Cortisol Levels tested through the roof

Hi!

This is my first time posting on the anxiety section of healing well. I've long suffered from symptoms of depression and even gotten treated for chronic Lyme disease due to my symptoms. Recently I stopped being treated for Lyme and saw a psychiatrist who put me on Trintellix and Klonopin. Due to some of my symptoms, and the fact that they are far worse in the mornings, I took a Diurnal Cortisol test. It came back that I was TWICE the high reference range for 3 out of 4 of the stages of the day and well over in the morning as well.

I'm wondering if anyone here has dealt with high cortisol in particular and fixed it/ treated it.

I'm now prescribed: CBD, Ashwaganda, GABA, and Relora as herbal supplement and will probably add Rhodiola once I get the ok that it won't interfere too much with my Trintellix.

Just wondering how long it should take to start being functional in the mornings again. I wake up at 6am and my body goes into a burning/reving feeling sometimes until 5 or 6 at night. The Trintellix has helped with the crying and suicidal ideations. But I think the root cause here may just be my adrenals from chronic stress.

Thanks!!!

Thanks scaredy cat,

My problem is that my symptoms say right now are unbearable. My blood feels like it's burning and restless and exhausted at the same time. Wondering how long it may take for the adaptogens to lower my cortisol so my days can become livable again. Right now I struggle through every day and if it werent for my family I'd not be here...

I've had a great life with all the opportunities. I've done some cool things and even at 28 have lived a lot. I don't blame the world or anyone, but it's just so uncomfortable getting through the day that I can't help but want to end it. I don't think I will. But it's just tough when nothing really helps in these times.

Minnesota,

The Klonopin and CBD both help somewhat when my body is in that "fight or flight" type of response. They help with the anger and irritability and even some of the anxiety and ruminating. What they do not really help is that incredibly uncomfortable "body revving" blood boiling feeling. If I take them at night I feel great, but i.dont really need them then. I've tried taking a whole milligram in the morning and it still doesn't do much for the discomfort. Just kind of makes me an uncomfortable zombie. I really don't like taking the stuff and hope I can treat the problem with adaptogens. Just kind of helpless in the morning though.

Thanks!

S.C,

Thanks so much for the kind and supportive words. It's when I start to lose hope that things really get awful. I will be in touch. Hopefully this is, as you say, temporary, hopefully very temporary since I finally know what is causing these awful feelings.

Thanks again

Lendi, your situation seems similar in a lot of ways. When I feel good I feel like the "normal" me, it's not some ecstatic feeling, just solid and level, like everything will be ok and I can think about the future. When I have such awful mornings, I get irritability and anger if I don't take Klonopin and am notuch fun to be around.
Sometimes I feel like I just need to get out and exercise, but I'm walking about 5 miles a day and have tried cardio workouts as well and they have provided little to no relief. My diet is healthy and I've taken out all of the stessors in my life possible. I guess it's just very frustrating. I'm glad you feel like yourself again and thanks for the kind words

This is great news...and yes may it continue!!

Were you put in this Rx as off label for anxiety...or BP...both?

So happy you are getting some relief, and here's to further progress!

S.C.

Okay, got it!

Interseting, I have never heard of this off label application...(and I thought I had heard about them all!)

It sounds like your psych really has a good angle at holistic and Western medicine working together...

...I really like that approach. You are in good hands!


Thanks for the info...and do keep us updated...both for support, and for sharing info to those who may benefit from reading your posts!

High fives and continued progress!

S.C.

Hello good for you getting those tests done!
My cortisol levels spike at night and are triple the normal rate in the morning. My naturopath gave me kavinace,
calm pDr, and fish oils to help normalize my levels. Give it a shot. Keep meditating everyday as well. There is 2 more supplements but I'll have to message again when I figure it out. All the supplements are available online.
best off luck

Cortisol levels can vary from person to person of course...

..but the testing can be far from definitive, because some people can fall within normal levels, but simply have a sensitivity to Cortisol, causing them to still struggle with A/P. (also, there are many other factors that contribute to anxiety/panic...so this test is only one of many possible root causes...)

I think a better use of time and resources, is rather than test for levels....is to focus on treating the anxiety if you know you are stuggling with it!

Just IMHO...

S.C.

C.R.,

Great work on finding what works for you! I have heard that both the supplements you mentioned have helped many people with their management plan!

Thanks for your input...and keep up the great work!

S.C.