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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by whitmore on May 30, 2010, at 12:55:58
I'm convinced my depression,anxiety and ocd stem from too little cortisol caused by inadequate ACTH(secondary adrenal insufficiency, verified by saliva testing--controversial and not accepted by mainstream medicine). It fits in with all the evidence of seemingly random meds that have worked like a charm(birth control pills, SSRI's) or that have been spectacular failures(pretty much everything else). To test this theory, I am taking cortisol in the form of hydrocortisone. I am undertaking this as a 3 month trial and am under a doctor's care. Trouble is, I seem to need much higher doses than most. I am a tiny female and am already taking 31.5 mg a day, and experiencing low blood pressure, weight loss and cognitive problems. However, the mood issues are improved. I don't think this is either a safe or convenient long term therapy and need to find meds./supplements that will accomplish the same thing--i.e. raise ACTH/cortisol. I know the SSRI's do this, but would like to avoid them if possible. What else is there?
Thanks in advance.
Posted by Lao Tzu on May 30, 2010, at 17:27:49
In reply to Supps. that raise ACTH/cortisol?, posted by whitmore on May 30, 2010, at 12:55:58
Raise cortisol or balance it? Raising cortisol might make depression worse. But there are some herbs that help balance cortisol levels, such as Reishi mushroom, Rhodiola, Green Tea, Ginseng, and Holy Basil. Drinking coffee regularly will result in an increase in cortisol.
Posted by whitmore on May 30, 2010, at 22:49:10
In reply to Re: Supps. that raise ACTH/cortisol?, posted by Lao Tzu on May 30, 2010, at 17:27:49
Thanks for the post. Unfortunately, I absolutely need to raise it. Remarkably, all my symptoms go away as my cortisol level rises. But, I am afraid of the long term consequences of coritsol supplementation, which is why I'm searching for alternatives. I did find ginseng a little helpful, but only marginally. Holy basil actually reduces levels, so would make matters worse. Do Reishe mushrooms raise levels?
Posted by Hombre on May 31, 2010, at 1:02:58
In reply to Re: Supps. that raise ACTH/cortisol? » Lao Tzu, posted by whitmore on May 30, 2010, at 22:49:10
I happened to have just read something about acetylcholine and supplements in "Optimum Nutrition for the Mind"
* phosphatidyl choline (1-2g/day) and DMAE (100-500mg/day), a precursor to choline. Apparently there is a drugs called Deaner or Deanol which is a modified version of DMAE. It can help with learning and memory problems. Also consider phosphatidyl serine and pyroglutamate (400-1000mg/day) for memory and learning. Pyroglutamate also increases acetylcholine.
acetylcholine is associated with the formation of memories. phospholipids are essential for acetylcholine formation as well as methylation, the buzzword of mental health these days.
Sources? Eggs. Lecithin (~20% phosphatidyl choline). Fish (sardines), liver, soya beans, peanuts, and other nuts.
That's all I got for now. Best of luck.
Posted by Hombre on May 31, 2010, at 1:04:38
In reply to Supps. that raise ACTH/cortisol?, posted by whitmore on May 30, 2010, at 12:55:58
Can you describe any and all bothersome symptoms (including seemingly unrelated physical ones)?
Posted by TenMan on June 1, 2010, at 9:12:04
In reply to Re: Supps. that raise ACTH/cortisol?, posted by Hombre on May 31, 2010, at 1:04:38
St. John's Wort
This is the end of the thread.
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