thanks BY THE WAY Yes I am just enquiring as to alot of things...I would rather not take a cream but more like a adrenal supplement or something if I find I have cortisol probs...I am listening alot and reading alot but a supplement would be better....Im taking my time to sus it all out. I havent done any of it yet maybe I will or wont...just getting info so I can make an informed choice IF AND WHEN I NEED TO.
Hi alot of people with adrenal fatique take hyd... - Thyroid UK
Hi alot of people with adrenal fatique take hydrocortisone.....if you cant get it from a doctor what and where and how much do you take?
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Anuba
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I use the cream, which I get from here biovea.net/product_detail.a...
I ml cream = 10mg HC. I use a small plastic medicine dispensing syringe to measure it and I use 2ml a day, split into 7.5, 7.5 and 5mg doses. Hope that makes sense.
Interesting Rosetrees, where do you get the plastic syringes please?
This is the one I have - from Amazon amazon.co.uk/Oral-Syringe-B...
• in reply torosetrees
This cream is renowned for thinning the skin. OK perhaps if you're a youngster. But that's an issue anyway when you get on a bit (like me!)
I used to do what roestrees do but have now bought hydrocortisone online. I take 10-5-5mg and another 5 if I have a more stressfull day. I can pm you with where I got it from if you like.
Roslin
silly question, put where do you use it .how do you need. it .. symptoms??
Not silly. You should have seen the look on my GP's face last week when I told him I was using it. His instant reaction (understandable as I was reeling off the list of stuff I take) was "you don't swallow it, do you?" I assured him I didn't.
You rub it into your skin. I usually apply it to a forearm, an upper arm, calves or thighs. Rotating so I don't cause skin problems.
Symptoms? adrenalfatigue.org/take-the...
I ordered the 24 hour saliva cortisol test from Genova which came back low and I'd suggest you do the same if you are thinking of using HC. At the time I hadn't heard of this forum, so ordered it through Dr M's website. The results went to her and she sent a report to myself and my GP. Using HC was her recommendation, although I didn't start using it until about 3 months ago, when I re-read her report.
I saw Dr P twice this year and he is happy for me to use it at that level. So, curiously, is my GP, whose comment was that nothing I was taking gave him cause for concern. I didn't actually think to ask if he would prescribe the HC for me. A step too far, I suspect.
Hi debs, it is more that I take more if I know I am having a particularly stressful day.
Hi Every entitled to do what they want. However, I would point out that I cannot even have cortisone injections, too dangerous and they are local into a joint. I certainly cannot take any ,in any form, although Adrenals are low, I have to live with it. Really I am saying it is one of the drugs that personally I would never take unless under a good dotor eg Endo, or GP if no Endo. It does need great care.even in tiny doses.
Best wishes,
Jackie
Thread edited in line with our guidelines......22. Do not post advertisements, links or information of any sort whatsoever, on where or how to obtain UK prescription only medications without prescription.
I use Isocort, purchased from the states.
This mad!
Taking a corticosteroid like hydrocortisone without proper testing and the background knowledge to know what you are doing is just crazy. It's not a vitamin tablet. The fact you are asking the most basic of questions confirms you have not done much research 
First of all, (and that's not even looking at WHY you need to take it) test Blood cortisol, and if it is low then a Short synacthen test may be needed to be sure it's not more serious; and if it isn't seriously low then do a 24 hour salivary cortisol test for less serious cases. You may have low cortisol all day, and the may only need to supplement part of the time. Is it really low cortisol?... it might be blood glucose related.
Only then consider using it...then you need to consider what dose. 20mg is not a one size fits all, it isn't enough for some people, but you certainly don't want to suppress existing adrenal output; others can get by with less) Bear in mind stress dosing may be necessary at times - what for example happens if you have an accident and can't produce enough cortisol yourself... or in my case, I need surgery shortly, the surgeon needs to be aware... you need to carry information with you all the time at the very least.
As someone who has to self treat too, I know the difficulty in getting medics to take notice, and I know they will not treat this problem as they do not believe "adrenal fatigue" or whatever you want to call it actually exists - but you really shouldn't start something without the proper technical info behind you.
Starting point: stopthethyroidmadness.com/s...
Have you looked at CT3M? For some, this has the potential for sorting Circadian and cortisol issues without dosing HC at all: stopthethyroidmadness.com/t...
If you are going to dose it, then it is easy and cheap enough to get... adding the complication, cost and potential bother of skin problems using cream (and who knows how much is absorbed!) isn't necessary.. it costs me 21p a day.
Anuba• in reply to
excuse me I have done alot of research....thankyou...I am considering what to do if I have adrenal fatigue I have not implemented any of it yet.
Anuba• in reply to
I am also on here to research and listen to others opinions....I dont go into alot of detail on my posts as I have fibromyalgia and it hurts to type long time....I am not stupid...
• in reply to
Gently does, it Picton. A couple of people have been weighing in heavy on the forum of late. I'd like that to stop. Even if it isn't aimed at me, I don't find it helpful. We're all on the same journey, although we're all taking different paths. If it was easy we wouldn't need this forum. :O)
• in reply to
Fine by me... be my guest - use dangerous drugs randomly.
