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How do you know if you need adrenal support?

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Posted 6/3/2017 6:45 PM (GMT -5)
Does everyone fighting Lyme and co's need adrenal support to help detox? Are there certain tests that signify adrenal fatigue or is it right to assume that all of our adrenals are under siege and need support?

I asked my LLMD if I need to pursue this as I've been having intense Bartonella herxes on Bactrim and am trying to figure out what else I can be doing to detox and support my immune system. She didn't think I needed anything for adrenals.

My current neuro herx is the worst I've ever experienced and I just want to make sure I haven't overlooked a piece of this puzzle.

Thanks,
Kelly
Posted 6/3/2017 7:11 PM (GMT -5)
You should never take anything for the adrenals unless you need it - trying to support them could be what throws them off if they are doing fine.

The best (and only accurate) means of testing is a 4 point (collection) of saliva. Here is one site that can be ordered from without a dr's order: www.truehealthlabs.com/Salivary-Adrenal-Fatigue-Stress-Test-STTM-p/dt_sttm_4cort-dhea_flexm.htm

If you have concerns about your adrenals, I would suggest testing first, then, depending on your results, you can use adaptogenic herbs or you can use homeopathic remedies (I use both of these) or you can use very low dose hycrocortisone to help balance them out - but what to use will be determined by how low or high the cortisol is and when.

Your doctor should run a saliva test if you request it.
Posted 6/3/2017 7:18 PM (GMT -5)

KB69 said...
Does everyone fighting Lyme and co's need adrenal support to help detox? Are there certain tests that signify adrenal fatigue or is it right to assume that all of our adrenals are under siege and need support?
Thanks,
Kelly


Not uncommon to have adrenal and other endocrine issues with Lymeco as many of us around here do. If you're going to test for cortisol, the way to go is a "diurnal salivary cortisol test". It's measured at 4 different times of day: usually 8am, noon, 6pm, and 10 pm.

I've had this done twice. Once was done by labcorp covered on insurance, the other one was through Pharmasan labs for about $300 out of pocket. Pharmasan also tested numerous neurotransmitters as well. There may be better labs than pharmasan you'll need to do your homework on what lab you use. The cortisol results were similar between both labs.

What makes you suspect adrenal insufficiency?
Posted 6/3/2017 7:37 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks, Trav. I've never done the saliva test, but I had one LLMD tell me that, "we need to get you on something to support your adrenals," and another (my current, who I really like) said I didn't need adrenal support.

BJD, I am wondering about adrenal insufficiency because I have been herxing so intensely that I have to stop medications, take a break and get back on them more slowly. I just don't want to leave any stone unturned if there is something else I can be doing to support detox.

I did just find out this week that I have an MTHFR mutation that might be mildly limiting detox. So, I will jump on that and maybe that will help.

It could just be that Bart is my worst infection, and it's causing me the most grief. I guess I'm just feeling stuck, and trying to make sure there isn't anything I've overlooked. It could just be that I need a renewed dose of patience.

Thanks to you both.
Posted 6/3/2017 8:56 PM (GMT -5)
KB69 -

You're very smart to question adrenal function and support. However, herxing doesn't necessarily signal adrenal struggles. And adrenal support doesn't necessarily ensure effective detoxing. I don't have my links handy but here is one good explanation:
/stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info/

So the answer to your question lies in how you're herxing - what are your specific sx?

-p
Posted 6/4/2017 6:24 AM (GMT -5)
Hi P,

My herx since adding Bactrim to the mix (of Mepron and Zith) is a severe increase in neuro symptoms -- aching, sore, tingling feet, shins and hands, facial numbness, inner vibration, anxiety and frontal headache -- along with more frequent sore throat.

None of these are new symptoms and most seem Bart related (though I know there is overlap with Lyme and Babesia). I know the Bactrim hits Bart and Babs.

I added Bactrim because the Mepron/Zith knocked out a lot of my Babesia symptoms (still working on it, but much improved over the last 2 months) and the Bart flared. After 3 days on the Bactrim, this horrendous herx hit, and I'm having difficulty getting back to "normal awful."
Posted 6/4/2017 8:36 AM (GMT -5)
I think that a saliva test for your adrenal function is the safest way to approach this. The saliva tests are pretty accurate, and then you know where your adrenal function is and if you need to support it. Try to get one of your doctors to request the test for you so that it's more likely to be covered by your insurance, but don't treat your adrenals until you have the test.

Since I've had to really struggle to heal my adrenals (I'm not there yet, but making good progress finally!!), I've learned just how touchy those darned things are!! Too much help and you get worse, because the adrenals will lower their cortisol and other hormone output if they are supported when they don't need to be - but if you are a person that needs support because the adrenals are already struggling, it can make a big difference for that person in many ways.
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