Adrenal Fatigue

Dear Dr. Meletis,

I would like to know whether taking AdaptaPhase® I and AdaptaPhase® II is safe throughout all stages of adrenal fatigue. Most of the information on this site talks about using Adaptaphase I and II for lowering cortisol levels. While I did not have a cortisol saliva test performed judging by my symptoms I suspect I have very low cortisol in the morning (extremely tired, can’t get out of bed) and high cortisol in the evening (second wind after 6 p.m., hard to get to sleep and waking up frequently throughout the night). I think this is sometimes called stage 2 adrenal fatigue. As I have read in this stage it could be fatal to take something, at least in the morning, that could further suppress cortisol levels. In my situation the goal should be to raise cortisol levels in the morning and lower cortisol levels in the evening thus restoring normal cortisol rhythm. Do you think that taking AdaptaPhase I and II could help in my particular situation? If AdaptaPhase I and II would be contraindicated in my situation could you recommend any other VRP products that I might benefit from taking? Thank you very much in advance for your assistance!

Best regards,

Mr. P.

Dear Mr. P.,

Without testing, supplementation is being based on supposition.  This is especially the case at the level of the questions you are asking. Both AdaptaPhase® I and II were originally designed to support the adrenal glands in a general, adaptogenic manner. I routinely use both with adrenal insufficiency. Yet, there is a key piece of data missing to best identify the level of adrenal challenge, and it has to do with the cortisol/DHEA ratio. If you seek to supplement without knowing DHEA levels relative to cortisol, particularly AM, Noon, Mid-afternoon and late evening the potential to trigger the very concern that you have raised exists.  A Salivary Hormone Test is available here.

The product most often used for excess adrenal cortisol presentation (including mid-riff weight) is Cortisol Control. 

You may also be having fatigue due to sleep apnea, low testosterone, thyroid issues and other conditions, so a global approach is prudent.

The information shared here is educational and is not intended as either diagnosis or treatment.  Working closely with your physician is important.

Sincerely,

Chris D. Meletis, ND