• in reply to
Gently. Gently. We are not the enemy.
Anuba• in reply to
Yes I am just enquiring as to alot of things...I would rather not take a cream but more like a adrenal supplement or something....I am listening alot and reading alot but a supplement would be better....Im taking my time to sus it all out.
Steroids cause all manner of problems later on in life, thinning skin, cataracts etc. If your adrenals are fatigued it can be fixed with diet and vitamin supplements. Go and see a nutritionist or a Kiniesiologist. Fatigued adrenals does not mean you are not producing natural hydrocortisone, it means your body is flooded with the stress hormone so much so that your system is in permanent overdrive and is incapable of producing anymore stress hormone should it be needed. Therefore fueling it with more stress hormone is madness. You need for your levels to drop so that you are no longer angry, can't sleep properly, have digestive issues, menstrual issues, bad skin......to name a few.
Hi there Tattyhead53, I was interested in what you said about adrenal fatigue and bad skin. I am 41, hypo for 7 years, gluten intolerant for 2 and diagnosed with post viral/ME earlier this year. I've been seeing a kinesiologist for 2 yrs now who has helped me a lot. Adrenal fatigue is an issue for me, and recently I was suffering almost constant nausea, my kinesiologist said I was having an allergic reaction to cortisol as my system is in overdrive, and with my stress reactions were being turned on by non-stressful, ordinary things. For the last few weeks, my skin has been terrible, spotty all over my face. I've had hormonal acne in the past isolated to one area but this is very different. My diet is good, I'm resting as much as poss and minimizing stress but the skin is not clearing. Do you have any more info on the link between adrenal fatigue and bad skin? Thanks
Hi, is your Kiniesiologist an Applied Kiniesiologist? The girl I see is. It's through her that I have learnt a tiny bit about our adrenal glands. Also through my husbands car crash I learnt, through a consultant orthopeadic surgeon, how bad steroids are for you. They impact on every cell of your body and they do lead to thinning of the bone too. My grandson had ME after having the Epstein Barr virus. He is so much better since following all the advice given to him by our Applied Kiniesiologist. Yoga, tai chi, meditation can all help reduce your natural cortisone production and vitamins will help support your body through this current crisis. But you need to see your Kiniesiologist to get the ones that are specifically right for you. You also need to deal with past emotional issues that you have buried. They will be poking you every so often upping your stress levels.
Thanks, not sure about the 'applied', will ask her next time. She has me on a course of vitamins, and I'm planning to restart pilates once I have a bit of energy :). I'm on the emotional stuff too. Do you think the bad skin is connected to the adrenals?
Yes she is 'applied', just looked it up
In mild or early adrenal dysfunction you may produce too much all the time or some of the time. You may be able to correct this with vitamins and diet. If you have severe hypoadrenia as I have there is no way nutrition or kinesiology will help. It may get better by itself after a long time (years) I don't know. But if I want to function somewhat at the moment I take hydrocortisone. I feel abandoned by my GP and whish I didnt have to do it myself.
drlam.com/articles/adrenal_...
Roslin
If you're brave enough to try- and get the right result, then fair play, if you have no choice..
Any hormone needs careful handling as small amounts count for a lot and interactions can be hard to interpret- so best done with professional advice, if at all possible ,and follow up blood tests. My opinion - but a common one. Better to change GP until you get the right support.
Sorry you have such a job to get help, Roslin
I completely agree with you and wish I didnt have to do it myself. I am worried about it every day.
Yes I am just enquiring as to alot of things...I would rather not take a cream but more like a adrenal supplement or something if I find I have cortisol probs...I am listening alot and reading alot but a supplement would be better....Im taking my time to sus it all out. I havent done any of it yet maybe I will or wont...just getting info so I can make an informed choice.
Yes I am just enquiring as to alot of things...I would rather not take a cream but more like a adrenal supplement or something if I find I have cortisol probs...I am listening alot and reading alot but a supplement would be better....Im taking my time to sus it all out. I havent done any of it yet maybe I will or wont...just getting info so I can make an informed choice.
I suffer from adrenal insufficiency and am prescribed hydrocortisone by my endo. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't wish true adrenal problems on anyone.
What you are doing will eventually suppress your own adrenal gland from producing cortisone. Then you will feel rough and this can lead to your body going into crisis. Please don't supplement with hydrocortisone unless absolutely essential and you've been properly tested. You may not realise but you could do more damage than good but also make your body dependent on the hydrocortisone. My skin used to be lovely, now it has aged early and is thin. Also hydrocortisone has caused me osteopenia - bone thinning. My muscles are wasting on my calves too...list goes on. It's not a good drug!!! It's does cause damage to the body eventually xx
for fuzzyrudd
How much do you have to take? The research I read said that a physiological dose 20-25 mg is relatively safe. It dose suppress normal function but if you dont have normal function, what do you do?
Roslin
Hi roslin I'm really sorry for the delay in replying. I take 20-25mg each day, split into 3 dosages. Largest dose (usually 10-15mg) about 7am, then 5mg at noon and 5mg at 6 pm.
