that explain the fact that 8 hours of sleep a night isn't quite enough? Or that I get that *loss for words* fogginess? Or that later in the day I feel this almost dizzy/lightheaded/buzzy kind of feeling??

I read also, that you can't get an accurate test from having a blood test for cortisol levels, but need to saliva test. Is that true, and could someone explain why if it is? Maybe my blood test isn't accurate anyways? Although, why do they test that way then? If it's really important I'd check into saliva testing, though I doubt I could afford it. I mean, I'm not bedridden and unable to function. But the test results don't seem to be too good. Hopefully the DHEA level will be in tomorrow so I can really see. I guess the relationship between cortisol and DHEA tells whether you are healthy, or what stage of adrenal fatigue you are in.

BTW, the 2 HCP who tested me aren't concerned. Maybe my out of town Dr. whose been so good with thyroid would do something. What is the relationship between thyroid levels and adrenals? My thyroid has been doing good for a while.

Sorry for the many many questions! I just knew someone here would have some information for me!

May 17, 2006

>>It’s very important to see if your levels are reducing throughout the day and into the night <<

I guess that makes sense.

>>You can get your saliva tests done via the Canary club and the also do your TSH your T3F your T34 your estroten, progesteron, your cortisol 4 x in day, your DHEA and your testosterone for about $140 bucks.<<

I don't have $140 to spare. Not even if I were creative! Isn't there a place where you can just have the cortisol levels checked? I surfed around a bit last night, and it was generally thrown in with several other things I don't need tested through saliva.

>>Secondly, there is an AWESOME book about healing your adrenals: The Schwarzbein Principle II: The "Transition" - A Regeneration Program to Prevent and Reverse Accelerated Agingby Schwarzbein <<

I've read her other two books. The first one she did on the Schwarzbein Principle, and the latest one called the Schwarzbein Principle Program. I've got a question for you. In the newest book she described the relationship between DHEA and cortisol, and tells you the 3 different ways your numbers may be (both high, one high and one low, or both low). They signifiy the 3 stages of adrenal burnout. She says it can be healed through lifestyle changes (I'm assuming she means through her program), however she never says anything more specific about that. What part of the program is most vital to healing adrenals? Sleep? Food? And I've been a heavy exerciser trying (unsuccessfully) to lose weight. I've been exercising 5 days a week on the treadmill for 50 minutes at a 4.5 mph pace which left me unable to speak during the workout and drenched in sweat. Does you exercise need modifiying more if your adrenals are exhausted?? She never really follows through with that. I'd love any information you could share that maybe is in the book you're reading!

It makes sense, but it's a struggle. Between eating fat *gasp*! And exercising less often and less hard....... well all my lifelong conditioning has told me that's a recipe for disaster! I've tried this week gentling my exercise a bit, and I've been trying out her diet though I'm not doing it 100% yet.

May 17, 2006

>>When your adrenals are burned out or burning out you can’t lose weight<<

I certainly haven't been able to, even doing what would work for any regular person.

>>You have to first get into a good sleep cycle of 8 hours a night.<<

I've been doing that the past week. I was getting 7.

>>You have to STOP aerobic activity if your adrenals are burned out – that just puts your body into more overdrive and stress. You can resume after a month of good sleep, good eating and introduce it slowly.You need to do yoga, deep breathing, meditation and reduce stress in your life.You have to get rid of processed foods and bad fats.<<

I hate exercising..... it's not that I'm addicted to it physically. I just feel guilty being a fat person and not exercising! I skipped this morning because I overslept and I feel so guilty. I'm working on the eating. And I do not eat bad fats.... unless it's a rare time when we eat away from home. I was already doing some of what she teaches, just not all.>>I understand none of this is easy. i just started about a month ago. I was working out feverishly five times a week and gaining weight. I stopped my aerobic work outs for now... I have lost 3 pounds without trying since slowing down and have to be patient. We are talking about healing our bodies and not just a weight loss program. <<

That is SO good to hear. I've had this fear of eating fat and stopping the aerobics and gaining 2o lbs! I'm going to look around for a yoga tape and do that for a while I guess. It isn't easy! Mostly because it so against everything that our culture and popular diet science teaches.

