Please note: This page was last updated in about 2017 or so. It is now 2022 and I am trying to go through and just update and go over some pages/ information. I have not made any changes to this page since about 2016-17.
Adrenal Fatigue and Hypothyroidism
Chances are, if you or a loved one has had Lyme Disease for any length of time, you have some degree of adrenal fatigue. Chronic disease puts a stress on our bodies, and the organs designed to combat that stress are our adrenals. Prolonged periods of high demand on our adrenals can burn them out and they become unable to produce the amount of adrenaline, hydrocortizone and other hormones required for our bodies to function normally. This creates a chain reaction involving the thyroid and pituitary and can create a myriad of symptoms that are similar or exactly the same as Lyme Disease.
Making a complete recovery after ridding yourself of Lyme and co-infections may include aggressively supporting your adrenals through vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements. I have provided some excellent websites below for you to read and see if you think you may be in some stage of adrenal fatigue or exhaustion.
Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue, Which Can Vary from Mild to Extreme:
* fatigue/severe exhaustion
* decreased tolerance to cold * poor circulation * salt cravings * sugar cravings * more awake and alert late at night *struggle to function in the morning * low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) * low blood pressure * increased allergies * apathy or depression * low stamina * low self-esteem due to low energy output * joint aches and pains * low levels of gastric hydrochloric acid * tendency to constipation * muscle weakness * need for excessive amounts of sleep * fears, due to low energy and secondary copper toxicity * lowered resistance to infection * subnormal body temperature/feel cold and can't get warm * hormone imbalances * coffee makes you feel tired |
FOR WOMEN:
* PMS or PMDD (Premenstral Disphoric Disorder: Extreme PMS) * Panic Attacks * Headaches * Night sweats * Nightmares and crazy dreams * Arthritis worsens * Hot flashes, feels like I am being shocked * Irritable Bowel Syndrome~My gut is like a rock crusher it’s like it doesn’t know what to do with food It keeps me awake at night * Exhaustion worsens to non-functional, in bed all the time. Just want to sleep * Acne break outs * Emotionally unbalanced, cry for no reason * Anxiety and fear that something bad will happen to my husband or the kids, like a car accident * Anti Social Feelings~ I go out of my way to avoid people and do not want to leave the house * Feeling if restlessness and inability to enjoy anything I normally enjoy, such as reading or sculpting * Mood swings quickly * Unprovoked Anger |
Links to websites I found helpful in understanding and treating adrenal exhaustion & hypothyroid:
Website of Dr. Lam. An in depth, comprehensive look at all of the stages of Adrenal Fatigue and symptoms. This website breaks down why we have the symptoms we do: https://www.drlam.com/articles/adrenal_fatigue.asp
The Adrenal Fatigue Solution: This goes along with the book by the same name and recommends supplements, references Dr. Lam:
http://adrenalfatiguesolution.com/adrenal-fatigue-supplements
Adrenal Fatigue, Weight Gain and Thyroid Connection http://glow30.com/adrenal-fatigue-weight-gain-and-thyroid-connection/
Miss Lizzy's Blog about Hypothyroidism and Adrenal Fatigue and her recovery: http://misslizzy.me/my-success-story-with-hypothyroidism-adrenal-fatigue-and-weight-loss/
Dr. Wilson's website regarding adrenal burnout: http://www.drlwilson.com/articles/adrenal_burnout.htm
Stop the Thyroid Madness~ Optimal Lab Values: How to Interpret Your Results: If your doctor does an extensive lab test, including thyroid TSH, T4, T3, etc. this website helps you to see why even a 'normal' range may show you do have hypothyroid and adrenal function issues. http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/lab-values/
