Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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About a year ago I did an ASI test and was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue. Along the way, more blood work showed that I had really low DHEA levels. I've been working with an integrative health practitioner and have really made good headway with my adrenal/cortisol levels, almost normal.

My DHEA, however, remains in the basement. One MD I saw last spring just said I need to take DHEA supplements. The IHP prescribed Pregnenolone and an anti-estrogenic called Super Miraforte. I should mention that over the last 8 months I've had crazy sleep issues and anxiety attacks. I have managed to get them somewhat under control, but the preg and Super Miraforte really triggered them again.

I'm trying to lose about 20-30 lbs, eating pretty much 100% paleo, go to yoga 3x week, work with a trainer doing fairly intense interval work 1x week and manage 1 or 2 days of short strength training.

Any thoughts on raising DHEA levels without taking actual DHEA? Will my adrenals eventually start creating it again when they've had more time to heal? Would going to an endocrinologist be a complete waste of time? My GP actually recommended doing some hormone replacement therapy (testosterone).

flag	asked Dec 7 2011 at 0:49 mgood66 260●1●9

My DHEA is also in the tank. I tried supplementing with very small doses of pregnenolone only to have my first anxiety attack. Similar results with DHEA though not at bad. I am now trying 7-keto DHEA and so far so good. – Holly Dec 22 at 15:16

grace · Answer 1 · 2011-12-07 03:33:20Z UTC

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After the 'intense interval' work do you feel tired? Trouble sleeping that night? Faster than normal heart rate the next day??

If yes, the intensity is too excessively high and pooping out the adrenals... You must consider no intensity, no extremes (heat/cold, skipping meals and carbs, high intensity or high duration exercises, etc) until the adrenals are 120% recovered...

Thanks for your blog comment! Nice to see you here...

answered Dec 7 2011 at 3:33

grace
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Does DHEA supplementation cause heart palps or anxiety? Sounds like the neurotransmitters should get evaluated and the cortisol further supported until 120% adrenal recovery and function. Are you taking any adrenal adaptogens, glandulars or support with your practitioner? These all helped me. I waited and had little improvements until 2-4 wks after starting the glandular (Metagenics). The insomnia sounds like high cortisol in the PM and midnight -- consider the value of adding a snack with some carbs + protein before 2 hrs prior to bedtime (with digestive enzymes if necessary). – grace Dec 7 2011 at 3:36

Is your practitioner addressing the gut and dysbiosis?? How is the gut??? – grace Dec 7 2011 at 3:36

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+1 - Love your blog Grace and always look forward to your responses on PH. Anyone who is interest4d in this question re: adrenals should read Dr. BG's most recent blogpost. ;) – Atkins-witha-loincloth Dec 7 2011 at 4:59

Thanks MEM!!! Actually I wish I didn't have the real hand experience that went along with that post! But I guess that is LIFE ROLLS. I maybe full of sh*t but it's coz its putrified... haa ah! – grace Dec 7 2011 at 8:04

I've been taking adaptogens, along with 5-htp and phosphatidylserine for several months and they've helped enormously. I went from pretty much a flat line with the ASI to having "almost" normal levels. Cortisol is just a little low in the AM, but it follows a nice downward curve over the course of the day. The gut is good, paleo has really helped with that. The main symptoms of adrenal fatigue were just fat gain in weird places (for a guy), brain fog (or am I just getting old) ultimately insomnia and heart palpitations/ anxiety. – mgood66 Dec 8 2011 at 0:32

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Dorado Galore · Answer 2 · 2011-12-07 04:15:35Z UTC

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Why are you committed to "not taking actual DHEA"? Why start there?

answered Dec 7 2011 at 4:15

Dorado Galore
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I guess I've been nervous about it after the experience I had with pregnenolone. I suppose it's worth a try. Starting with licorice root in the mornings and working my way up to DHEA. – mgood66 Dec 8 2011 at 0:41

Jess · Answer 3 · 2011-12-08 00:55:41Z UTC

Diet is very important guys, but alot of these kind of problems are in the brain...our thought processes. I suffered panic attacks for a year and half. It wasn't until I worked on myself (brain) that things started to change, and for the better. I found what I needed at the-unexplainable-store.com. Since then I've been conquering 2 other personal problems with their help. Hope this helps someone.

Holly · Answer 4 · 2012-12-30 15:10:47Z UTC

I know that whenever I try taking even very small doses of either pregnenolone or DHEA I always get subsequent anxiety and insomnia. I am assuming that this is because they both have the potential to shunt to cortisol, and always seems to in my case. 7 keto DHEA does not have that affect on me however. I have heard conflicting info whether or not 7 keto is good at raising actual DHEA levels. I do notice that it does help with energy a bit

Henry S · Answer 5 · 2012-12-30 19:19:53Z UTC

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Oh i understand adrenal fatigue. Best things so far is no porn, no masturbating, no excessive electronic use of any kind, no caffeine. Yeup.

answered Dec 30 at 19:19

Henry S
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Adrenals, DHEA, Anxiety

5 Answers