Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 Hello I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i don't feel i can go on much longer. I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr wants me off the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can test for: cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff like Growth hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect will be low) My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month (range 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. could really low hormone levels be making me feel this bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right so far about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low testosterone levels). but could i be wrong and it's something else that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am pinning my hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti depressants, vitamins, minerals). thanks for any input chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 Yes, optimal hormone levels are behind good health, and low or imbalanced levels lead to illness. Depression is often linked to low T3 thyroid levels. I assume you're having those checked too. A perfect example of physical decline is a woman 10 years after menopause who does not replace her hormones. Women get fat, can't sleep, develop osteoporosis, and often become absent-minded. Suzanne Somers called it the 7 dwarves of menopause: itchy, bitchy, sweaty, sleepy, bloated, forgetful, and all dried-up. If your testosterone level is that low, then yes, that could be one of the causes of your not feeling well. You could be hypopituitary like Phil here, in which case you would need to replace everything you're low in. Anyone who has been low and then had their hormones replaced to optimal levels can tell you how much better they feel. Psychiatric drugs do nothing but mask your low or imbalanced hormones. They don't fix the problem, which is what you should do. Oftentimes they can make you worse, because anti-depressants somehow affect your cortisol levels and can make you dependent on them. Hang in there! Barb > > Hello > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i don't feel i can go on much longer. > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr wants me off the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can test for: cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff like Growth hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect will be low) > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month (range 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel this bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right so far about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low testosterone levels). but could i be wrong and it's something else that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am pinning my hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > thanks for any input > > chris > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 Because your T level is so low, you'll absolutely not being feeling the way you should be. Also, if your adrenals are low you'll be feeling horrible as well. I don't know about the GH. Unless you have a psychiatric condition I wouldn't think you would need antidepressants if your hormone levels are where they should be. Are you currently on TRT? > > Hello > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i don't feel i can go on much longer. > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr wants me off the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can test for: cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff like Growth hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect will be low) > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month (range 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel this bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right so far about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low testosterone levels). but could i be wrong and it's something else that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am pinning my hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > thanks for any input > > chris > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 While I don't consider myself depressed, I can imagine getting that way if I have to continue to feel this way for another year,.....maybe less. Your hormones can cause all kinds of bad things to happen. I feel like I can barely pick my legs up after doing what I have to do. Watching my body slowly turn to mush is not helping either. Stay off of the feel good drugs unless you truly have a mental issue. I have known far too many folks that have been put on drugs like SSRI's for no legitimate reason. They don't feel any better BTW,.....some feel worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 OK let me tell you you need to come off HC slow like 2.5 mgs every 3 to 5 days if you get shaky and feel very weak you need to go back up on the does for a few days then try again once your off HC you need to be off it 2 weeks. Some people can't come off HC there Adrenals will not jump back in if you keep feeling sick trying this you need to call this Dr. I don't know why he is doing this to you my Dr. tests me on HC he has me take my moring dose at 6am 10 mgs and do my fasting blood labs at about 8 to 8:30am as long as my Cortisol levels come back showing a level he knows I am not on to much HC and not getting Cushings. My levels are between 6 to 14 doing this this tells my Dr. my adrenals are still working and not shut down. Co-Moderator Phil > From: <chrisjtaylor46@...> > Subject: Am i right? > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 1:00 PM > Hello > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i don't feel i > can go on much longer. > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr wants me off > the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can test for: > cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff like Growth > hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect will be > low) > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month (range > 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel this > bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right so far > about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low testosterone > levels). but could i be wrong and it's something else > that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am pinning my > hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti > depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > thanks for any input > > chris > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 Well said Barb your a gem. Co-Moderator Phil > From: Barb <baba@...