The following is the body of an email I sent to my endocrinologist and my neprhologist in regards to my elevated cortisol:
I’m going to organize a spreadsheet so I can get an idea of the changes in my DHEA and my cortisol levels. Would you be interested in reviewing this spreadsheet? If so, is there any other item you’d like to see tracked on this spreadsheet?
For years* My DHEA has been excessively high (*10+ thereabouts, though, I only have on hand blood reports dating back to 2006 (I’m sure I’ve got earlier blood test results at home, just misplaced/MIA at the moment), and since my weight loss surgery in 2011, the DHEA has lowered, yet the cortisol is now spiking.
What little I have read about DHEA and cortisol, they emanate from the same area of the adrenals, and I wonder if there is a connection? I have three major concerns regarding my cortisol:
1. I do not want to be a “nervous Nellie” of a patient; however, I have made considerable progress with my weight loss surgery, and do not want the elevated cortisol to undermine my progress. To date, I have not lost any weight since January 2012, and I am now 2 years and 7 months post-op.
2. I am also concerned about my blood pressure, which remains on the high side, despite my dosage of Quinipril being upped to 40 mg 1x daily.
3. Sleep. Prior to my WLS in 2011, I had been using a CPAP for apnea and discontinued using it as I was not convinced I was getting any benefit. Weight loss notwithstanding, my sleep continues to be a big issue. Not only do I have problems falling asleep, but I also have problems MAINTAINING sleep. I wake up several times a night.
Unrelated, I have been having palpitations or possibly anxiety/panic attacks occasionally, and not sure if this is related. Is there some dietary supplement (i.e. Relora?) from which I might derive some benefit? I’m curious about what the next step will be in solving this mystery.
###
In the meantime I'm debating sending a note to endo guy to see if they can test my melatonin, cortisol and DHEA regularly to monitor this. I took melatonin last night (3 mg) and managed to get to bed by 11, and I think I remained asleep until 7:45 this a.m. Don't want to get in the habit of using this until I get a baseline for my melatonin to see if that's the key to unlock what's wrong w/the cortisol.
I’m going to organize a spreadsheet so I can get an idea of the changes in my DHEA and my cortisol levels. Would you be interested in reviewing this spreadsheet? If so, is there any other item you’d like to see tracked on this spreadsheet?
For years* My DHEA has been excessively high (*10+ thereabouts, though, I only have on hand blood reports dating back to 2006 (I’m sure I’ve got earlier blood test results at home, just misplaced/MIA at the moment), and since my weight loss surgery in 2011, the DHEA has lowered, yet the cortisol is now spiking.
What little I have read about DHEA and cortisol, they emanate from the same area of the adrenals, and I wonder if there is a connection? I have three major concerns regarding my cortisol:
1. I do not want to be a “nervous Nellie” of a patient; however, I have made considerable progress with my weight loss surgery, and do not want the elevated cortisol to undermine my progress. To date, I have not lost any weight since January 2012, and I am now 2 years and 7 months post-op.
2. I am also concerned about my blood pressure, which remains on the high side, despite my dosage of Quinipril being upped to 40 mg 1x daily.
3. Sleep. Prior to my WLS in 2011, I had been using a CPAP for apnea and discontinued using it as I was not convinced I was getting any benefit. Weight loss notwithstanding, my sleep continues to be a big issue. Not only do I have problems falling asleep, but I also have problems MAINTAINING sleep. I wake up several times a night.
Unrelated, I have been having palpitations or possibly anxiety/panic attacks occasionally, and not sure if this is related. Is there some dietary supplement (i.e. Relora?) from which I might derive some benefit? I’m curious about what the next step will be in solving this mystery.
###
In the meantime I'm debating sending a note to endo guy to see if they can test my melatonin, cortisol and DHEA regularly to monitor this. I took melatonin last night (3 mg) and managed to get to bed by 11, and I think I remained asleep until 7:45 this a.m. Don't want to get in the habit of using this until I get a baseline for my melatonin to see if that's the key to unlock what's wrong w/the cortisol.
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