http://www.ei-resource.org/ 2991-370 http://www.ei-resource.org/treatment-%11-medications/other-hormonal-medications/hydrocortisone/ As a chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) sufferer in which low cortisol, and dysfunctional adrenal glands in general, have been documented I undertook an adrenal stress index (ASI) test which confirmed I had low levels of cortisol, particularly in the morning when they should be their highest. This fit with my symptoms of not being able to get going in the morning. I frequently sleep until past 10am and don't really get going with my day until approaching midday. A few years back I tried low dose hydrocortisone therapy taking 10-15mg in the mornings. At first I did notice a definiate improvement in my energy levels, particularly in the morning. I actually felt like getting up in the morning and tackling the business of the day and was much more able to do so. I only maintained the therapy for a period of a month however as I started to notice signs of liver toxicity, something I have struggled with anyway (pale stools, abdominal pain, jaundice etc). This is not likely to affect a lot of other CFS sufferers as it was an existing problem for me...but worth mentioning as all steroids are liver toxic at higher dosages. I do feel as well though that although initial benefits were impressive, they did start to wear of a bit, even after only a month. This would seem to confirm the results of the studies showing suppression of natural cortisol production. I'd therefore have to caution against the use of this treatment. ]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:04:07 +0100