> > Subject: Re: Am i right? > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 1:26 PM > Yes, optimal hormone levels are > behind good health, and low or imbalanced levels lead to > illness. Depression is often linked to low T3 thyroid > levels. I assume you're having those checked too. > > A perfect example of physical decline is a woman 10 years > after menopause who does not replace her hormones. > Women get fat, can't sleep, develop osteoporosis, and often > become absent-minded. Suzanne Somers called it the 7 > dwarves of menopause: itchy, bitchy, sweaty, sleepy, > bloated, forgetful, and all dried-up. > > If your testosterone level is that low, then yes, that > could be one of the causes of your not feeling well. > You could be hypopituitary like Phil here, in which case you > would need to replace everything you're low in. Anyone > who has been low and then had their hormones replaced to > optimal levels can tell you how much better they feel. > Psychiatric drugs do nothing but mask your low or imbalanced > hormones. They don't fix the problem, which is what > you should do. Oftentimes they can make you worse, > because anti-depressants somehow affect your cortisol levels > and can make you dependent on them. > > Hang in there! > > Barb > > > > > > > Hello > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i don't > feel i can go on much longer. > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr wants me > off the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can test > for: cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff like > Growth hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect > will be low) > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month > (range 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel this > bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right so far > about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low testosterone > levels). but could i be wrong and it's something else > that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am pinning my > hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti > depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > thanks for any input > > > > chris > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 go join Dr. no's forum he is in Psychiatry and feels most mental problems are due to hormones. He came to one of the men's health forums for low T some yrs ago looking for men with low T for input on how they are doing on TRT for a now book he is doing. We helped him he helped us. His posting was do good some guys copied them into a book. If you go the the files section at the home page and read the file mariano7.zip it has most of his posts in this and you can go join his forum and read more about this. http://www.definitivemind.com/forums/index.php When his book comes out it will change how people the look to be depressed are going to be treated he feels it's all hormones. Co-Moderator Phil > From: jim <virtuosa150@...> > Subject: Re: Am i right? > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 1:26 PM > > Because your T level is so low, you'll absolutely not being > feeling the way you should be. Also, if your adrenals are > low you'll be feeling horrible as well. I don't know about > the GH. > > Unless you have a psychiatric condition I wouldn't think > you would need antidepressants if your hormone levels are > where they should be. Are you currently on TRT? > > > > > > Hello > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i don't > feel i can go on much longer. > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr wants me > off the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can test > for: cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff like > Growth hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect > will be low) > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month > (range 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel this > bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right so far > about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low testosterone > levels). but could i be wrong and it's something else > that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am pinning my > hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti > depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > thanks for any input > > > > chris > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 Thanks all <> I don't know why he is doing this to you my Dr. tests me on HC he has me take my moring dose at 6am 10 mgs and do my fasting blood labs at about 8 to 8:30am as long as my Cortisol levels come back showing a level he knows I am not on to much HC and not getting Cushings Well I don't know either, Phil. that would be another way of doing it wouldn/t it? i mean, i could be tested right now couldn't i? either a urinary free cortisol and/or a cortisol blood test? Do you agree? if my levels aren not high, then i can't have cushings, is this right? could he be doing the suppression test to be seen to be going through the motions so the gp takes note of what he says? over here it's different, i'm seeing him outsidee of the health service, and paying privately, and he's tring to get my tests done for free on the nhs, so he has to play it very carefullyu i think. Endo also said that my adrenals would be ssuppressed on 10mg of HC, but if so, how can i have cushings on 10mg hc - if my adrenals are suppressed and making not much/nothing, it doesn't follow? he is a good man who listens-i really can't fault him at all in how nice and caring he is, and so i have to trust him i think, i have asked him though what he is trying to find with or eliminate if i'm on 10 hc and he thinks my adrenals are suppressed but might have cushings: it doesn't compute? unless he wants to check i don't have a feedback problem or a ACTH producing tumour? coudl i have cushings on 10mg hc? maybe i feel worse today because not much hc, and trying to tidy up my apartmnet, and it's really hot. i wouldn't bother tidying but i have a stupid inspection next week to check everything's in order. > > > From: <chrisjtaylor46@...