Dr. Lam on Adrenal and Thyroid Supplements: https://www.drlam.com/blog/adrenal-fatigue-glandular-and-herbal-therapy-part-1/7544/
The Adrenal Fatigue Solution: This goes along with the book by the same name and recommends supplements, references Dr. Lam:
http://adrenalfatiguesolution.com/adrenal-fatigue-supplements
Adrenal Fatigue, Weight Gain and Thyroid Connection http://glow30.com/adrenal-fatigue-weight-gain-and-thyroid-connection/
Miss Lizzy's Blog about Hypothyroidism and Adrenal Fatigue and her recovery: http://misslizzy.me/my-success-story-with-hypothyroidism-adrenal-fatigue-and-weight-loss/
Dr. Wilson's website regarding adrenal burnout: http://www.drlwilson.com/articles/adrenal_burnout.htm
Stop the Thyroid Madness~ Optimal Lab Values: How to Interpret Your Results: If your doctor does an extensive lab test, including thyroid TSH, T4, T3, etc. this website helps you to see why even a 'normal' range may show you do have hypothyroid and adrenal function issues. http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/lab-values/
Dr. Lam on Adrenal and Thyroid Supplements: https://www.drlam.com/blog/adrenal-fatigue-glandular-and-herbal-therapy-part-1/7544/
My Current Protocol for Treating My Adrenal Exhaustion and Hypothyroidism
Morning when I get the kids up for school: small amount of protein (cheese stick, nuts, egg) powdered Vitamin C Celtic salt water or Gatoraide, about a quarter to a half tsp. 9 am: Take first dose of Adderall so I can get up and function Late morning meal, 10- 11 am: Protein Shake: Muscle Milk CO Q10 Vitamin B Complex: Nature Made Super B 400 ui Vit. E Adrenal Support Supplement: Metagenics Adrenogen 2 Omega 3 pills 2-3 Chlorella Pyrenoidosa tablets (helps cells absorb nutrients) |
1:00 pm: Second dose of Adderall to keep me going
2:001 pm: Small meal like half an apple, yogurt with almonds, etc. Before Bed~ Benedryl~ 1.5 tablets for sleep Topamax to control cravings in the evening and help me sleep Magnesium ~irregularly~ when I remember 30 mg Zinc Picolinate~on and off Vitamin D~ irregularly I drink water and gatoraide throughout the day. I stopped taking the Iodine due to negative side effects from build up. Iodine should not be taken 'forever'. But on an 'as needed' bases, like the zinc. When symptoms are present that you need it, take it. When they go away, stop taking it. Same with the Progestelle. I stopped using it as well. |
This is he Adrenal support supplement I am currently taking. I purchase it from Amazon. It is called Adrenogen and it is made by Metagenics. I like it~ I am on my second bottle~ about 4 months in now. I noticed when I ran out and I started using another brand ( just to try it) there was a huge difference in my mood and the way I felt. Rather than continue using the other brand, I immediately ordered more of this and started feeling better again.
Pink Salt, Celtic Salt, Himalayan Salt, Sea Salt..... By any of these names, this is the salt supplement to take if you have adrenal exhaustion. Quoting from a website: "Salt, salt and more salt. Adrenal fatigue depletes salt levels in the body because it reduces aldosterone, the salt-monitoring hormone. Since adequate sodium in the blood is essential for healthy blood pressure, we can experience dizziness when aldosterone levels drop. Most people with adrenal fatigue crave salt. Consume as much unrefined salt as you can tolerate. Liberally salt all your foods and add a pinch of salt to any tea or water you drink. Use only himalayan salt, celtic sea salt or Real Salt, not processed table salt."
Iodine Plus 2 from Natural Living. Product description from Amazon: " Combination iodine/iodide supplementation is now first-line therapy for thyroid-deficient conditions. Iodine Plus 2 alone may enable your thyroid gland to function normally without having to resort to prescription thyroid hormones. Combine with our new abdominal fat reducer product - Natural Living Belly Fat Burner - for even better results, if you are looking to lose that tummy bulge."