>>As far as the cortisol throughout the day, it’s CRUCIAL to see if your adrenals are functioning properly — as there are adrenal-related diseases as well. The morning test is just that and tells you nothing of how your body is handling your daily life stressors and normal functions throughout the day.<<

It makes sense. I guess I'll have to look for some way to afford doing that. Which in itself could cause me more stress! I've always been a higher anxiety person to... since birth I think >>Hope this helps a little... There’s really a lot to it at first and I am still a bit overwhelmed by all the changes I need to make...<<

Me too. But I think there are several people in my family who could benefit from it also. I am trying to not panic about not doing it all perfectly at first, and keep making changes as I understand them and can do it. Hopefully even then I'll be seeing some improvement.

May 17, 2006

,

You sound SO MUCH like me: I HATE to exercise, I gained weight the last two years or so and I get “anxious” about doing everything “right.”

I have been cutting myself some slack which has not been easy... I have to remind myself of this constantly.

You may gain a little weight at first as your body heals but that’s normal- I was terrified too and want the scale to go only down down down but I took measurements and have lost 1.5 inches in my waist so far. I do Yoga three times a week and then I do hand weights 5 lb and crunches and leg kicks, etc. 3 times a week for now... Just to keep the toning process in place... I will be adding back the aerobic activity in a few weeks... Which should help re-jumpstart my metabolism — I have a naturally slow and stubborn metabolism.

I also have inherited high cholesterol... But--- since I have been doing all this my cholesterol went from 238 to 200 with the added fats and no aerobics... This is probably also due to my added thryoid med of T3 cytomel which seemed to “warm up” my body.

I know how you feel though – I am the same way — feeling fat, guilty and lazy. I have overworked and driven myself for 48 years and it’s time to stop... That alone cause me stress, LoL, but I am handling it. Schwarzbein does say to self-medicate if need be to combat the crashing, the fatigue, etc. while you heal with coffee, antidepressants, etc AS NEEDED ONLY — and I do that – I can’t be perfect or do this perfect no matter how hard I try but I won’t stop trying that’s for sure!

Sue

>>When your adrenals are burned out or burning out you can’t lose weight<<

I certainly haven't been able to, even doing what would work for any regular person.

>>You have to first get into a good sleep cycle of 8 hours a night.<<

I've been doing that the past week. I was getting 7.

>>You have to STOP aerobic activity if your adrenals are burned out – that just puts your body into more overdrive and stress. You can resume after a month of good sleep, good eating and introduce it slowly.

You need to do yoga, deep breathing, meditation and reduce stress in your life.

You have to get rid of processed foods and bad fats.<<

I hate exercising..... it's not that I'm addicted to it physically. I just feel guilty being a fat person and not exercising! I skipped this morning because I overslept and I feel so guilty. I'm working on the eating. And I do not eat bad fats.... unless it's a rare time when we eat away from home. I was already doing some of what she teaches, just not all.

>>I understand none of this is easy. i just started about a month ago. I was working out feverishly five times a week and gaining weight. I stopped my aerobic work outs for now... I have lost 3 pounds without trying since slowing down and have to be patient. We are talking about healing our bodies and not just a weight loss program. <<

That is SO good to hear. I've had this fear of eating fat and stopping the aerobics and gaining 2o lbs! I'm going to look around for a yoga tape and do that for a while I guess. It isn't easy! Mostly because it so against everything that our culture and popular diet science teaches.

>>As far as the cortisol throughout the day, it’s CRUCIAL to see if your adrenals are functioning properly — as there are adrenal-related diseases as well. The morning test is just that and tells you nothing of how your body is handling your daily life stressors and normal functions throughout the day.<<

It makes sense. I guess I'll have to look for some way to afford doing that. Which in itself could cause me more stress! I've always been a higher anxiety person to... since birth I think

>>Hope this helps a little... There’s really a lot to it at first and I am still a bit overwhelmed by all the changes I need to make...<<

Me too. But I think there are several people in my family who could benefit from it also. I am trying to not panic about not doing it all perfectly at first, and keep making changes as I understand them and can do it. Hopefully even then I'll be seeing some improvement.

May 17, 2006

,

I think Sue will steer you right on this. She's been very helpful to

me for sure.