> > > Subject: Am i right? > > > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 1:00 PM > > Hello > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i don't feel i > > can go on much longer. > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr wants me off > > the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can test for: > > cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff like Growth > > hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect will be > > low) > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month (range > > 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel this > > bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right so far > > about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low testosterone > > levels). but could i be wrong and it's something else > > that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am pinning my > > hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti > > depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > thanks for any input > > > > chris > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 Hi Chris I would recommend that you give the doc a call and expedite your next appointment. From what you have written, the sooner your treatment begins the better. Have you considered short-term andidepressant treatment? I am not saying that is the right diagnosis, only that while you are being diagnosed and having to wait, it might be worth your while. As for hormones making you feel that bad - in my experience - yes, they can. All I can tell you - if this is any help - is that once I started on the right treatment for me, these feelings stopped and I now feel so much better. Take care ade > > Hello > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i don't feel i can go on much longer. > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr wants me off the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can test for: cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff like Growth hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect will be low) > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month (range 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel this bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right so far about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low testosterone levels). but could i be wrong and it's something else that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am pinning my hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > thanks for any input > > chris > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 Thanks Ade Well I think the doctor has gone on holiday, I emailed him and normally i got an auto reply and i remembered that his secretary said that he was on holiday at the end of the month, i'm not sure if that's for 1 week or two. the problem with anti depressants is i don't react well to any of htem., in fact i react very badly. i used to be able to toelrate st johns wort but now, after taking prozac some years ago, it doesn't work either and makes me bad too. i can't see me getting treatment for weeks. 1-2 weeks until dr comes back, then another couple weeks for blood tests (suposed to be off steroids, and supposed to be waiting for gp to agree to doing the tests on the nhs, and don'[t think dr has written to gp yet), then results, then appointment, and well that's over a month isn't it and how i'm going to last that long! just take it day by day i suppose. thank you for your message. > > > > Hello > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i don't feel i can go on much longer. > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr wants me off the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can test for: cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff like Growth hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect will be low) > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month (range 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel this bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right so far about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low testosterone levels). but could i be wrong and it's something else that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am pinning my hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > thanks for any input > > > > chris > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 I could not tolerate anti,s either made me ill, was on a!l sorts, recently I volenteered to see a a shrink as things were so bad, he gave me Cipralex brand name for escitalopram, they broughtme back from the brink and. gave me some clarity, the fight now goes on. ----- Original message ----- > Thanks Ade > > Well I think the doctor has gone on holiday, I emailed him and normally > i got an auto reply and i remembered that his secretary said that he was > on holiday at the end of the month, i'm not sure if that's for 1 week or > two. > > the problem with anti depressants is i don't react well to any of htem., > in fact i react very badly. i used to be able to toelrate st johns wort > but now, after taking prozac some years ago, it doesn't work either and > makes me bad too. > > i can't see me getting treatment for weeks. 1-2 weeks until dr comes > back, then another couple weeks for blood tests (suposed to be off > steroids, and supposed to be waiting for gp to agree to doing the tests > on the nhs, and don'[t think dr has written to gp yet), then results, > then appointment, and well that's over a month isn't it and how i'm > going to last that long! just take it day by day i suppose. > > thank you for your message. > > > > > > > > Hello > > > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i don't feel i can go on > > > much longer. > > > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr wants me off the HC i'm > > > taking for a few more weeks so he can test for: > > > cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff like Growth hormone > > > and testosterone (both of which i suspect will be low) > > > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month (range 10-30 blood > > > test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > > > > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel this bad? THat is > > > my hunch (hunches have been right so far about adrenal fatigue, > > > sleep apnea, and low testosterone levels). but could i be wrong and > > > it's something else that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am > > > pinning my hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti > > > depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > > > thanks for any input > > > > > > chris > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 glad it worked for you Tim citalopram and escitalopram did not work for