* Niacin-free with no "niacin flush"
* Selenium maximizes iodine active thyroid hormone (T3) conversion
See Miss Lizzy's website for details about iodine. It also has a list of links to articles by different doctors about iodine supplementation: http://misslizzy.me/?p=713
* Niacin-free with no "niacin flush"
* Selenium maximizes iodine active thyroid hormone (T3) conversion
See Miss Lizzy's website for details about iodine. It also has a list of links to articles by different doctors about iodine supplementation: http://misslizzy.me/?p=713
Progestelle~ A topical, clear progesterone oil for hormonal imbalances in women. I have been using this on and off for a few years. Apply it in the evening, as it can make you sleepy. Some may need to only use this for days 14-28 of their cycle.
Product description from Amazon:
Product description from Amazon:
- Ingredients: Fractionated Coconut Oil, Progesterone - Hypoallergic
- Progesterone, USP, Pharmaceutical Grade, Bioidentical Natural Progesterone 800 mg/oz Double Strength, Independently Verified
- Booklet of Chemicals and Herbs that Mimic Estrogen to Avoid and Products to Use to protect against and reduce Estrogen Dominanc
- Indications: Female conditions: Endometriosis, PMS, Adenomyosis, Breast Cysts, Ovarian Cysts, Restless Leg Syndrome, Menstrual Migraines, Weight Loss, Hair Loss, Menopause, Menstrual Cramps, Dysmenorrhea, Menorrhagia
A list of supplements recommended by multiple websites and a brief description of their purpose: http://adrenalfatiguesolution.com/adrenal-fatigue-supplements/
Vitamins and minerals
There are a number of vitamins and minerals that Adrenal Fatigue sufferers tend to be lacking. Here is a brief summary of the most important. There are other valuable supplements (vitamin D, vitamin E and others) but I will keep this section as simple as possible. It is important to note that not all of these will be appropriate for each individual.
Vitamins B5, B6, B12
These important B vitamins play an important role in cell metabolism. Improving your metabolic pathways boosts your energy levels and is a great way to reduce the fatigue often felt during AFS. B5 helps to produce co-enzyme A, which contributes to cellular respiration and the breakdown of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. B6 acts in several of the pathways that are used to create adrenal hormones. And B12 helps with energy production, cell repair and the maintenance of our red blood cells.
The amounts that you need of each these B vitamins are quite different. For example, you should be aiming for much higher amounts of B5 than B6 or B12. There are some excellent B-Complex supplements that combine all three.
Iodine Supplement: I currently use Iodine Plus 2. You can find it on Amazon. Iodine helps calm the body and relieve nervous tension, remove unwanted fat, resist disease and plays a huge role in our hormones. See the website below for details and it has a list of links to articles by different doctors about iodine supplementation.
More details about Iodine here: http://misslizzy.me/?p=713
Celtic or Himalayan Salt: Salt is extremely good for the mind and body in some forms. Celtic Salt and Himalayan Salt are both pure salts. Celtic salt, in particular, is the closest to purely processed salt as it was in biblical days. Add one or both of these salts to your diet for immediate adrenal relief. Mix a half tsp or so with water in the morning.
Vitamin C
This powerful antioxidant vitamin is directly involved in the production of cortisol in your adrenals. So besides the other health benefits it carries (boosting your immune system, protecting from free radicals), vitamin C is also an essential building block for the recovery of your adrenal glands. You can start with 1000mg of vitamin C and then gradually increase your dose over time. Buffered or liposomal vitamin C is generally the best form, and it should be in combination with bioflavonoids, just as it often is in nature.
Magnesium
Some studies estimate that 75% of Americans are deficient in magnesium. In very simple terms, magnesium helps to maintain energy flow, so you can see that deficiency might be a problem! A lack of magnesium can result in symptoms like fatigue and depression, just like Adrenal Fatigue. But there are also a few other tell-tale signs like muscle cramping, stiffness and insomnia. Taking too much magnesium can result in digestive problems, so be careful with your starting dose. Something like 400mg is a good place to start.