I know ferritin was mentioned somewhere in this discussion. There is

a wide spread misconception about watching ferritin. And it reminded

me of a post I made a month ago about that subject. I wrote to the

Iron Overload Assocaiton, and I posted the email that they wrote to

me. It is in message number 33171. Just follow this link to read the

message on-line here:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Thyroid_Support_Group/message/33171

I have a separate question related to your exercise - and I'm going

to post that in a new message rather than put too much info in this one.

Good luck !

-Lynn

>

> Re: adrenal burnout question

>

> >>When your adrenals are burned out or burning out you can't lose

weight<<

>

> I certainly haven't been able to, even doing what would work for

any regular person.

>

> >>You have to first get into a good sleep cycle of 8 hours a night.<<

> I've been doing that the past week. I was getting 7.

>

> >>You have to STOP aerobic activity if your adrenals are burned

out - that just puts your body into more overdrive and stress. You can

resume after a month of good sleep, good eating and introduce it slowly.

> You need to do yoga, deep breathing, meditation and reduce stress

in your life.

> You have to get rid of processed foods and bad fats.<<

>

> I hate exercising..... it's not that I'm addicted to it

physically. I just feel guilty being a fat person and not exercising!

I skipped this morning because I overslept and I feel so guilty.

I'm working on the eating. And I do not eat bad fats.... unless

it's a rare time when we eat away from home. I was already doing some

of what she teaches, just not all.

>

> >>I understand none of this is easy. i just started about a month

ago. I was working out feverishly five times a week and gaining

weight. I stopped my aerobic work outs for now... I have lost 3 pounds

without trying since slowing down and have to be patient. We are

talking about healing our bodies and not just a weight loss program. <<

>

> That is SO good to hear. I've had this fear of eating fat and

stopping the aerobics and gaining 2o lbs! I'm going to look around

for a yoga tape and do that for a while I guess. It isn't easy!

Mostly because it so against everything that our culture and popular

diet science teaches.

>

> >>As far as the cortisol throughout the day, it's CRUCIAL to see

if your adrenals are functioning properly - as there are

adrenal-related diseases as well. The morning test is just that and

tells you nothing of how your body is handling your daily life

stressors and normal functions throughout the day.<<

>

> It makes sense. I guess I'll have to look for some way to afford

doing that. Which in itself could cause me more stress! I've always

been a higher anxiety person to... since birth I think

>

> >>Hope this helps a little... There's really a lot to it at first

and I am still a bit overwhelmed by all the changes I need to make...<<

>

> Me too. But I think there are several people in my family who

could benefit from it also. I am trying to not panic about not doing

it all perfectly at first, and keep making changes as I understand

them and can do it. Hopefully even then I'll be seeing some improvement.

>

May 17, 2006

This exercise discussion has sparked a memory for me. The first time

any doctor ever said the word hypothyroid (or autoimmune) to me was in

autumn 2004 when I was getting hives so badly all the time. The hives

began in late August - but I had started a heavy duty all out attempt

to get totally into a size 4 again from a size 6 (now I'm a blasted

12 for God's sake). I had been walking daily for at least an hour, I

was also doing like at least a half an hour of dancing type exercise

(my own thing) daily. I would add in any burst of acitivty that I

could in hopes that it would push me along faster. I had begun the

intense program in about April I think. I really hated how hot and

sweaty I'd get, but I figured it was just how it was supposed to feel.

Eventually, in late summer I developed a weird rash under my bra line

or anywhere else anything rubbed. Doc didn't understand it - but it

seems to have preceeded the hives. Then all of a sudden, the hives

began. I won't bore you with all those details again.

But what I'm wondering - if I've had this for years (which I suspect I

have) did that intense exercise make it all so much worse that it sent

my body into an autoimmune tailspin, hence the hives?

Could that be?

-Lynn

>

> >

> >>

> >>>> >>When your adrenals are burned out or burning out you can¹t

lose weight<<

> >>

> >> I certainly haven't been able to, even doing what would work for

any regular

> >> person.

> >>

> >>>> >>You have to first get into a good sleep cycle of 8 hours a

night.<<

> >>

> >> I've been doing that the past week. I was getting 7.