me, made me worse. i cannot tolerate SSRIS the ssri's ae suppose to hammer the adrenal glands too > > > > > > > > Hello > > > > > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i don't feel i can go on > > > > much longer. > > > > > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr wants me off the HC i'm > > > > taking for a few more weeks so he can test for: > > > > cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff like Growth hormone > > > > and testosterone (both of which i suspect will be low) > > > > > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month (range 10-30 blood > > > > test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > > > > > > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel this bad? THat is > > > > my hunch (hunches have been right so far about adrenal fatigue, > > > > sleep apnea, and low testosterone levels). but could i be wrong and > > > > it's something else that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am > > > > pinning my hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti > > > > depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > > > > > thanks for any input > > > > > > > > chris > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 I would not rely on email contact, Chris. That doctor receives absolutely thousands of emails. He has a practice on Harley Street, one in Nottingham and then Lincoln not to mention the legal work he is undertaking. Re the antidepresants - does not look like there is much anybody can really do for you then Chris. The only way forward will be for you to complete the tests the doc wants you to have. You can ask your GP to refer you to another doctor if you are not confident this one is going to help you, although I think that might cause you more trouble than ever. All consultants in the UK will need a referral and if you have already seen one consultant another is not forced to accept you as a patient. My advice still stands - give his secretary a call on the number you have on his letter and ask for an appointment with him sooner rather than later. It may well bring it forward a little. > > > > > > Hello > > > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i don't feel i can go on much longer. > > > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr wants me off the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can test for: cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff like Growth hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect will be low) > > > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month (range 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > > > > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel this bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right so far about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low testosterone levels). but could i be wrong and it's something else that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am pinning my hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > > > thanks for any input > > > > > > chris > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 I am not a Dr. but I went over and over and over this with Dr.'s both on the web like Dr. and Dr. M and Dr.'s I seen. You will not get cushings from doing a little HC but if you don't do enough your not going to support your body. The reason for HC is one your adrenals are over worked and can't make enough Cortisol or two your Pituitary dose not tell your Adrenals to make cortisol so we supplement with up to 40 mgs across the day of HC or Cortef. When you do a fasting blood test after taking your morning dose your looking for your levels to not be to low this would mean your shut down as long as you show a level 6 to 16 your Adrenals are still working with Cushings your Adrenals quit working or slow down to much. To tell if your Secondary meaning your Pituitary is not working right you need to be off HC 2 weeks to do an ACTH Stim. test. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACTH_stimulation_test With this test they take your Cortisol levels before giving you a shot that acts like ACTH then in 30 min's the do a test and at 60 min's the test aging. If your Cortisol levels go from a low on the first test before the shot to 2 to 3x's the number you are secondary meaning your adrenals work they just don't get told to work and you need HC for life. I am like this now if the first test is low before the shot and you only go up a little it means your Adrenals are over worked and can't make cortisol one then needs to be on enough HC to support there body 20 to 40 mgs so there adrenals can rest and heal. If your Dr. is looking to see if your Secondary I can see him doing this test then they would do an MRI on your Pituitary to see if you have a tumor it's rare to be cancer. There is no why in hell one will get Cushings from doing 10mgs evern 40mgs of HC. Co-Moderator Phil > From: <chrisjtaylor46@...> > Subject: Re: Am i right? > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 2:03 PM > Thanks all > > <> I don't know why he is doing this to you my Dr. > tests me on HC he has me take my moring dose at 6am 10 mgs > and do my fasting blood labs at about 8 to 8:30am as long as > my Cortisol levels come back showing a level he knows I am > not on to much HC and not getting Cushings > > > Well I don't know either, Phil. that would be another way > of doing it wouldn/t it? i mean, i could be tested right now > couldn't i? either a urinary free cortisol and/or a cortisol > blood test? Do you agree? if my levels aren not > high, then i can't have cushings, is this right? could > he be doing the suppression test to be seen to be going > through the motions so the gp takes note of what he > says? over here it's different, i'm seeing him > outsidee of the health service, and paying privately, and > he's tring to get my tests done for free on the nhs, so he > has to play it very carefullyu i think. > > Endo also said that my adrenals would be ssuppressed on > 10mg of HC, but if so, how can i have cushings on 10mg hc - > if my adrenals are suppressed and making not much/nothing, > it doesn't follow? > > he is a good man who listens-i really can't fault him at > all in how nice and caring he is, and so i have to trust him > i think, i have asked him though what he is trying to find > with or eliminate if i'm on 10 hc and he thinks my adrenals > are suppressed but might have cushings: it doesn't > compute? unless he wants to check i don't have a > feedback problem or a ACTH producing tumour? > > coudl i have cushings on 10mg hc? maybe i feel worse > today because not much hc, and trying to tidy up my > apartmnet, and it's really hot. i wouldn't bother tidying > but i have a stupid inspection next week to check > everything's in order. > > > > > > > From: <chrisjtaylor46@...