I don't believe the PDR is a good source for judging the safety and efficacy of physiological dosing and treatment for adrenal insufficiency for reasons stated in the article I posted by Dr. Jeffries above. For example, package inserts for cortisol still do not differentiate between the effects of physiologic versus pharmacologic amounts of these normal hormones, implying that any dosage might produce any of the grim side effects that occur only with the administration of excessive amounts. Physiological dosing of cortisone is extremely small in comparison to the enormous and pharmacological amounts of which the PDR refers.

As far as testing goes, here is but one example of one lab which does a comprehensive saliva adrenocortex stress profile. It's from Genova Labs. There are other reputable labs which will do this sort of functional testing which also will have the patient provide saliva examples over an extended period of time, not just one day.

From Genova on the AdrenoCortex Stress Saliva Profile Test:

" A powerful and precise non-invasive assay, the Adrenocortex Stress Profile evaluates bioactive levels of the body's important stress hormones, cortisol and DHEA. This profile serves as a critical tool for uncovering biochemical imbalances that can underly anxiety, chronic fatigue, obesity, diabetes and a host of other clinical conditions. It's also a crucial tool for monitoring DHEA and/or cortisone therapy.

Adrenocortex Stress Pic HormonesChanging amounts of DHEA and cortisol over an individual's lifetime may signal important alterations in adrenal function that can profoundly affect his/her energy levels, emotional state, disease resistance, and general sense of well-being. That's because adrenal hormones exert a profound influence on the body's carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, immune response, thyroid function, cardiovascular health, and overall resistance to stress.

The Adrenocortex Stress Profile accurately measures unbound levels of both cortisol and DHEA, and provides a complete circadian analysis of cortisol activity. Controlled collection times allow for accurate baseline testing and effective monitoring of hormone replacement therapy. Saliva samples can be easily collected by the patient at home or at work."

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"The Safe Uses of Cortisol" is pretty much the Gold Reference Book for physicians and practitioners who treat adrenal insufficiency. It provides detailed information on the various aspects of adrenal exhaustion/addison's disease as well as precise and detailed information on the dosing and use of cortisol -- the bio-identical form of cortisol, by the way, is called Cortef. Dr. William Jeffries is the author. This book was originally published in 1981, I believe after decades of research. It is now in it's 3rd printing.

None of the statements made in this body of work have been disproven. None! Despite the fact that at the time of the first publishing, the statement might have seemed contrary to popular and accepted ideas at that time.

Over the past 25 years a paradigm shift has occurred. Adrenal insufficiency is not ignored as much today as it once was. And it is treated successfully.

We all can't agree on everything, that's for sure. But for anyone that is reading this thread and wants to learn more about Adrenal Fatigue, Adrenal Exhaustion, Adrenal Insufficiency, there is plenty of information out there on the internet. Another good, reputable, and proven source to get further information is the book I've mentioned above.

And please don't rely on just one source, such as the Physician's Desk Reference, for information on treating a disease. We have at our fingertips mountains of information via computer.

As I've said in other threads -- no one has to take my word for it -- there are far more sage people who have spoken before me in other places about this topic.

Adrenal Fatigue is serious and it is commonly caused by mercury. Adrenal Fatigue can be treated. And in so doing, it can help mercury toxic people proceed at a much safer level with any other treatment or healing plans they might have to rid themselves of mercury toxicity.


SomedaySoon (Sharon)