<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> This was my original message, my summary will follow. >Although I've been GF for over a year, I still experienced fatigue, mental >and physical, so I went to see a doctor and he had my cortisol level tested >am and pm. > >When the test came back, my cortisol level was twice the normal maximum and >my DHEA level was low. So it means that I am suffering from adrenal >exhaustion and I should take DHEA to lower my cortisol level. > >Since DHEA supplement is forbidden in Canada, I've ordered though internet >and hope it will get through. I ordered 7-keto, because it seems that the >DHEA form is not good for women. I also ordered Pregnenolone . > >Does any of this sound familiar to anyone? I read that cortisol level may >rise abnormaly under great prolonged stress. I considered that eating >gluten for years could have put a prolonged stress on my body. I received 16 answers. One person with medical training told me to seek professionnal help and even ask a second opinion if necessary because the high level of cortisol could hide a more serious disease such as Cushing syndrome. Some told me that DHEA or/and Pregnenolone helped them, some told me it made things worst. One told me that coffee could elevate cortisol (although I never drink coffee) Here are some of the comments I received: <I am now taking pregnenolone prescribed by my homeopath since my hormones <were affected by the celiac and the malabsorption of fat caused by it. I am <also taking natural pig thyroid because I was hypothyroid (also caused by <malabsorption of fat) and refuse to take the Snythroid that does NOT contain <the natural calcitonin needed to keep calcium in the bones. My hair stopped <falling out and my skin isn't so dry anymore. I sleep much better also. **** <I too suffer high cortisol, low DHEA. The ASI test, which is a saliva test, <is a really good indicator or what's happening and what time of day, etc. <I'm sorry to report that so far we haven't found a way to down-regulate my <excessive cortisol production and I fight this anxiety thing because of it. <Long term stressful life, etc. GF 3 years, also. Now one of my Drs. has me <on a protocol of Phosphorylated Serine (Seriphos) about 3 times a day along <with an extract of the adrenals called Drenatrophin that has the upper part <taken out of it. It's been about 3 weeks and I think it's helping, but <after all these years of high cortisol, I suppose my impatience to get <better isn't being helpful. I would really love to hear how you progress <and especially if you find a way out of this. DHEA on me went into the <wrong pathway and messed up my hormones. *** <Hi. Allergies also cause the release of cortisol, including all food <allergies, so you must get rid of ALL of your allergens (not just gluten) to <get your cortisol levels down. For me that was many foods. *** <I had this same problem a year ago, and my doctor put me on DHEA, just 5 mg <twice a day. I still take it, and it has made such an amazing difference. I <have another friend who is also celiac and goes to a different doctor in <this area. She takes the same dosage and is also doing great. *** <Have you tried Armour Thyroid before what you're taking? I have <anti-thyroid antibodies, but sometimes the thyroid is too stimulating and <sometimes it's fine. I'm allergic to iodine so that cuts out most <thyroid-helpers. I've taken the 5HTP several times, finally got some just <plain L-tryptophan (it's available if you know how to do it), but it's <always given me a hangover type reaction so I don't use it either. The <pregnenelone always makes me too hyper, for some reason. I think a body in <chronic stress from un-wellness reacts to lots of things negatively. It's <so very frustrating! *** (Actually, I do take thyroid medication, it is called Thyroplex and it does help me. I also take 5-HTP.) I will go investigate further with an internist. In the mean time I will try 7-keto and Pregnelonone at small doses, but I will watch carefully for adverse reactions. I will follow-up in a few months to let you know how things go. Thanks to everyone. That list is so helpfull. Johanne Johnson Montreal QC Canada.