Probiotics
The health-affirming benefits of probiotics have been established beyond doubt by a long series of scientific studies. Among other things they can improve your digestion, reduce the side effects of antibiotics, and possibly even lower your stress levels. For Adrenal Fatigue sufferers, many of whom suffer from poor digestion, they are particularly important.
By improving our digestion, probiotics enable us to extract more of the nutrients present in the foods that we eat. This allows our bodies to get more of the essential vitamins and minerals that we need to maintain our energy levels and produce the hormones that we need. Additionally, they support our immune system and prevent regular illness from weakening our adrenals further.
When shopping for a probiotic, look for one that has at least 10 billion CFUs (Colony Forming Units). It should also contain at least 5 different strains of bacteria, preferably including Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Herbal supplements
Herbs should also play an important part in the recovery from Adrenal Fatigue. These can be taken along with the other supplements mentioned on this page. We can often trace the use of these herbs back for centuries in traditional cultures, where they have been used to maintain vitality and energy, exactly what a typical patient with Adrenal Fatigue needs. Listed below are a few that you should consider.
Licorice root
This is an herb that has long been used to stimulate hormone production, maintain energy levels and increase endurance. It is a great choice for many individuals with Adrenal Fatigue, as it helps your cortisol to circulate for longer, but there is one significant drawback. Licorice root can raise your blood pressure, so you should not take it if you are experiencing high blood pressure. This is not usually a problem as most AFS sufferers tend to have low blood pressure anyway.
Ashwagandha
Known as an adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha regulates various systems in our bodies. If cortisol is too high, it acts to lower it, And if cortisol is too low, it acts to raise it.
Siberian ginseng
Used by Russian Olympic athletes to improve their stamina, this herb also increases mental awareness and boosts energy levels. However, just like licorice root it can raise your blood pressure so those with hypertension.
Rhodiola Rosea
Popular in Scandinavia and Russia, this herb can help with a wide variety of conditions including muscle tension, poor circulation, depression and fatigue. By improving our circulation it enables us to increase our cortisol production further when we need it.
Maca root
Research has shown maca to have beneficial effects on cortisol regulation and blood sugar. It also allows for more efficient uptake of hormones into our cells, increasing their effectiveness. If you suffer from Adrenal Fatigue and have low hormone levels, maca helps your body to make the most of those low hormone levels.
Other supplements to consider
Besides vitamins and minerals, there are plenty of other compounds that the body needs to maintain an efficient metabolism and keep your energy levels high. This is a small list of some of the alternative supplements you might want to consider, and they should all be available from your local pharmacy.
Omega-3
Many of us are deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids, although we tend to have an adequate supply of Omega-6. This imbalance can lead to increased inflammation, which requires an increase in cortisol production to manage. Taking a good Omega-3 supplement can reduce inflammation throughout your body and relieve the workload placed on your adrenals.
CoQ10
Your body produces CoQ10 and uses it to produce energy for growing and maintaining your cells. Some find that it increases endurance and improves recovery time after exercise. Good food sources include beef, sardines and various organ meats, but if you are not getting enough from food then supplementation might be an excellent choice.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
This supplement is particularly useful for boosting metabolism and increasing energy levels. Acetyl-L-Carnitine increases the production of certain neurotransmitters in which we are often deficient, and it helps to move fatty acids into the mitochondria where we need them to produce energy.
DHEA
Saliva testing is the most reliable way to determine the optimal dose of DHEA. This hormone is the precursor to testosterone and other sex hormones. As pregnenolone is diverted away from the sex hormones and towards the stress hormones, it is easy for Adrenal Fatigue sufferers to experience a shortage of DHEA. Replacing this DHEA can lead to a return of sex drive and some of the other general markers of vitality that are disrupted during Adrenal Fatigue.
DHEA replacement should always be accompanied by regular testing. It converts easily into testosterone, so this is especially important for women. As with the other hormones in this list, starting with small doses is always advisable.
