Adrenal Issues and Adrenal Adaptogens
Adrenals We have talked a lot about adrenals, how they function and the role they and stress play in hormonal issues But what about the adrenals themselves What if the issues is not stress but a malfunction of the adrenals gland Here are few key conditions
Cushing s Disease Also known as Cushing s Syndrome A condition related to the long term over-secretion of cortisol Has many causes including pituitary tumour causing the over production of ACTH, corticosteroid medications like prednisone, an adrenal tumour issue. Ectopic ACTH syndrome is a form of Cushing s where a tumour outside of the pituitary causes too much ACTH this includes tumours in the lungs, pancreas, thyroid and thymus
Symptoms Weight gain and obesity Fatty deposits, in the midsection, the face (round, moon-shaped) and between the shoulders and the upper back (lipoma) Purple stretch marks on the breasts, arms, abdomen, and thighs High blood pressure Headaches, cognitive issues Depression and anxiety Acne Thin skin or skin injuries that are slow to heal, increased infections Fatigue Muscle weakness and bone loss Glucose intolerance Increased thirst and increased urination Irritability
Testing A MD will review the person s history and symptoms 24 hours urine test to measure free cortisol levels A midnight blood test and late-night salivary cortisol test A low-dose dexamethasone suppression test dexamethasone is a medication that lowers cortisol person take it at night to see if it lowers cortisol if they have Cushing s, it will stay high Birth control pills, aspirin, morphine, methadone, lithium, monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs], and diuretics can all affect the results of this test
Treatment After diagnosis a high dose dexamethasone suppression may be ordered to help determine cause and a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CHR) stimulation test Person is given CHR to see if ACTH rises and falls normally if not, then cause could be pituitary tumour Treatment medications to lower cortisol - include ketoconazole (Nizoral), mitotane (Lysodren) and metyrapone (Metopirone) - pasireotide (Signifor) is a med for high ACTH caused by a tumour Side effects: Liver issues, neurological issues, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle aches, high blood pressure, low potassium and swelling Surgery to remove a tumour may be needed or radiation if surgery not an option
Alternative Treatment A whole food, hormone balancing diet Increase anti-inflammatory foods in the diet Good fats help the nervous system Foods high in B vitamins, vitamins D and K, calcium, magnesium, and potassium to nurture the adrenals Be aware of the effect on digestion since cortisol stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and shuts down digestive juices If tumour present it needs to be checked but are often benign
Alternative Treatment Reduce stress even though it is not the cause it does not help Moderate exercise also helps with stress and weight issues caused by Cushing s Getting enough sleep is also essential as it helps balance hormones and a lack of sleep can increase cortisol levels Acupuncture can be helpful for sleep and other symptoms as can meditation and deep breathing Adrenal adaptogens are very important Essential oils lavender, myrrh, frankincense and bergamot can lower cortisol, inflammation, balance hormones
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia A group of genetic conditions that prevent the adrenals from making hormones especially cortisol but also includes aldosterone and androgens If affects the growth and development of children if can be life threatening but can be controlled with treatment Children will take hydrocortisone Adults take hydrocortisone, prednisone, or dexamethasone all to increase cortisol. Fludrocortisone is for low aldosterone Side Effects: Cataracts, glaucoma, infections, thinning of the skin, weight gain and redistribution of fat, insulin resistance and diabetes, hypertension, headache, psychiatric problems, sodium retention and peripheral edema
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Surgical options also are available Adrenalectomy is a removal of one or both adrenals gland and is generally not recommended Stem cell research is ongoing now to stimulate the production of hormones in the adrenals Other surgeries can be performed based on the specific issues of the person
Adrenal Insufficiency Condition of low adrenal function Could be due to Addison s Disease autoimmune condition Could be due to genetic causes Could be cause by nutritional deficiencies Prolonged stress and lack of sleep are major causes Other systems causing stress on the adrenals which overtime cause insufficiency
Symptoms Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) Sleeping issues - always feeling tired Sweating and night-sweats Menstrual or irregular periods in women Low libido Chronic fatigue (lasting more than a couple weeks) Muscle weakness Digestive issues - abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea Low blood pressure, dizziness or fainting Mood changes, irritability and depression Headaches Cravings for salty foods Changes in appetite - loss of appetite Weight loss