> >>

> >>>> >>You have to STOP aerobic activity if your adrenals are burned

out that

> >>>> just puts your body into more overdrive and stress. You can

resume after a

> >>>> month of good sleep, good eating and introduce it slowly.

> >> You need to do yoga, deep breathing, meditation and reduce

stress in your

> >> life.

> >> You have to get rid of processed foods and bad fats.<<

> >>

> >> I hate exercising..... it's not that I'm addicted to it

physically. I

> >> just feel guilty being a fat person and not exercising! I

skipped this

> >> morning because I overslept and I feel so guilty. I'm working

on the

> >> eating. And I do not eat bad fats.... unless it's a rare time

when we eat

> >> away from home. I was already doing some of what she teaches,

just not

> >> all.

> >>

> >>>> >>I understand none of this is easy. i just started about a

month ago. I

> >>>> was working out feverishly five times a week and gaining

weight. I stopped

> >>>> my aerobic work outs for now... I have lost 3 pounds without

trying since

> >>>> slowing down and have to be patient. We are talking about

healing our

> >>>> bodies and not just a weight loss program. <<

> >>

> >> That is SO good to hear. I've had this fear of eating fat and

stopping the

> >> aerobics and gaining 2o lbs! I'm going to look around for a

yoga tape and

> >> do that for a while I guess. It isn't easy! Mostly because it

so against

> >> everything that our culture and popular diet science teaches.

> >>

> >>>> >>As far as the cortisol throughout the day, it¹s CRUCIAL to

see if your

> >>>> adrenals are functioning properly ‹ as there are

adrenal-related diseases

> >>>> as well. The morning test is just that and tells you nothing

of how your

> >>>> body is handling your daily life stressors and normal

functions throughout

> >>>> the day.<<

> >>

> >> It makes sense. I guess I'll have to look for some way to

afford doing

> >> that. Which in itself could cause me more stress! I've always

been a

> >> higher anxiety person to... since birth I think

> >>

> >>>> >>Hope this helps a little... There¹s really a lot to it at

first and I am

> >>>> still a bit overwhelmed by all the changes I need to make...<<

> >>

> >> Me too. But I think there are several people in my family who

could

> >> benefit from it also. I am trying to not panic about not doing

it all

> >> perfectly at first, and keep making changes as I understand them

and can do

> >> it. Hopefully even then I'll be seeing some improvement.

> >>

> >

May 17, 2006

Lynn,

WOW! This is interesting. Thanks for re-posting it and I will check out the website. Perhaps not all people should watch their ferritin, however mine coincides with my low iron. If in fact B vitamins are helpful, hopefully B vitamins are made and I can find them in another form as they are derived from potato, (B1, B2, B3) which I can't tolerate. So, never eat "enriched" foods. My youngest son also has the allergy to pototes.

This guy further confirms that I have both anemia -low iron and ferritin -iron storage problems. My RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and Ferritin are all below ranges. And, I think it contributes to my fatigue and is a factor why I need a high dose of thyroid replacement hormones.

If anyone has or knows how to treat iron deficient anemia with success, I would appreciate your comments.