D-Ribose
This supplement is another way to sustain higher energy levels throughout the day without placing any stress on your adrenal glands. D-Ribose is actually a form of sugar, but it won’t spike your blood sugar like glucose or other sweeteners. Instead, it goes directly to forming ATP, the molecule that facilitates the transfer of energy between our cells. Tissues in the heart and muscles respond particularly well to D-Ribose supplementation, and many Adrena
Pregnenolone
The process of creating hormones begins in your body with cholesterol, but the next step along the production line is a hormone named pregnenolone. For these with reduced levels of either sex or stress hormones, supplementing pregnenolone can ameliorate many of their symptoms.
Pregnenolone is often administered in oral capsules. As with the other hormones on this list, beginning with a small dose is best, particularly for those suffering from Stage 3 or 4 Adrenal Fatigue.
Testosterone
Many people don’t realize that both men and women need testosterone. Although women produce only a fraction of the amount needed by men, it is still extremely important for several markers of vitality like libido, endurance and mood. For those suffering from Adrenal Fatigue, restoring testosterone to optimal levels can result in a greatly improved quality of life.
Progesterone
Once progesterone begins to fall (as it often does in the late 30s for women), the result can be lower energy levels, irritability, weight gain and more. For those of us experiencing Adrenal Fatigue, the ‘pregnenolone steal’ means that progesterone levels can trend even lower.
Progesterone supplementation can be achieved through capsules, lozenges or topical creams. Be sure to discuss the best option for you with your health care professional. As with the other hormones listed here, the optimal dose should be determined (by blood test) before treatment begins.
Adrenal Extract
This method of hormone replacement is sometimes controversial among the medical community. Adrenal glandular extracts have been sold commercially for almost 100 years, but the fact is that they would be unlikely to get FDA approval today. When the FDA began giving approval for new drugs in 1938, most drugs and extracts that were already being sold were given automatic approval (or ‘grandfathered’). Luckily for many Adrenal Fatigue sufferers today, adrenal glandular extract was one of those given approval.
Why is this a controversial treatment? Many doctors prefer to treat with synthetic cortisol. The advantage of synthetic cortisol over adrenal extract is that it is much easier to standardize dosage. Adrenal extracts (even the highest quality ones) have some inherent variation in the strength of each dose, simply because they are a natural product. And synthetic cortisol is much cheaper to produce than adrenal extract, which goes a long way to explain why the pharmaceutical companies stopped producing the natural variant in the 1960s.
Of course, being a natural product confers some real advantages too. Adrenal extract tends to come with fewer side effects than synthetic cortisol. Obtaining a natural source intuitively seems a smarter choice (see synthetic vitamin C vs natural vitamin C). And there is 90 years of research into adrenal extracts to back up and support their use.
When you take adrenal glandular extract, be sure that it comes from a good, organic source. Quality control can vary, as with any medicine. The best extracts tend to come from animals raised in New Zealand and Switzerland. The extract will typically come in a powder or liquid form. Follow the guidance of the manufacturer or your health care professional in deciding your dosage.
Are adrenal extracts suitable for every Adrenal Fatigue sufferer? It really depends case by case. Those with Stage 1,2 or 3 Adrenal Fatigue find that adrenal extract tends to raise their energy levels when they are low, and prevent them from getting that ‘wired-tired’ feeling when they are stressed. However those with Stage 4 Adrenal Fatigue should be careful to start with a very low dose, as their sensitivity to these supplements will be dramatically heightened.
Estrogen
Estrogen deficiency can also occur with Adrenal Fatigue, but it tends to happen much later in the progression of the condition. Typically, progesterone will start to drop long before estrogen levels change. So for those women who are in the later stages of Adrenal Fatigue, oestrogen supplementation can be useful. For men the picture is sometimes more complicated, as falling testosterone levels are often associated with rising estrogen. Your health care professional will be able to accurately test your estrogen levels and determine an optimal range that you should be aiming for.