As I somewhat expected (based on certain symptoms which have not receded since starting on T3) , my recent saliva cortisol test suggested I have issues with high cortisol.
The recommend course of action by my doctor is a series of adoptogenic herbs, including ashwagandha, bacopa, rhodeola rosea and holy basil.
Other than ashwagandha, I have no experience with these supplements and there appears to be some doubt [online] as to whether they can lead to a clinically meaningful reduction in cortisol.
I just wondered whether anyone ha any relevant personal experiences they could share?
Thanks!
Written by
JonnyA
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I drink ashwaganda tea which is calming as I believe holy basil might be. Not sure about the others. Magnesium glycinate very helpful as is CBD oil. But do not know if they lower cortisol.
I'm currently taking Gaia Rhodiola Rosea to reduce stress as a result of helping a family member who has had cancer for the past four years. I used to run 24/7 on caffeine and sugar and have reduced that substantially; coffee to one to two 8 oz cups a day.
Soviet Olympians and cosmonauts used the adaptogen Rhodiola Rosea as a performance enhancer.
I remain somewhat confused about adaptogens. But I know several members here have found them useful and some swear by them.
From my personal experience, however, I would proceed with caution, try one adaptogen at a time. The 'blends' make it more difficult to identify what is actually helping as well as making it difficult to see which isn't.
Holy Basil particularly is said to be good for lowering cortisol. I would perhaps try that on its own to start with. Possibly taking at night or late evening.
It is a very interesting post you directed us to. I am looking at all this stuff at the moment. It’s all a bit ‘mystic’ and I don’t find myself responding well to that sort of thing. I know that Datis Kharrizan (sorry if spelt wrongly) book has me baffled. His lists are so long I gave up the will to live. Anyone whose brain can sort that lot out on their own, in my view it’s questionable whether they are hypothyroid in the first place. It’s a huge sales pitch for ‘his’ practitioners and his training though.
I did take Holy Basil for a number of years but honestly I could not tell if it was doing anything, as unknown to me I was roaring along with a high TSH and low FT4 and probably a bit insane.
Is this putting another stop on some of us, or is it helping an important few? I feel a bit like post heart attack (17 drugs per day) in that I am already taking a longish list of supplements etc. I will see what the results of the adrenal test looks like. It will be a bit like us hypos though I think. Very individual and it will have to be very clearly showing something needing attention for me to take further ‘substances’.
I have experience with Ashwaghanda, although like you, I had my doubts about the herbs. I'm late to the game, but I'm a believer, and it is working for me. It's calming (and I take less than 1/2 the dose recommended by the manufacturer), and I am losing inches / weight.
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High cortisol advice please.
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Using adaptogens
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Will taking Ashwagandha affect Cortisol test results?
