People suffering chronic Adrenal Fatigue (frequent or ongoing), will often diligently seek a treatment that will provide them relief for their concerning symptoms. For many, the option of cortisol replacement therapy is seriously considered and some patients find physicians willing to give them a trial of the treatment. Glucocorticoids, which are synthetic cortisol replacement drugs, are steroids that require caution when used to treat adrenal disorders or health conditions of any kind.
Cortisol Supplementation Requires a Qualified Physician
While some cases of Adrenal Fatigue have been successfully treated using synthetic cortisol steroids (hydrocortisone), other cases result in further suppression of the adrenal glands by the treatment. In some cases this may be due to the dose not being monitored closely or not being dosed correctly (incorrect dose amounts). It is of most importance that this type treatment is administered by a qualified medical professional, who is knowledgeable in adrenal hormone replacement therapies. The physician would also need to be skilled in monitoring a patient’s hormone levels while they are being treated. A patient considering the treatment should also be thoroughly informed about the possible risks and side effects.
Hydrocortisone Therapy in CFS Patients with low Cortisol Levels
In the year 1996, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Centers for Disease Control, conducted studies of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients, treating them with doses of hydrocortisone (synthetic cortisol) to replace sub-clinically low cortisol levels. The trial of cortisol replacement therapy followed other studies that found low cortsol levels in CFS patients compared to healthy controls (non-CFS participants). The study was an attempt to see if the cortisol supplementation would relieve CFS symptoms. NIH-Study of Hydrocortisone Supplementation in CFS Patients
Over-replacing Cortisol can Cause the Adrenal Glands to Shut-down
The NIH study of cortisol supplementation in CFS patients concluded that in some of the participants, the drug significantly relieved their symptoms but an adverse effect of “adrenal suppression” (further decrease in adrenal cortical output) was seen in some of them after several weeks on the drug. This resulted in the conclusion that cortisol supplementation was not a safe treatment due to the risk of the treatment causing significant adrenal insufficiency. The outcome of the trial may have been more favorable if lower doses had been administered because CFS patients have mild adrenal insufficiency and do not require full cortisol replacement as do those with full-blown adrenal insufficiency.
Testing Cortisol Levels
With the potential risks involved in cortisol supplementation, which includes increased risk for hypertension and elevated glucose levels (high blood sugar), Adrenal Fatigue patients should consider natural methods for increasing cortisol levels safely. There are a number of potential causes for sub-clinically low adrenal function, including CFS, as addressed in the previous subheading, chronic and inflammatory diseases, traumatic stress and emotional disorders. These conditions can however first result in increased cortisol levels before causing a significant drop in them. This, points to the importance in first testing to determine the cortisol level before assuming it to be low and in need of being increased. If borderline low or sub-clinically low levels are not found, then boosting cortisol levels might not be what is needed. If however test results reveal the need for adrenal support, adrenal supplements may provide the needed answer. If supplements are taken to improve adrenal function, it is also important to retest adrenal hormone levels at regular entervals to monitor the treatment.
Natural Methods for Increasing Cortisol Levels
Taking safe over-the-counter supplements that help strengthen fatigued adrenal glands is recommended as a first line of treatment, rather than resorting to cortisol steroids that pose potential risks. Supplements that specifically help boost the adrenals in producing more cortisol, would be “glycyrrhizic acid” which is found in licorice root extract products and “adrenal glandular” which is found in products processed from the adrenal glands of animals. Most adrenal glandular products are hormone free however one brand available called “Isocort” contains trace amounts of cortisol in the pellets that are processed from the adrenal glands of New Zealand sheep. It is recommended that any supplement always be taken at the manufacturer’s recommended-dose and that any supplement is approved by a physician who knows a patient’s medical background.
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