> > > > Subject: Am i right? > > > > > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 1:00 PM > > > Hello > > > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i > don't feel i > > > can go on much longer. > > > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr > wants me off > > > the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can > test for: > > > cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff > like Growth > > > hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect > will be > > > low) > > > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month > (range > > > 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > > > > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel > this > > > bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right > so far > > > about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low > testosterone > > > levels). but could i be wrong and it's > something else > > > that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am > pinning my > > > hope on this, as other things have failed > (therapy, anti > > > depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > > > thanks for any input > > > > > > chris > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 listen to me I have seen 7 endo's here in the USA and they suck each one took me off TRT and all my meds some for 4 weeks some for 3 months I lived through this it was not easy I ended up on sick leave from work but I did it your mind is your worst problem with doing this so when you feel like you can't take it tell you self this is distressing but not dangerous. Try to spot when your thinking about it and tell your self stop it's not dangerous. Try doing some of this Relaxation Response it help me get through being off TRT and meds it works. http://hrop.ucop.edu/employees/eap/relaxation.html Post to us for help when you feel you can't take it it helps. Co-Moderator Phil > From: <chrisjtaylor46@...> > Subject: Re: Am i right? > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 2:35 PM > Thanks Ade > > Well I think the doctor has gone on holiday, I emailed him > and normally i got an auto reply and i remembered that his > secretary said that he was on holiday at the end of the > month, i'm not sure if that's for 1 week or two. > > the problem with anti depressants is i don't react well to > any of htem., in fact i react very badly. i used to be able > to toelrate st johns wort but now, after taking prozac some > years ago, it doesn't work either and makes me bad too. > > i can't see me getting treatment for weeks. 1-2 weeks > until dr comes back, then another couple weeks for blood > tests (suposed to be off steroids, and supposed to be > waiting for gp to agree to doing the tests on the nhs, and > don'[t think dr has written to gp yet), then results, then > appointment, and well that's over a month isn't it and how > i'm going to last that long! just take it day by day i > suppose. > > thank you for your message. > > > > > > > > Hello > > > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i > don't feel i can go on much longer. > > > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr > wants me off the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he > can test for: cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff > like Growth hormone and testosterone (both of which i > suspect will be low) > > > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month > (range 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > > > > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel > this bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right so > far about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low testosterone > levels). but could i be wrong and it's something else > that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am pinning my > hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti > depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > > > thanks for any input > > > > > > chris > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 Thanks Ade I mailed him before and i got the auto reply and he replied briefly to reply. I have left a voicemail on the answer phone,b ut i did that the other week and it took them q a while to get bck t me, i know he is busy and in demand i still have faith in this Dr, Ade, it's just as you can tell, i'm not doing so well so want to progress things....i will give him a chance, as i have heard good things and like him and his approach i'll follow up with another phone call tomorrow if i don't hear anything back in the morning > > > > > > > > Hello > > > > > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i don't feel i can go on much longer. > > > > > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr wants me off the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can test for: cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff like Growth hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect will be low) > > > > > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month (range 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > > > > > > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel this bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right so far about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low testosterone levels). but could i be wrong and it's something else that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am pinning my hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > > > > > thanks for any input > > > > > > > > chris > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 Hi Phil well end of 2008, i had low cortisol, total saliva daily level was 15.5,range 21-41, i think. cortisol was low in 1st 2 morning samples, then within range in the afternoon (but only because the range was so low it was in range). 