Thanks, ~Becca I

> >> > Re: adrenal burnout question> > > > >>When your adrenals are burned out or burning out you can't lose> weight<<> > > > I certainly haven't been able to, even doing what would work for> any regular person.> > > > > > > > >>You have to first get into a good sleep cycle of 8 hours a night.<<> > I've been doing that the past week. I was getting 7. > > > > > > > > >>You have to STOP aerobic activity if your adrenals are burned> out - that just puts your body into more overdrive and stress. You can> resume after a month of good sleep, good eating and introduce it slowly.> > You need to do yoga, deep breathing, meditation and reduce stress> in your life.> > You have to get rid of processed foods and bad fats.<<> > > > I hate exercising..... it's not that I'm addicted to it> physically. I just feel guilty being a fat person and not exercising!> I skipped this morning because I overslept and I feel so guilty. > I'm working on the eating. And I do not eat bad fats.... unless> it's a rare time when we eat away from home. I was already doing some> of what she teaches, just not all.> > > > > > >>I understand none of this is easy. i just started about a month> ago. I was working out feverishly five times a week and gaining> weight. I stopped my aerobic work outs for now... I have lost 3 pounds> without trying since slowing down and have to be patient. We are> talking about healing our bodies and not just a weight loss program. <<> > > > That is SO good to hear. I've had this fear of eating fat and> stopping the aerobics and gaining 2o lbs! I'm going to look around> for a yoga tape and do that for a while I guess. It isn't easy! > Mostly because it so against everything that our culture and popular> diet science teaches. > > > > > > >>As far as the cortisol throughout the day, it's CRUCIAL to see> if your adrenals are functioning properly - as there are> adrenal-related diseases as well. The morning test is just that and> tells you nothing of how your body is handling your daily life> stressors and normal functions throughout the day.<<> > > > It makes sense. I guess I'll have to look for some way to afford> doing that. Which in itself could cause me more stress! I've always> been a higher anxiety person to... since birth I think > > > > > > >>Hope this helps a little... There's really a lot to it at first> and I am still a bit overwhelmed by all the changes I need to make...<<> > > > > > Me too. But I think there are several people in my family who> could benefit from it also. I am trying to not panic about not doing> it all perfectly at first, and keep making changes as I understand> them and can do it. Hopefully even then I'll be seeing some improvement.> > > > > >>

May 17, 2006

Hi Becca,

Daily reccommended dose of iron is 10mg. best through food:-

red meat, oysters, clams, dried beans, peas & lentils. whole grains

in cereal/bread and dried fruit. Take vitamin C to help absorbtion

with supplements or better with fruit. Cooking with cast iron adds

to food as it leaches into the food while cooking. Avoid caffeine

as much as possible but drink lots of water to add to the blood

volume. Hope this is of some help.

Dawn Canada

> > >

> > > Re: adrenal burnout question

> > >

> > > >>When your adrenals are burned out or burning out you can't

lose

> > weight<<

> > >

> > > I certainly haven't been able to, even doing what would work

for

> > any regular person.

> > >

> > > >>You have to first get into a good sleep cycle of 8 hours a

> night.<<

> > > I've been doing that the past week. I was getting 7.

> > >

> > > >>You have to STOP aerobic activity if your adrenals are burned

> > out - that just puts your body into more overdrive and stress.

You can

> > resume after a month of good sleep, good eating and introduce it

> slowly.

> > > You need to do yoga, deep breathing, meditation and reduce

stress

> > in your life.

> > > You have to get rid of processed foods and bad fats.<<

> > >

> > > I hate exercising..... it's not that I'm addicted to it

> > physically. I just feel guilty being a fat person and not

exercising!

> > I skipped this morning because I overslept and I feel so guilty.

> > I'm working on the eating. And I do not eat bad fats.... unless

> > it's a rare time when we eat away from home. I was already doing

some

> > of what she teaches, just not all.

> > >

> > > >>I understand none of this is easy. i just started about a

month

> > ago. I was working out feverishly five times a week and gaining

> > weight. I stopped my aerobic work outs for now... I have lost 3

pounds

> > without trying since slowing down and have to be patient. We are

> > talking about healing our bodies and not just a weight loss

program.

> <<

> > >

> > > That is SO good to hear. I've had this fear of eating fat and

> > stopping the aerobics and gaining 2o lbs! I'm going to look

around

> > for a yoga tape and do that for a while I guess. It isn't easy!

> > Mostly because it so against everything that our culture and

popular

> > diet science teaches.

> > >

> > > >>As far as the cortisol throughout the day, it's CRUCIAL to

see

> > if your adrenals are functioning properly - as there are

> > adrenal-related diseases as well. The morning test is just that

and

> > tells you nothing of how your body is handling your daily life

> > stressors and normal functions throughout the day.<<

> > >

> > > It makes sense. I guess I'll have to look for some way to

afford

> > doing that. Which in itself could cause me more stress! I've

always

> > been a higher anxiety person to... since birth I think

> > >

> > > >>Hope this helps a little... There's really a lot to it at

first

> > and I am still a bit overwhelmed by all the changes I need to

> make...<<

> > >

> > > Me too. But I think there are several people in my family who

> > could benefit from it also. I am trying to not panic about not

doing

> > it all perfectly at first, and keep making changes as I

understand

> > them and can do it. Hopefully even then I'll be seeing some

> improvement.

