Feeling Tired, Forgetful, Stressed?
Author
Dr. Stephen Cosentino
PRESIDENT OF EMPIRE MEDICAL TRAININGFeeling Tired, Forgetful,
Stressed?
Entry made by
Empire Medical Training
Chronic Symptoms may be a sign of Adrenal Gland Dysfunction
Adrenal glands are responsible for the production of the primary hormones cortisol and DHEA. DHEA levels during the day drop around 50% of early levels and cortisol levels drop around 90% by the end of the day. In a healthy individual, DHEA helps to supply
energy, enhances libido, functioning of our thyroid gland, and works to improve muscle tone and immune functions. Cortisol works within the body to adapt to stress and regulating a certain heart and blood pressure in relation
to stress. However, as we age or experience chronic stress both cortisol levels and DHEA output from our adrenal gland may cause an over/underproduction of both.
As part of Empire’s Anti-Aging – Module I & II course study you will be able to identify these symptoms and relationships of these steroid hormones to treat a variety of chronic indications:
- Loss of Stamina (fatigue or weakness)
- Skin and hair changes (dry, rough or coarseness)
- Menstrual cycle changes (abnormal)
- Unexpected Weight Gain (inability to lose weight)
- Low Blood Pressure and Blood Sugars (dizziness)
- Memory Loss (mental clarity)
- Allergies (IGE mediated incl. dermal: eczema)
- Sleep Disorders (poor sleep)
- Increased Irritability (emotional swings
- astro-Intestinal (constipation/indigestion)
- Other indications…
At the extreme of each of these levels for cortisol is Cushing’s Disease (overabundance of cortisol) and Addison’s Disease (insufficient cortisol levels). The key to being able to identify these symptoms and indications is patient education. The association
between high-stress levels and reduced efficiency of your adrenal glands is well documented (evidence-based) and early diagnosis and subsequent testing is key to a favorable outcome.
Salivary
testing is the “gold standard” in testing for cortisol as it is more accurate in accessing free, biologically active cortisol throughout the day. Cortisol testing is done at the time you wake up, noon, around 4:00 pm and at
bedtime (10:00 pm). DHEA testing is done at the time you wake up in the morning as a total aggregate. Results are then plotted and a “cortisol curve” is generated correlating patient results against an optimal curve. Dosing
thereafter is based upon a variety of factors including lifestyle issues, supplementation, and need for additional testing (i.e. Pyrilinks-D, Estradiol/Progesterone). Hormone replacement therapy and the use of supplements
will need to be routinely monitored.
For more chronic indications and symptoms that hormone replacement therapies can possibly help your patients please refer to Empire Medical Training’s Anti-Aging – Module I & II course for the latest standard of care in regenerative medicine. The integrative medicine concepts presented are evidence-based and the movement from various clinical approaches
for aging is fast becoming the standard of care for patients. Learn today how these practical medical procedures can benefit your patients and enjoy expanding your knowledge while realizing new, tangible income revenue streams
within your practice.