18 months before, total saliva cortisol was 28 i think. so a 50% drop in 18 months i have been on much higher doses of HC, 60mg when ill for a couple days, 40 for a few weeks but then felt i didn't need so much and dropped it to 30s, 20s then 10s and feel ok for doing so. a fasting cortisol blood test has not been ordered for me i don't think though i've been advised this is avialable in the standard blood test ordered here. but if i take dexa the night before, then it won't be accurate will it. an ACTH stim test hasn't been ordered.... i don't think adrenals are the primary issue here, they are low (or high, maybe-but i don't see how) but i think the thinking is eitehr they are being dragged down by another failing gland? >> There is no why in hell one will get Cushings from doing 10mgs evern 40mgs of HC. this is what i don't understand. This dr is very well educated, very well reputed, so i wonder if he is just being very thorough, just to cover his own back? he is only testing for cushings, not high /low cortisol before the cushings test? he said he thought my adrenals would be suppressed even on 10mg hc. so if they are suppressed then the only way i'll have high cortisol is by taking lots and lots of HC, which i'm not, right? or, cortisol levels will be high if the feedback loop is not working, or if i have an adrenal stimulating tumour? am i right? i am not trying to second guess him as such, just trying to work out where we're going. if i'm low in hormones i just want a replacement, but irealise they have to work out if ther is a major thing going on like cushings/psuedo cushings, but the adrenal suppression thing rules that out, and why not just do a cortisol test *now* while i'm on it so we see where we are now? > > > > > > > From: <chrisjtaylor46@> > > > > Subject: Am i right? > > > > > > > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 1:00 PM > > > > Hello > > > > > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i > > don't feel i > > > > can go on much longer. > > > > > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr > > wants me off > > > > the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can > > test for: > > > > cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff > > like Growth > > > > hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect > > will be > > > > low) > > > > > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month > > (range > > > > 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > > > > > > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel > > this > > > > bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right > > so far > > > > about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low > > testosterone > > > > levels). but could i be wrong and it's > > something else > > > > that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am > > pinning my > > > > hope on this, as other things have failed > > (therapy, anti > > > > depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > > > > > thanks for any input > > > > > > > > chris > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 >When you do a fasting blood test after taking your morning dose your looking for your levels to not be to low this would mean your shut down as long as you show a level 6 to 16 your Adrenals are still working with **Cushings** your Adrenals quit working or slow down to much. was this a typo, Phil? I thought addisons is when they shut down, cushings is when they're way too high? > > > > > > > From: <chrisjtaylor46@> > > > > Subject: Am i right? > > > > > > > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 1:00 PM > > > > Hello > > > > > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i > > don't feel i > > > > can go on much longer. > > > > > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr > > wants me off > > > > the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can > > test for: > > > > cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff > > like Growth > > > > hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect > > will be > > > > low) > > > > > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month > > (range > > > > 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > > > > > > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel > > this > > > > bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right > > so far > > > > about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low > > testosterone > > > > levels). but could i be wrong and it's > > something else > > > > that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am > > pinning my > > > > hope on this, as other things have failed > > (therapy, anti > > > > depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > > > > > thanks for any input > > > > > > > > chris > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 maybe i'm making too much of the cushings test, i'm just wondering if coming off the adrenal support is making my mood lower. sorry to go on and all the posts etc. > > > > > > > > > > From: <chrisjtaylor46@> > > > > > Subject: Am i right? > > > > > > > > > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 1:00 PM > > > > > Hello > > > > > > > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i > > > don't feel i > > > > > can go on much longer. > > > > > > > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr > > > wants me off > > > > > the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can > > > test for: > > > > > cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff > > > like Growth > > > > > hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect > > > will be > > > > > low) > > > > > > > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month > > > (range > > > > > 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > > > > > > > > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel > > > this > > > > > bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right > > > so far > > > > > about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low > > > testosterone > > > > > levels). but could i be wrong and it's > > > something else > > > > > that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am > > > pinning my > > > > > hope on this, as other things have failed > > > (therapy, anti > > > > > depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > > > > > > > thanks for any input > > > > > > > > > > chris > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 From what I know when you do a Cortisol test it only mesures Cortisol but being on HC can have an effet on labs this is why it is said to be off HC to do labs like 4x's in a day Saliva test or 24 urine. The test my Dr. does is just to tell him I am not shut down on to much HC if my test were to come back very low after taking my morning dose of HC he would be able to tell my dose is to strong. He came up with this Idea with my Heart Dr. that was an Endo before he became a Heart Dr. so his is up on my pituitary problems. I don't think your Dr. will find this test in the book. The test is only showing them I am not shut down on to much HC. Co-Moderator Phil > From: <chrisjtaylor46@...