> > >

> >

>

May 17, 2006

Thanks Tina and Ata,

It is almost scary how we all share so many common issues. I nod my

head so many times and in my head I'm saying " me too!! " to so much of

what you all experience.

*sigh*

I just wish we could all get everything sorted. Some day maybe we all

can put the weirdness behind us.

By the way, Ata - with my skin I found that Cetaphil Gentle Skin

Cleanser liquid and Cetaphil Cream are my best friends. I can't

tolerate the miniscule amount of lanolin in Eucerin - but Cetaphil

makes my skin feel good like NOTHING else on this planet. And believe

me, I have tried every gentle cleanser my doc recommended. Just FYI

if you are looking for something honestly gentle.

-Lynn

> >

> > >

> > >>

> > >>>> >>When your adrenals are burned out or burning out you can¹t

> lose weight<<

> > >>

> > >> I certainly haven't been able to, even doing what would work for

> any regular

> > >> person.

> > >>

> > >>>> >>You have to first get into a good sleep cycle of 8 hours a

> night.<<

> > >>

> > >> I've been doing that the past week. I was getting 7.

> > >>

> > >>>> >>You have to STOP aerobic activity if your adrenals are burned

> out that

> > >>>> just puts your body into more overdrive and stress. You can

> resume after a

> > >>>> month of good sleep, good eating and introduce it slowly.

> > >> You need to do yoga, deep breathing, meditation and reduce

> stress in your

> > >> life.

> > >> You have to get rid of processed foods and bad fats.<<

> > >>

> > >> I hate exercising..... it's not that I'm addicted to it

> physically. I

> > >> just feel guilty being a fat person and not exercising! I

> skipped this

> > >> morning because I overslept and I feel so guilty. I'm working

> on the

> > >> eating. And I do not eat bad fats.... unless it's a rare time

> when we eat

> > >> away from home. I was already doing some of what she teaches,

> just not

> > >> all.

> > >>

> > >>>> >>I understand none of this is easy. i just started about a

> month ago. I

> > >>>> was working out feverishly five times a week and gaining

> weight. I stopped

> > >>>> my aerobic work outs for now... I have lost 3 pounds without

> trying since

> > >>>> slowing down and have to be patient. We are talking about

> healing our

> > >>>> bodies and not just a weight loss program. <<

> > >>

> > >> That is SO good to hear. I've had this fear of eating fat and

> stopping the

> > >> aerobics and gaining 2o lbs! I'm going to look around for a

> yoga tape and

> > >> do that for a while I guess. It isn't easy! Mostly because it

> so against

> > >> everything that our culture and popular diet science teaches.

> > >>

> > >>>> >>As far as the cortisol throughout the day, it¹s CRUCIAL to

> see if your

> > >>>> adrenals are functioning properly ‹ as there are

> adrenal-related diseases

> > >>>> as well. The morning test is just that and tells you nothing

> of how your

> > >>>> body is handling your daily life stressors and normal

> functions throughout

> > >>>> the day.<<

> > >>

> > >> It makes sense. I guess I'll have to look for some way to

> afford doing

> > >> that. Which in itself could cause me more stress! I've always

> been a

> > >> higher anxiety person to... since birth I think

> > >>

> > >>>> >>Hope this helps a little... There¹s really a lot to it at

> first and I am

> > >>>> still a bit overwhelmed by all the changes I need to make...<<

> > >>

> > >> Me too. But I think there are several people in my family who

> could

> > >> benefit from it also. I am trying to not panic about not doing

> it all

> > >> perfectly at first, and keep making changes as I understand them

> and can do

> > >> it. Hopefully even then I'll be seeing some improvement.

> > >>

> > >

May 17, 2006

Becca,

The best suggestion I have is to write an email to the people at the

Iron Overload site and say what you just stated below. They do know

the solutions and can guide you to present the info to your doctor. It

took about 3 days for me to get a response from them I think - but

they're good folks in my opinion. Check their credentials, they looked

pretty good to me.

http://www.ironoverload.org/

Hugs,

-Lynn

> > >

> > > Re: adrenal burnout question

> > >

> > > >>When your adrenals are burned out or burning out you can't lose

> > weight<<

> > >

> > > I certainly haven't been able to, even doing what would work for

> > any regular person.