Alternative Treatment May help reduce symptoms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia - what works for high cortisol works for low cortisol Sleep is important Watch for caffeine, nicotine and alcohol intake which can disrupt sleep Reduce stress moderate exercise can help, plus relaxation techniques, spend time in sunlight look at current exercise routines may not be working for them Eat good quality fats, cruciferous vegetables, probiotic foods, liver foods, thyroid foods, fibre B vitamins, vitamin C and D, magnesium, zinc Adaptagens licorice, holy basil and ashwagandha may be really helpful
Probiotics and Adrenals A recent study had healthy participants take a probiotic daily or a placebo There were significant improvements in depression, anger, anxiety, as well as lower levels of cortisol among those taking the probiotic Memory and learning are also affected by poor good gut bacteria levels and probiotics have been shown to help Probiotics are also being investigated as possible treatment for depression as animal studies have shown a potential benefit in particular increasing tryptophan levels by bifidobacteria
Prebiotics and Adrenals A study of healthy volunteers took a GOS prebiotic or a placebo each morning for three weeks - They were given an series of emotional processing tasks On one task, those taking the prebiotic did not pay much attention to negative words and were much more responsive to positive words Volunteers taking the prebiotic also had lower levels of cortisol in their saliva FOS did not show the same results and supports previous studies that GOS is better at stimulating the growth of good bacteria Stress depletes good bacteria and increases bad bacteria
Adaptogens Ginseng (Panax, American and Siberian): Helps stop the stress response and is helpful for adrenal fatigue. Also helps with energy and anxiety Goji Berries (Wolfberries): Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatories properties. Helps with energy and improving fatigue and stamina. Also supports immune function and helps with a better quality sleep (can also help sugar cravings) Reishi Mushroom helps with immune support, lowers anxiety and improves sleep and helps balance adrenal hormones
Adaptogens Cordyceps is a fungus found in a caterpillar helps support recovery from adrenal depletion, aids immune function, improves respiratory capacity and help with physical endurance Schizandra stabilizes blood sugar, supports the liver, kidney and the nervous system. Helpful for depression, insomnia, anxiety and supports low energy due to adrenal fatigue Relora aids sleep and weight loss by lowering cortisol levels and upping DHEA Belly fat has four more time the receptors for cortisol
Adaptogens Licorice root can increase energy and endurance, boost the immune system, and protect the thymus from being damaged by cortisol, keeps cortisol from being taken out of action and helps prevent progesterone from being converted to cortisol Rhodiola balances stress-related mental and physical fatigue, combats anxiety, aging. Rhodiola suppresses the production of cortisol and increases levels of stress-resistant proteins. It can normalize patterns of eating and sleeping after stress and protects against oxidative stress, heat stress, radiation and exposure to toxic chemicals. It protects the heart and liver, increases use of oxygen, improves memory, and aid weight loss
Adaptogens Holy basil help with fighting fatigue and stress; boosts the immune system; and regulates blood sugar, blood pressure and hormone levels. Ashwaganda regulates the immune system, eases anxiety and aids the body in lowering cortisol levels. Astragalus boosts immunity and balances the effects of stress by increasing antistress compounds that our bodies can use to repair and prevent stress-related damage to the body. It may also be able to reduce the ability of stress hormones like cortisol to bind to cell-receptors.
Adrenal Glandulars Usually made from bovine source (often New Zealand) the contain raw adrenal tissue or extracts from the tissue, dehydrated in capsule form They are adaptogenic in nature but most often are taken for low adrenal function Most report a feeling of energy when they start taking They do their thing and then should be discontinued Body can build a tolerance, requiring more to get the same benefit This can cause an adrenal crisis leaving person feeling wired and tired
Stress Management Increased fiber and good bacteria to help correct imbalances in the small intestine, along with the use of digestive enzymes. Regular low-intensity aerobic exercise can help to condition your cortisol system to be more fit. Stress management skills and stress management nutrition that helps you feel energized yet calmer and more in control.
Lifestyle Suggestions Set a regular sleep schedule and make good quality sleep a priority Accept you cannot always get everything done that you plan in a day - take the pressure off Practice deep breathing especially during times of stress Practice mindfulness and meditation Mindfulness: Mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.
When Adaptogens Do Not Work High cortisol add nutrients and examine the stress reduction strategy. Look for dysbiosis. Be sure to support the other players Low cortisol: a) Look at digestive function recommend enzymes b) Vitamin C, E and Bs before the adaptogen c) Tyrosine can also be helpful especially if client consumed a lot of caffeine d) Do all this for two months and then try adaptogen
In Conclusion Adrenals are a big issue for many people and can cause havoc with other hormones and systems Generally working on adrenals take time: 1-2 years for adrenal fatigue. High cortisol can resolve much sooner depends on the protocol and the client Improvement will be steady over this time Patience is required but it is worth it