Cortisol Connection

General Discussion
#1

Hi there,

I’ve read several theories on here regarding Cortisol and how finasteride may affects its levels.

I’ll provide a Very brief, simplistic summary…could I get some feedback as to whether this is true to the current understanding?

Finasteride inhibits 5AR type 2, as well as 5BR.

As a result, cortisol cannot be metabolised in the body through normal regulatory pathways.

This means that the finasteride user will typically have very high cortisol levels, and more importantly, uncontrollable levels.

After long-term use, normal cortisol pathways for metabolization may be “burned out”.

When finasteride use stops, 5AR type 2 and 5BR are active again, but the pathways are no longer able to handle them properly.

In addition, there is another concern that the entire pregnalone pathway may be compromised and that it may be difficult to produce new cortisol in a timely fashion.

Very low cortisol levels (or very volatile cortisol swings) result.

I’d appreciate your thoughts on this?

cheers

#2

Cortisol is involved in all of this, many of us experience what is called pseudo cushings. Basically it’s like cushings but I would bet, like myself, no one tests positive for cushings. So the question remains why are cortisol levels effected either really really high or low. I am. It’s sure how a user takes 1mg of finasteride and exhibits the same signs as someone like me who took thousands of pills for years. If they took just 1mg it’s hard to believe there pathways burned out once they stopped since, well, they never stopped.

#3

hairlosshelp.com/forums/mess … Linear#top

Is it possible that the reason cortisol levels are affected is because finasteride inihibits the only two enzymes which regulate cortisol…5AR and 5BR?

#4

Anyone know how to increase Cortisol ?

#5

Isocort, Cortef, or Pregnenolone. I’ve used all 3 successfully.

#6

Hi moonman1,

When your Cortisol was low were you thirsty all the time ?

#7

Yes, its actually another adrenal hormone, aldosterone, that causes that. But taking cortisol can help w it.

#8

I’ve being taking Isocort for the last 3 days and have noticed no improvements does it take long to have an effect ?

#9

When I first started glucocorticoids, it took a few months for them me to notice a difference. I think it was more finding the right dosage and timing though. With isocort take 2-3 pills 4 times a day, 4 hours apart everytime. Make sure you get your first dose in at 6am every morning no matter what.

I also am taking 100mg pregnenolone twice a day which seems to help that much more.

#10

I’m confused. I thought we want to lower cortisol. My understanding was that cortisol is released during stress, but it’s not getting metabolized due to our broken 5AR enzyme. Therefore it’s hanging around too long and damaging the hippocampus.

Therefore, don’t we want to reduce cortisol?

I was reading this article:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2680862/

“Hippocampal atrophy is also frequently seen in Cushing’s syndrome, a disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the bloodstream. At least some of these effects appear to be reversible if the stress is discontinued. There is, however, evidence derived mainly from studies using rats that stress occurring shortly after birth can affect hippocampal function in ways that persist throughout life”
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocampus

“Clearly, if both adrenals are removed, replacement with hydrocortisone or prednisolone is imperative.”
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cushing%27 … d_symptoms

#11

How this could explain that there are people here with low, normal and high cortisol ? It is more plausible to me that cortisol variation is another consequence, far from cause of this nightmare

#12

Ya, good question. Idk.

I think PFS affects everyone differently. The reason I think that is, why do some guys not go bald, and some guys go totally bald? They’re wired differently. Why do some guys who take Propecia have no sides, and others who take one pill have instant PFS? Why do some guys with PFS loose their johnsons, and some guys are totally unaffected in that department, like me?

For me, it all boils down to everyone’s brains are wired differently, and therefore the implications of PFS are as varied as the rainbow.

I’ve been trying to find guys on this forum who have really bad brain impacts. I don’t like the term brain fog, because it’s a million times worse than being foggy. At least for me. In any case, I’ve been trying to find guys on this forum who have really bad brain problems and trying to figure out what helped them, because I’m assuming their brain wiring is similar to my brain wiring.

My body has been kind of guiding me through this process. It tells me it’s craving exercise, so I exercise, and that helps. It tells me it wants oranges, so I eat oranges, and that helps. It tells me it absolutely cannot tolerate sugar and junk food, so I steer clear of that, and I feel better. I feel better when I drink lots of water, so I do.

I’ve been having really strange dreams. Very euphoric. Not like dreams I’ve ever had before. I get the sense that my brain is doing something during these dreams. Rewiring itself or something. I’ve also had a constant sunburning-like feeling in the frontal lobe area of my brain, between my eyes. This is where the pituitary gland is located. It sometimes spreads down the left and right side of my brain. To me, it seems like a whip-it high, that never goes away, and I think it’s doing some serious brain damage.

Every day that goes by, I wonder how bad my brain has gotten. I have a suspicion that there’s some neurochemical in my brain that cannot be processed by the synapsis or whatever, and it’s just kind of hanging around up there doing more and more damage. That’s why I was curious about the cortisol issue. It seems to be in line with the symptoms I’ve been experiencing. I’m going to get a saliva and urine cortisol test and see where my levels are at.

I would like to get a full blood work up, but it sounds like I would have to pay for the blood work-up myself which would be very pricey. I would also like to get a hormone workup and adrenal workup. That’s probably pricey too.