> > >

> > > >>You have to first get into a good sleep cycle of 8 hours a

> night.<<

> > > I've been doing that the past week. I was getting 7.

> > >

> > > >>You have to STOP aerobic activity if your adrenals are burned

> > out - that just puts your body into more overdrive and stress. You can

> > resume after a month of good sleep, good eating and introduce it

> slowly.

> > > You need to do yoga, deep breathing, meditation and reduce stress

> > in your life.

> > > You have to get rid of processed foods and bad fats.<<

> > >

> > > I hate exercising..... it's not that I'm addicted to it

> > physically. I just feel guilty being a fat person and not exercising!

> > I skipped this morning because I overslept and I feel so guilty.

> > I'm working on the eating. And I do not eat bad fats.... unless

> > it's a rare time when we eat away from home. I was already doing some

> > of what she teaches, just not all.

> > >

> > > >>I understand none of this is easy. i just started about a month

> > ago. I was working out feverishly five times a week and gaining

> > weight. I stopped my aerobic work outs for now... I have lost 3 pounds

> > without trying since slowing down and have to be patient. We are

> > talking about healing our bodies and not just a weight loss program.

> <<

> > >

> > > That is SO good to hear. I've had this fear of eating fat and

> > stopping the aerobics and gaining 2o lbs! I'm going to look around

> > for a yoga tape and do that for a while I guess. It isn't easy!

> > Mostly because it so against everything that our culture and popular

> > diet science teaches.

> > >

> > > >>As far as the cortisol throughout the day, it's CRUCIAL to see

> > if your adrenals are functioning properly - as there are

> > adrenal-related diseases as well. The morning test is just that and

> > tells you nothing of how your body is handling your daily life

> > stressors and normal functions throughout the day.<<

> > >

> > > It makes sense. I guess I'll have to look for some way to afford

> > doing that. Which in itself could cause me more stress! I've always

> > been a higher anxiety person to... since birth I think

> > >

> > > >>Hope this helps a little... There's really a lot to it at first

> > and I am still a bit overwhelmed by all the changes I need to

> make...<<

> > >

> > > Me too. But I think there are several people in my family who

> > could benefit from it also. I am trying to not panic about not doing

> > it all perfectly at first, and keep making changes as I understand

> > them and can do it. Hopefully even then I'll be seeing some

> improvement.

> > >

> >

>

May 17, 2006

I almost missed responding to this, sorry. What I said to Ata and Tina

goes here too ... it just is scary how many things we all have in

common. The sensitivities seem to be common to most of the folks I've

heard of with either Fibromyalgia and / or thyroid problems. I've

read that sometimes hives (that are not chalked up to allergy or

stress) will predate the actual onset of serious thyroid issues by

several years. But about the rash, chafing etc. I sure did experience

that. I found that I had to let air circulate and to powder the area

liberally every day to get it to heal. I felt like a hippy being

bra-less like that - but oh well! (the only advantage to gaining

this weight is in the chest department) If there are marks that won't

heal though - I wonder if you should show it to your doc just to rule

out something like a certain skin condition? I know I had some serious

skin issues going for a while right before, during and after the

months of hives. Sort of like eczema or contact dermatitis. Now I

control it by using products that don't irritate me.I had to work it

out for myself through trial and error - now I only use certain baby

shampoo and cetaphil products etc. Sorry I " m going on, but I think us

folks with these issues sometimes can spur an idea by sharing like this.

Hugs,

-Lynn

>

> >>Eventually, in late summer I developed a weird rash under my bra

line

> or anywhere else anything rubbed. Doc didn't understand it - but it

> seems to have preceeded the hives. <<

>

> I do know that since I began exercising as strenuously as I do

(before my last baby I was maybe exercising at 3.5 mph) I have trouble

with chaffing I guess you'd call it. During exercise under the band

of my sports bra it rubs until it gets sore and sometimes even bleeds

a little. I always have this mark there which is off color and looks

like it's always trying to heal. It sometimes happens under my arms

and some other areas. I end up putting handkerchiefs in as padding to

help it out. It's not a rash really.... but I seem really prone to

chaffing and blistering.