> > Subject: Re: Am i right? > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 3:48 PM > Hi Phil > > well end of 2008, i had low cortisol, total saliva daily > level was 15.5,range 21-41, i think. cortisol was low in 1st > 2 morning samples, then within range in the afternoon (but > only because the range was so low it was in range). 18 > months before, total saliva cortisol was 28 i think. > so a 50% drop in 18 months > > i have been on much higher doses of HC, 60mg when ill for a > couple days, 40 for a few weeks but then felt i didn't need > so much and dropped it to 30s, 20s then 10s and feel ok for > doing so. > > a fasting cortisol blood test has not been ordered for me i > don't think though i've been advised this is avialable in > the standard blood test ordered here. but if i take > dexa the night before, then it won't be accurate will it. > > an ACTH stim test hasn't been ordered.... > > i don't think adrenals are the primary issue here, they are > low (or high, maybe-but i don't see how) but i think the > thinking is eitehr they are being dragged down by another > failing gland? > > >> There is no why in hell one will get Cushings from > doing 10mgs evern 40mgs of HC. > > this is what i don't understand. This dr is very well > educated, very well reputed, so i wonder if he is just being > very thorough, just to cover his own back? he is only > testing for cushings, not high /low cortisol before the > cushings test? he said he thought my > adrenals would be suppressed even on 10mg hc. so if > they are suppressed then the only way i'll have high > cortisol is by taking lots and lots of HC, which i'm not, > right? or, cortisol levels will be high if > the feedback loop is not working, or if i have an adrenal > stimulating tumour? am i right? i am not trying > to second guess him as such, just trying to work out where > we're going. > > if i'm low in hormones i just want a replacement, but > irealise they have to work out if ther is a major thing > going on like cushings/psuedo cushings, but the adrenal > suppression thing rules that out, and why not just do a > cortisol test *now* while i'm on it so we see where we are > now? > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: <chrisjtaylor46@> > > > > > Subject: Am i right? > > > > > > > > > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 1:00 PM > > > > > Hello > > > > > > > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed > lately, i > > > don't feel i > > > > > can go on much longer. > > > > > > > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, > my dr > > > wants me off > > > > > the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks > so he can > > > test for: > > > > > cushings/pseudocushings and retest > other stuff > > > like Growth > > > > > hormone and testosterone (both of which > i suspect > > > will be > > > > > low) > > > > > > > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think > last month > > > (range > > > > > 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i > think. > > > > > > > > > > could really low hormone levels be > making me feel > > > this > > > > > bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have > been right > > > so far > > > > > about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and > low > > > testosterone > > > > > levels). but could i be wrong and > it's > > > something else > > > > > that say i need psychiatric drugs > for? I am > > > pinning my > > > > > hope on this, as other things have > failed > > > (therapy, anti > > > > > depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > > > > > > > thanks for any input > > > > > > > > > > chris > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 Yep I do this a lot I guess I am getting old. I ment to say 's but can too much HC also cause Cushings. ==================================================== Background 's disease, also called adrenal insufficiency or hypocortisolism, is a rare endocrine (hormonal) disorder that is characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and occasional darkening of the skin. 's disease is named after Dr. , who first identified adrenal insufficiency in 1849. The disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone. ==================================================== What causes Cushing’s syndrome? Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the body’s tissues are exposed to high levels of cortisol for too long. Many people develop Cushing’s syndrome because they take glucocorticoids—steroid hormones that are chemically similar to naturally produced cortisol—such as prednisone for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other inflammatory diseases. Glucocorticoids are also used to suppress the immune system after transplantation to keep the body from rejecting the new organ or tissue. Other people develop Cushing’s syndrome because their bodies produce too much cortisol. Normally, the production of cortisol follows a precise chain of events. First, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain about the size of a small sugar cube, sends corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) to the pituitary gland. CRH causes the pituitary to secrete adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands. When the adrenals, which are located just above the kidneys, receive the ACTH, they respond by releasing cortisol into the bloodstream. Co-Moderator Phil > From: <chrisjtaylor46@...> > Subject: Re: Am i right? > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 3:56 PM > >When you do a fasting blood test > after taking your morning dose your looking for > your levels to not be to low this would mean your shut down > as long as you show > a level 6 to 16 your Adrenals are still working with > **Cushings** your Adrenals quit > working or slow down to much. > > was this a typo, Phil? I thought addisons is when > they shut down, cushings is when they're way too high? > > > > > > > > > > > > From: <chrisjtaylor46@> > > > > > Subject: Am i right? > > > > > > > > > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 1:00 PM > > > > > Hello > > > > > > > > > > I am feeling very low and depressed > lately, i > > > don't feel i > > > > > can go on much longer. > > > > > > > > > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, > my dr > > > wants me off > > > > > the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks > so he can > > > test for: > > > > > cushings/pseudocushings and retest > other stuff > > > like Growth > > > > > hormone and testosterone (both of which > i suspect > > > will be > > > > > low) > > > > > > > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think > last month > > > (range > > > > > 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i > think. > > > > > > > > > > could really low hormone levels be > making me feel > > > this > > > > > bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have > been right > > > so far > > > > > about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and > low > > > testosterone > > > > > levels). but could i be wrong and > it's > > > something else > > > > > that say i need psychiatric drugs > for? I am > > > pinning my > > > > > hope on this, as other things have > failed > > > (therapy, anti > > > > > depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > > > > > > > thanks for any input > > > > > > > > > > chris > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 Yes coming off HC you need to be careful watch for Adrenal Crisis. Shaking feeling very weak like your going to pass out and becoming sick to your stomach. Co-Moderator Phil > From: <chrisjtaylor46@...> > Subject: Re: Am i right? > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 4:00 PM > maybe i'm making too much of the > cushings test, i'm just wondering if coming off the adrenal > support is making my mood lower. > > sorry to go on and all the posts etc. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > From: Chris > <chrisjtaylor46@> > > > > > > Subject: Am i > right? > > > > > > > > > > > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, > 1:00 PM > > > > > > Hello > > > > > > > > > > > > I am feeling very low and > depressed lately, i > > > > don't feel i > > > > > > can go on much longer. > > > > > > > > > > > > I am in the middle of being > diagnosed, my dr > > > > wants me off > > > > > > the HC i'm taking for a few more > weeks so he can > > > > test for: > > > > > > cushings/pseudocushings and retest > other stuff > > > > like Growth > > > > > > hormone and testosterone (both of > which i suspect > > > > will be > > > > > > low) > > > > > > > > > > > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i > think last month > > > > (range > > > > > > 10-30 blood test), and last year > 9.27 i think. > > > > > > > > > > > > could really low hormone levels be > making me feel > > > > this > > > > > > bad? THat is my hunch (hunches > have been right > > > > so far > > > > > > about adrenal fatigue, sleep > apnea, and low > > > > testosterone > > > > > > levels). but could i be wrong > and it's > > > > something else > > > > > > that say i need psychiatric drugs > for? I am > > > > pinning my > > > > > > hope on this, as other things have > failed > > > > (therapy, anti > > > > > > depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > > > > > > > > > > > thanks for any input > > > > > > > > > > > > chris > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 " " <chrisjtaylor46@...> wrote: > well end of 2008, i had low cortisol, total saliva daily level was 15.5,range 21-41, i think. cortisol was low in 1st 2 morning samples, then within range in the afternoon (but only because the range was so low it was in range). 18 months before, total saliva cortisol was 28 i think. so a 50% drop in 18 months > i don't think adrenals are the primary issue here, they are low (or high, maybe-but i don't see how) but i think the thinking is eitehr they are being dragged down by another failing gland? And where are your thyroid levels in all of this? Thyroid, cortisol, and adrenaline all work together. When one is low, the others rise to compensate. When my thyroid dose was dropped too low, it caused my cortisol levels to fall to match, making me hypoglycemic, which triggered panic attacks. My BP and pulse shot up because adrenaline was trying to compensate for the lack of the other two. By supporting the adrenals and slowly raising the thyroid back up, the hypoglycemia and panic attacks went away. Have you had labs for Free T3, FT4, rT3 and Hashimotos and/or Graves antibodies? Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 Sounds just like me. Apnea, low T - apparently low adrenal function, but also hypothyroid. Hypothyroidism can cause sleep apnea. Go to a good thyroid doc and check into that. Treating my thyroid made the most difference in the way I feel, though I'm still a work in progress. > > Hello > > I am feeling very low and depressed lately, i don't feel i can go on much longer. > > I am in the middle of being diagnosed, my dr wants me off the HC i'm taking for a few more weeks so he can test for: cushings/pseudocushings and retest other stuff like Growth hormone and testosterone (both of which i suspect will be low) > > My Testosterone level was 10.7 i think last month (range 10-30 blood test), and last year 9.27 i think. > > could really low hormone levels be making me feel this bad? THat is my hunch (hunches have been right so far about adrenal fatigue, sleep apnea, and low testosterone levels). but could i be wrong and it's something else that say i need psychiatric drugs for? I am pinning my hope on this, as other things have failed (therapy, anti depressants, vitamins, minerals). > > thanks for any input > > chris > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2010 Report Share Posted June 24, 2010 thyroid does seem ok - tsh about 0.5-7, t4 levels fine, converting t4 to t3 ok. despite trying thyroid meds it's all fine and all thyroid meds make me wor se (t4,t3/t4:t3 mix, armour, naturethroid etc). > > > well end of 2008, i had low cortisol, total saliva daily level was 15.5,range 21-41, i think. cortisol was low in 1st 2 morning samples, then within range in the afternoon (but only because the range was so low it was in range). 18 months before, total saliva cortisol was 28 i think. so a 50% drop in 18 months > > > i don't think adrenals are the primary issue here, they are low (or high, maybe-but i don't see how) but i think the thinking is eitehr they are being dragged down by another failing gland? > > And where are your thyroid levels in all of this? Thyroid, cortisol, and adrenaline all work together. When one is low, the others rise to compensate. When my thyroid dose was dropped too low, it caused my cortisol levels to fall to match, making me hypoglycemic, which triggered panic attacks. My BP and pulse shot up because adrenaline was trying to compensate for the lack of the other two. By supporting the adrenals and slowly raising the thyroid back up, the hypoglycemia and panic attacks went away. > > Have you had labs for Free T3, FT4, rT3 and Hashimotos and/or Graves antibodies? > > Barb > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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