I'm afraid that, taking 20-25mg can and does impair your own adrenal production.
Basically a healthy person produces around 20mg each day. So your adrenals start producing less and less given because you have a synthetic equivalent.
The key is to try to improve the adrenal function as naturally as possibly, without taking hydrocortisone.
I would only take hydrocortisone if you've had a short synacthen test to confirm adrenal insufficiency is severe enough. The test is very straightforward and involves 2 blood samples being taken 30 minutes apart, after had a drug to stimulate your pituary.
My original morning reading was 217 (which is normal - just on low side). My second reading was only 317. It should have been at least 550, but ideally 640. That showed my adrenals were not producing enough cortisol to deal with stimulus.
My mum also recently had hers done. Although her morning cortisol reading was 203 (lower than mine), her second reading was 658. That showed she has good function in her adrenals.
I'm trying to kick start my adrenals to resume its own production but this is proving hard.
lm taking Chinese herbs from a specialist in Brighton.
In terms of what you do next, first step is to get properly tested.
You also run the risk of getting cushings disease if you get too much cortisol when your body doesn't need it.
I'd also suggest getting your iron & ferritin checked.
F xx
Ps. Hope you don't think I'm being dismissive. I just hate the thought of anyone else going down the same road of problems I encounter. I should also mention my original problem was caused by being on 5mg of predisolne. That is equivalent of just 20mg hydrocortisone. I tried to taper it and my body didn't react well. Predisolne gave me more energy but caused lots of stretch marks, bloated face and weakness. Xx
Yes I am just enquiring as to alot of things...I would rather not take a cream but more like a adrenal supplement or something if I find I have cortisol probs...I am listening alot and reading alot but a supplement would be better....Im taking my time to sus it all out. I havent done any of it yet maybe I will or wont...just getting info so I can make an informed choice.
My Mum was on it ( prescribed ) and she ended up with such fragile skin that the slightest brush against anything and her skin would tear, this always resulted in an A&E visit to stop the bleeding, it was horrendous for her.
That sounds like my mother, who was on high doses of prednisolone for severe asthma from the mid 1960s. I won't go into more details, but believe me, like you, I am only too well aware of the seriousness of cortisone use.
I use it in low doses. 20mg HC = 5mg prednisolone. For adrenal use, the dosage of HC recommended is in the range of your body should produce for itself. It is not the high, therapeutic doses that cause the major problems that our mothers had.
I have been ill, untreated, for 37 years. I thought long and hard before succumbing to the use of HC in low doses. I tried it and, for me, the difference it made was unbelievable. I'm 57 and if using it gives me a few years of not being housebound then that is the choice I have made.
For younger people, who have not been ill for so long, I would certainly suggest the use of adrenal support first. I take a high level of other adrenal support too. Whether I will be able to wean remains to be seen, but in time I will try it. Our bodies adjust and if I'm understanding correctly what I've read about the feedback loop between the adrenals, hypothalamus and pituitary it's possible the body's idea of "normal" might change so that once weaned from HC the pituitary can take over and signal the adrenals to produce the right level of cortisol.
As I think I said above, Dr P and my own GP are happy for me to use the cream in the dosage I am on. I have purchased tablets too, and might try those when I've finished the current order of cream.
I quite understand where Picton is coming from and I'm certain there are good reasons for such strongly held views. We would all do well to take notice even if we aren't privy to the reasons behind those views. It's a view I might well have taken for myself having seen first hand the effect that strong doses of prednisolone can have. Ultimately we all have to make our own decisions.
Yes I am just enquiring as to alot of things...I would rather not take a cream but more like a adrenal supplement or something if I find I have cortisol probs...I am listening alot and reading alot but a supplement would be better....Im taking my time to sus it all out. I havent done any of it yet maybe I will or wont...just getting info so I can make an informed choice.
I think this is something a lot of doctors miss. Many patients, given the opportunity, are able and willing to make their own informed choices. If only there was some legal way that we could do so that would absolve doctors of blame if things go wrong and therefore make them more willing to help and support us. Dream on.
Yes I am just enquiring as to alot of things...I would rather not take a cream but more like a adrenal supplement or something if I find I have cortisol probs...I am listening alot and reading alot but a supplement would be better....Im taking my time to sus it all out. I havent done any of it yet maybe I will or wont...just getting info so I can make an informed choice.
Yes probably...what's your thymus like?
I have successfully used the CT3M to treat my adrenals (using Armour). I tried NAX but felt worse. Very glad I didn't have to take hydrocortisone. Xx
• in reply toClarebear
What is CT3M, Clare, please?
tegz• in reply to
It may be easier all round to Google it, H !
It's a T3 treatment protocol. Plenty on here about it, also.
Clarebear• in reply to
Hi - sorry not to reply before but I am on holiday in the lakes with intermittent Internet 
Not good at posting links on my phone so suggest going to Paul robinson's website Recovering with T3 where there is lots of info on CT3M. Also if you search on this site you should find useful info too. Xx
• in reply toClarebear
Thanks both - I realise now how the acronym relates to the topic. Doh!
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