Last post that you kindly answered was very helpful. Adaptogens and DHEA both tended to lower cortisol. Adrenal Cortex has been given the thumbs up by my thyroid doctor. Can anyone tell me which brand you take (PM) Or any other ideas. HC not thought a good idea.
It has been suggested that I am still under medicated on T3. Should I raise that first before taking Adrenal Cortex?
Thank you so much
Susieibbo301
A few I've come across for cortex only Klaire Labs, Adrenavive, Thorne, Nutricology and Seeking Health
Must admit to using Pure Encapsulations Adrenal which is cheaper, as the medulla content doesn't seem to make any difference to me 🤷♀️
Thankyou so much tigger me. Have ordered Thorne Adrenal Cortex x
Hi Susie, can I ask how you got on with the Thorne adrenal cortex?
I only tried it for a few days and only one tablet. I am keeping it there when I have tested cortisol again. Also I have been referred to endos in Oxford for the stimulation test for Addisons. not till next February though. At least I don't think it did any harm. No point really trying until after the tests. Adaptogens and DHEA both lowered my cortisol though. best wishes Susieibbo301 xxxxx
Thank you! Take care, hope all goes well x
I still can’t get my head around glandular vs cortex.
Glandular contains both medulla (which may contain adrenalin) and cortex so 'whole' gland
This sounds too sciencey. Parts of body I am guessing?
See the adrenal gland at bottom of attached image.
From:
frontiersin.org/files/Artic...
You lot are lovely people. Thank you both TiggerMe
Be easier if I could carry all you knowledgable folks around with me in miniature size.
Spot the difference in mine and 🍄level of knowledge 😆
Together, they both helped. I’m glad I knew it was a body part!
My found pic just included loads of things that are not directly relevant... 
It's very good... I should file it.... but I'd never find it again 🙃
Take a screen shot. Then file it in a folder.
You are both (TiggerMe ) fishing for compliments now.
Pictures are great, infographics even better. I can’t say I got it completely but the basics I finally have. The cortex is the outer part and the medulla the inner part which may or may not have the hormone but the cortex definitely will.
Please may I get a sticker for my homework? 🤗
I don't think that is the distinction between medulla and cortex.
What hormones do my adrenal glands produce?
The adrenal cortex produces three hormones, from three different layers:
1. Mineralocorticoids: the most important of which is aldosterone. This hormone helps to maintain the body’s salt and water balance, which is important for maintaining blood pressure. Aldosterone helps the kidney conserve salt when it is needed. It acts in the kidney to cause sodium and water to be retained, and potassium to be lost. This action is important if the body has low salt and water levels, that could risk a low blood pressure. However, too much aldosterone can cause high blood pressure (hypertension) and low potassium. Without aldosterone (for example if the adrenal glands are not working properly), the kidney loses excessive amounts of salt (sodium) and, consequently, water, leading to severe dehydration and low blood pressure. In summary, if we do not have enough salt in the body, aldosterone production is ‘switched on’ and the kidney retains salt, but if we have too much salt, the amount of aldosterone being made is reduced and the kidney can excrete the excess salt.
2. Glucocorticoids: predominantly cortisol, which is also known as the body’s ‘natural steroid’. This hormone is involved in the response to illness and also helps to regulate body metabolism. Cortisol is released during the ‘stress response’ to illness. Cortisol stimulates glucose production to help maintain blood glucose levels. Cortisol also has anti-inflammatory effects especially at higher amounts.
3. Adrenal androgens: these male sex hormones, mainly dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone, are present in both men and women. All have weak effects, but play a role in early development of the male sex organs in childhood, and are important for the normal onset of female body hair following puberty.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, primarily affects the release of glucocorticoids and adrenal androgens by the adrenal gland and, to a much lesser extent, also stimulates aldosterone release.
The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines:
Catecholamines include adrenaline, noradrenaline and small amounts of dopamine – these hormones are responsible for all the physiological characteristics of the stress response, the so called 'fight or flight' response, which can include increased heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, dilated pupils in the eye, and looking flushed or pale.
yourhormones.info/glands/ad...
So no sticker for me then! Thanks for the information.
TiggerMe helvella
I think I got it!
Image from plmtoday.weebly.com/blog/th....
Different parts of the adrenal gland (cortex and medulla) secrete different hormones.
In terms of supplements:
Glandular = the whole adrenal gland (with both medulla and cortex)
Cortex = well just the cortex minus medulla etc.
I give up if I still don’t understand (this would be easier without my hypo brain).
Which is a superior supplement for treating low cortisol? I presume one only needs the cortex for that.
Also, thanks for helping me again. It’s must appreciated.
It's a bit like 3D trifle - with the sherry from one part and the custard from another. And a bit of cream and chopped nuts on the outside.
That is a helpful illustration.
I do try and be helpful and spread what I have learned. Oooo. I feel chuffed with myself now.
P.S. to me it looks disgusting.
Thank you Helvella, I think I have got it - very helpful as so many of us have adrenal issues.
Sorry to have hijack your post Susieibbo301 to assist understanding .
Don’t worry HealthStarDust! I have learnt from it and I think I am on the right path with Cortex!! Xxx
Thank you.
And, thank you for stating a post with so much to learn from too.
Adrenal Cortex
Take hydrocortisone and adrenal cortex together?
adrenal cortex or adrenal extract?
Low cortisol/adrenal insufficiency
