Adrenal Fatigue and Hormones

[seattlesounders]

Has anybody had any success getting their hormones back in balance?
I discovered that I have low DHEA and pregnenolone? I'd rather not supplement with pregnenolone unless I really have to.

Symptoms wise I've been having difficulty sleeping and had brain fog and dry skin/lips. I also feel tired around 7pm, but have to rally to put the kids to bed leading me to a second wind.

I'm a 39 year old male who occasionally lifts weights so this was a surprise to me.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Was this discovered via blood test? I have chronic fatigue and have read about adrenal fatigue but it's largely not accepted by the medical community. There is adrenal insufficiency. What type if doctor told you and what is there suggestion?

 

[seattlesounders]

I discovered low DHEA and Cortisol via a 4 point salivary test. The Pregnenolone I discovered via a blood test . The odd thing is that Testosterone was within range for the blood test so obviously that pathway is using a lot of the Pregnenolone and it is possible the others are suffering. Both tests were done with Functional Medicine practitioners. One suggests supplementing with DHEA the other suggests supplementing with Pregenolone but my Nutritionist suggests using Herbs similar to Chris Kresser per advice here: http://chriskresser.com/adrenal-fatigue-glutathione-status-and-rheumatoid-arthritis

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I'd be careful because most of those tests are not approved and may lack scientific basis. I'd consult with a medical doctor about your desire to supplement as these hormones can have a big effect for the negative.

 

[seattlesounders]

Thanks for the caring advice. I'd still be interested if anybody else has been down a similar path.

Two interesting articles I discovered for those with similar symptoms are the following:
http://www.westonaprice.org/modern-diseases/low-metabolic-energy-therapies/
http://forums.phoenixrising.me/index.php?threads/truth-about-adrenal-fatigue.20065/

 

[B Baker]

Hi Seattlesounders,

Two weeks ago I started taking DHEA, after my blood test came back below range. My doctor recommended taking 50mg a day for 3 months, to see if it helps with my fatigue etc. I also have osteopenia and dhea apparently can help increase bone density. I'm in the uk and both the consultant and GP were unable to prescribe it, so they told me to buy online! Not ideal at all, but I have taken 15mg for 2 weeks and have today increased to 25mg and in 2 weeks will take 50mg. I haven't noticed any difference, but will have a blood test in Jan to check my DHEA has gone up and my oestrogen and testosterone levels are still in range.

I think I might ask for the pregnenelone blood test, if that's low I would definitely supplement that too. I don't understand why the doctors don't really know anything about these vital hormones.

Please keep us updated if you do supplement.

 

[seattlesounders]

Thanks B will do. I'm originally from the UK and I too am amazed that this type of testing was never suggested over the years. I'm going to see if I can get my levels up naturally with supplements and herbs first but will keep you posted. Let me know how the DHEA supplementation goes - I have a friend that had good results with this approach.