>

May 18, 2006

Ah ha! Bless you . (Good to meet you by the way). I suspected

that very strongly but had nothing to back it up. They did run all

sorts of allergy panels on me at the time and said it wasn't hive

induced allergies. I don't actually feel it was stress either. I was

under no more stress then than I have been before or am now. For a

while, if I was a few hours late on taking my Benadryl allergy med

which kept ths hives from popping up, I'd get big pink welts sometimes

the size of your hand anywhere anything was rubbing too much.

Embarassing but true - you should have seen the amazing large hives I

got where the boyfriend had his hands absently while we were sleeping!

Of course, I'd get little ones more often than large ones - but - it

was just a hellish mess. Now I think I am right about the exercise

pushing me over the edge of something that I was already teetering on.

Thank you, -Lynn

>

> Lynn

>

> It is well known that very heavy duty ongoing aerobic exercise, day

in and day out, for longer periods of time, tremendously increase the

output of cortisol from the adrenal glands everyday, all day long. I

used to be a 5 mile a day runner, even up to 10 miles sometimes, every

single day of my life, back in my 30s, (nerves from Hashi's hyper or

maybe even Hashi's with Graves, for all I know; I've never had the

Grave's antibodies tests run at all) but I'm not saying that's the

ONLY cause, I believe it all involves many factors, like heredity, for

instance, and environment, etc....etc.... If you already have thyroid

disease (autoimmune) or have the potential for it sitting on your

chromosomes, immagine this------compare to the energy system on a

car-------one body organ is the battery, the other is the alternator.

If you know anything about this, you will know that when a car has a

bad alternator, eventually it will go ahead and run all the juice out

of the battery as the car runs down the road. Charge the battery

again, but if the alternator isn't replaced immediately (not in the

far future), the juice will run right out of the alternator again, and

the car will die from lack of energy and nothing will run right. Now,

immagine that the thyroid is the alternator, and that the adrenal

glands (cortisol) are the battery. When the thyroid is bad and is not

being replaced properly, the adrenal glands ALways pick up the pace

for them for a long long time. Then, one day, they tucker out, right

along with the poor thyroid treatment (or maybe even NO treatment),

after all this " full speed ahead " stuff. Poor adrenal gland function

causes worsening of allergies and everything else under the sun, and

the more you " run " them with no backup, the worse it gets. I now have

hives and rashes in places I never did before, even though I haven't

gained very much weight from a lame thyroid (thus not much more fat in

those places where I have the hives and rashes, as in under the

breasts, etc...). My nasal allergies suddenly got worse in my 40s,

and now it takes a humongous effort to keep them at bay. More than

ever, I need those adrenal function tests, not only for cortisol, but

for all the other substances that weren't formerly out of balance,

like estrogens, dhea, testosterone, etc....I need them badly, the

saliva tests, that is. It is a vicious cycle until it's ALL balanced,

and I haven't balanced them all yet, myself.

>

> Re: adrenal burnout question

>

> This exercise discussion has sparked a memory for me. The first time

> any doctor ever said the word hypothyroid (or autoimmune) to me was in

> autumn 2004 when I was getting hives so badly all the time. The hives

> began in late August - but I had started a heavy duty all out attempt

> to get totally into a size 4 again from a size 6 (now I'm a blasted

> 12 for God's sake). I had been walking daily for at least an hour, I

> was also doing like at least a half an hour of dancing type exercise

> (my own thing) daily. I would add in any burst of acitivty that I

> could in hopes that it would push me along faster. I had begun the

> intense program in about April I think. I really hated how hot and

> sweaty I'd get, but I figured it was just how it was supposed to feel.

> Eventually, in late summer I developed a weird rash under my bra line

> or anywhere else anything rubbed. Doc didn't understand it - but it

> seems to have preceeded the hives. Then all of a sudden, the hives

> began. I won't bore you with all those details again.

>

> But what I'm wondering - if I've had this for years (which I suspect I

> have) did that intense exercise make it all so much worse that it sent

> my body into an autoimmune tailspin, hence the hives?

>

> Could that be?

> -Lynn

>

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