First post for me on this forum. I just did a cortisol + DHEA saliva test and received the results. Here are my results:
1st sample, morning: 20.11 mmol/L, range [7.45;32.56]. DHEA to cortisol ratio: 0.51, range [0.25;2.22]
2nd sample, mid day : 10.15 mmol/L, range [2.76;11.31]
3rd sample, late afternoon: 10.78mmol/L, range [1.38-7.45]. DHEA to cortisol ratio: 0.25, range [0.25;2.22]
4th sample, late nite (midnight) : 3.18mmol/L, [0.83;3.86]
It appears that the mid day and late nite sample are close from being out of range and the late afternoon sample is out of range. My DHEA to Cortisol ratio also seems to be on the lower side for third sample.
Here are my questions: What could I do to lower my cortisol during the day? I have heard about a supplement called Cortisol Manager, based on Ashwagandha roots, L Theanine and magnolia bark extract, which seems to be quite efficient to reduce cortisol level during the day.
Also, I do wake up a few times during the night, with difficulties to go back to sleep. I suspect peaks of cortisol during the night, even though I havent had any nightime saliva sample analysed.
Do you guys think it might be due to cortisol peaks? In that case, is a supplement like Cortisol Manager susceptible to help?
Thanks in advance for your answers
Andrew
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lucid_dreamer_
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Welcome to our forum and sorry to hear you are having health problems.
Sample one of your cortisol test results show post awakening & peak adrenal function and yours are within range showing normal circadian activity.
Sample two shows the adrenals adaptive response to the demands of the first few hours of the day. Again yours are within range although high end.
Sample three shows adrenal fatigue in relation to glycemic control (so many hours after eating.) Many people experience a slump and reach for a snack around 3pm but your level is high so assume you might find down time & relaxation more beneficial?
Sample four is taken prior to sleep and indicates the baseline adrenal gland function which should be the lowest of the day as yours is.
I think your results are ok but unfortunately can't comment on cortisol : DHEA ratio as have lost my notes/bookmarks and can't remember. ! !
I discussed this issue with Dr P but all I can remember him saying is the ratio of Cortisol : DHEA is more important than the levels, as disproportionate levels are harder to balance than a high or low of both.
Waking several times during the night can be down to adrenal issues. It is important to stabilise your blood sugar levels from the time you eat dinner to the time you go to bed. A balanced meal of protein, low glycemic carbohydrates and fats is important and eat a bedtime snack if desired. Some take a snack to bed with them or an "adrenal cocktail". ( I haven't tried this but many swear by it. Google "adrenal cocktail".
Adrenal function can be improved with optimal levels of Bit B12, Vit D, folate and ferritin and also supplementing a Vit B Complex ,Vit C (with bioflavonoids which helps it to be metabolised ), Vit E, Fish Oil.
Dr James Wilson advocates adaptogenic herbs that help the body to normalise after times of stress. (use with caution.)
Liquorice Root (not to be used with high blood pressure)
Siberian Ginseng Root
Ashwagandha Root
Ginkgo Biloba
There are also Adrenal Glandulars which many find beneficial such as Nutri Adrenal Extra (NAX).
Some prefer Adrenal Cortex Extracts which don’t contain the adrenaline found in glandular.
I am not familiar with Cortisol Manager but the components seem credible.
A good read is "Adrenal Fatigue" by James L Wilson which is easy to understand (when brain fogged) and good to just dip in and out of.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal before applying any of these suggestions.
As well as Flower's very comprehensive suggestions, you may want to consider a magnesium supplement at night. This can help to reduce your night time cortisol and help with your sleep. It certainly helped with mine. If you can't tolerate oral supplements, there are magnesium skin oils which pale find just as effective without the digestive side effects some people experience from oral supplements.
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