amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

EmoMom · 11-15-2007, 12:50 PM

Has anyone read about cortisol? Adrenals? That kind of thing? Because the first time they tested my hormones, my cortisol was SO out-of-whack that they couldn't really trust the other readings. Supposedly, the adrenal glands have to be working properly for everything else to follow along. Those are otherwise known as the STRESS GLANDS, if that tells you anything.

So I've been muddling along finally reread Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome for the third time in as many years. Because I had cratered. Absolutely. Bottomed out. Truly could not put one foot in front of another.

Some of the lifestyle changes are not easy (food, sleep, etc.) but the book explains it in such a way that it all makes sense, which does make it somewhat easier. I began implementing the lifestyle changes little by little. And now it's been almost two weeks since I started the supplements. Unbelievable. The day before, I was a weepy mess, mostly wanting to die. The day after, I woke up and actually accomplished a few small things. The next day, a little more. And so on ...

Knock on wood, but this program is REALLY working for me. It was recommended by my midwife, my ob/gyn, and my compounding pharmacist, but I thought it was toooooo haaaaard. Now I know what's REALLY hard -- living like I was.

Just wanted to share.

dreamseeds · 11-15-2007, 09:27 PM

WTG Mary. We all gotta walk out path and find what we need. So glad you are finding it for you.
Adrenal burnout by the way is not uncommon amongst menopausal women. I have heard this complaint quite a bit. I know the women center ..you knwo that one founded by Christine Northrup deals with that alot. They actually recommend somewhat of a low carb type plan for eating style in many cases along with a host of supplements.

Jsut so you know, you are not alone and women have to deal with this all the time. You are NOT crazy nor weak.

Keep us posted on your progress mama.

Also, jsut for soem extra info....menopause does effect the endocrine system allt he way around, which the adrenals probably are part of.
From what studies I ahve read, once the estrogen is wonky, the other hormones are wonky.

Some of us have major issues. Mary I am so sorry for your health struggles. This is for you again mama...on the road to feelign great!

lakshmi_mama · 11-16-2007, 04:34 AM

Yes. Absolutely. I am on an adrenal support/rehabilitation program and it has made significant change. I am taking some herbal supplements in addition to a dessicated adrenal gland supplement. It isn't a cure all for the many layers of my health issues, but I have noticed that there are core changes that are happening that were not before I started on the program. I am going back now and revisiting some of the other things I have tried in the past unsuccessfully and finding that with the addition of adrenal support they are working much better. Its like patching a hole in a leaky bucket as opposed to just trying to fill it faster.

Susannah · 11-16-2007, 07:15 PM

YES!! I have that very book and really like what it taught me about adrenals. I went through an adrenal crash back in 2005, which had me at the very point you described about not being able to put one foot in front of the other. It was like that for almost 2 years and I felt as though my life was literally fading away, and most likely would have, if I hadn't wised up about certain things. It's been a slow progress, but I am doing it! The greatest difference in the smallest amount of time, was changing to a low-glycemic lifestyle, though everything has played a role in my recovery.

Katie, I really like your analogy of patching the leaking bucket, versus trying to fill it up faster! That is SO right on the mark.

dreamseeds · 11-17-2007, 02:26 PM

I liked her analogy too adn Sue seriously the radical change for you is absolutely wonderful to hear from your posts.

I AM SO HAPPY! Hoping this info you all share helps others too. So glad for our little old wild womyn forum

Susannah · 11-18-2007, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by organicmama

I AM SO HAPPY! Hoping this info you all share helps others too. So glad for our little old wild womyn forum

I do too! Even though I may not be in here very often.