Need your opinion about adrenal insufficiency

[melhero]

I went to a health and wellness clinic for a weight loss program hope to lose 30 pounds to answer my health issues. The main doctor is an endocrinologist. I was having a really hard time losing weight and having the energy to get through the day. Not to mention, the foggy brain, hunger, dizziness, and overall just not feeling well. I also have been trying to get pregnant for about 6 months with ovulation tests and no luck. She ordered blood tests. She diagnosed me with adrenal fatigue and premature menopause which is devastating to me because I am only 30 years-old and not finished having a family. I was sort of in shock at the office that I didn't even know what questions to ask. Everything she talked to me about just seems blurry. I do know that the following hormones/vitamins were low:
pregnenolone
DHEA sulfate
cortisol AM
progesterone
Free T3(low normal)
Free T4(low normal)
testosterone
Vitamin D

She inserted a testosterone pellet in the office and prescribed pregnenolone, DHEA, and progesterone. She also gave me Idoral and Dr. James Wilson's Adrenal Rebuilder. She also encouraged me to read Dr. Wilson's book which is very good. After researching, I am confused about the premature menopause diagnosis considering my FSH was normal. Should I be concerned about all of the hormones I have been prescribed? Should I request further testing and if so what kind of tests? I definitely want to get a second opinion. Any suggestions or advice would be helpful.

[allmymarbles]

Would you suggest I switch from Indian Ginseng to Siberian Ginseng, or take both? Many thanks for your reply.

[DrJohanson]

Siberian Ginseng is know for it's HPA(Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis) restoring effects, I give it to my patients for adrenal fatigue.

[allmymarbles]

My cortisol rises during the day, rather than falling. This can lead to anxiety and panic attacks, as it did in my case. I used very low dosages of Xanax at first when I felt an attack impending. But not liking to take an addictive drug, no matter how small the dose, I switched to ashwagandha and have taken it every night ever since. Xanax would abort the attack; ashwagandha treats the cause. I also take high doses of vitamin B5, a treatment for adrenal fatigue. High cortisol is common in the early stages of adrenal fatigue.

[upbeat63333]

do you think ashwagandha, being an adaptogen, will normalize cortisol if it is on the high side? From what I've read, it should, but your thoughts are appreciated if you are taking it.

I've also read phosphatidylserine will help lower, or normalize cortisol. I'm not banking on it, but it doesn't seem it can hurt either, if taken within recommendations.

[allmymarbles]

To normalize cortisol I take ashwagandha. Those with adrenal fatigue should also take adaptogen formulas. I have been sticking strictly to herbs and am coming along just fine. However, I have an MD who is skilled in alternative medicine.

[rumpled]

Do you have the option of going to see an endocrinologist - um, one not associated with the clinic?

I would be concerned. What time was the cortisol test? She loaded you up on a bunch of hormones which may throw your system really off. DHEA will convert to testosterone or estrogen (no choice). If you test cortisol - you need to test ACTH (a difficult and fussy test but it will tell you more as it is the loop to cortisol - is the issue the adrenals, or the pituitary) and you should not go on replacements before having a stim test.

Adrenals are not rebuilt - they are like any other gland in the body. So you have some low hormones and vitamins and need to be treated, and you need to find out what you really have - which may be Addison's or some other disorder.