I recently switched to PPO with Fallon, so I can “in theory” at least avoid the pitfall of doctors preventing me from getting blood work ups. I live in MA, and MA prevents you from getting blood workups without a doctor.

Sorry… Probably too much information. :slight_smile:

But ya, getting back to your comment. I’m not saying that cortisol is the answer to solving PFS. For right now, I’m just trying to protect my brain from further damage. That’s my number one goal. I’m not trying to solve PFS with a grand theory. I think PFS is a very complex matter which will take years of research to figure out.

#13

Here’s info on Hydrocortison from Fallon website:

hydrocortisone (oral)

Pronunciation: hye droe KOR ti sone

Brand: Cortef, Hydrocortone

Cortef 10 mg

round, white, imprinted with CORTEF 10

What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone?

Multum donot

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrocortisone, or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.

Before taking hydrocortisone, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, and about all other medicines you are using. There are many other diseases that can be affected by steroid use, and many other medicines that can interact with steroids.

Your steroid medication needs may change if you have any unusual stress such as a serious illness, fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Tell your doctor about any such situation that affects you during treatment.

Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.

Do not receive a “live” vaccine while you are taking hydrocortisone. Vaccines may not work as well while you are taking a steroid.

Multum donot

Do not stop using hydrocortisone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

Multum emt

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking a steroid, in case of emergency.

What is hydrocortisone?

Hydrocortisone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Hydrocortisone prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Hydrocortisone is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders.

Hydrocortisone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrocortisone?

Multum donot

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrocortisone, or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.

Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection. Steroids can also worsen an infection you already have, or reactivate an infection you recently had. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take hydrocortisone:
•liver disease (such as cirrhosis);
•kidney disease;
•a thyroid disorder;
•diabetes;
•a history of malaria;
•tuberculosis;
•osteoporosis;
•a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;
•glaucoma or cataracts;
•herpes infection of the eyes;
•stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis;
•depression or mental illness;
•congestive heart failure; or
•high blood pressure

Multum nopreg

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether hydrocortisone is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Multum nobrfeed

Hydrocortisone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Steroids can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.

How should I take hydrocortisone?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Your steroid medication needs may change if you have unusual stress such as a serious illness, fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Tell your doctor about any such situation that affects you.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using hydrocortisone.

Multum donot

Do not stop using hydrocortisone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

Multum emt

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking a steroid, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking steroid medication.

Multum rt

Store hydrocortisone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

Multum emt

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

A single large dose of hydrocortisone is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. However, high doses taken over a long period of time may cause weight gain, roundness of the face, increased facial hair growth, bruising, swelling, and muscle pain or weakness.

What should I avoid while taking hydrocortisone?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.

Do not receive a “live” vaccine while you are being treated with hydrocortisone. Vaccines may not work as well while you are taking a steroid.

Multum noalcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking hydrocortisone.

What are the possible side effects of hydrocortisone?

Multum emt

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Multum emt

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
•problems with your vision;
•swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
•severe depression, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizure (convulsions);
•bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood;
•pancreatitis (severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate);
•low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling); or
•dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Less serious side effects may include:
•sleep problems (insomnia), mood changes;
•acne, dry skin, thinning skin, bruising or discoloration;
•slow wound healing;
•increased sweating;
•headache, dizziness, spinning sensation;
•nausea, stomach pain, bloating; or
•changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect hydrocortisone?

There are many other medicines that can interact with steroids. Below is only a partial list of these medicines:
•aspirin (taken on a daily basis or at high doses);
•a diuretic (water pill);
•a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
•cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);
•insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth;
•ketoconazole (Nizoral);
•rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane); or
•seizure medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with hydrocortisone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

#14

Overnight Dexamethasone Suppression Test

The overnight dexamethasone suppression test checks to see how taking a corticosteroid medicine (called dexamethasone) changes the levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. This test checks for a condition in which large amounts of cortisol are produced by the adrenal glands (Cushing’s syndrome).

Normally, when the pituitary gland make less adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), the adrenal glands make less cortisol. Dexamethasone, which is like cortisol, decreases the amount of ACTH released by the pituitary gland, which in turn decreases the amount of cortisol released by the adrenal glands.

After taking a dose of dexamethasone, cortisol levels often stay abnormally high in people who have Cushing’s syndrome. Sometimes other conditions (such as major depression, alcoholism, stress, obesity, kidney failure, pregnancy, or uncontrolled diabetes) can keep cortisol levels from going down after taking a dose of dexamethasone.

The night before the blood test, you will take a pill containing dexamethasone. The next morning, the cortisol level in your blood will be measured. If your cortisol level remains high, Cushing’s syndrome may be the cause.

An ACTH test is sometimes done at the same time as the cortisol test.

#15

Cortisol in Urine

A cortisol test measures the level of the hormone cortisol in a 24-hour sample of urine. The cortisol level may show problems with the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland. Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands. Cortisol levels get higher when the pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

Cortisol has many functions. It helps the body use sugar (glucose) and fat for energy (metabolism). It helps the body manage stress. Cortisol levels can be affected by many things, such as physical or emotional stress, strenuous activity, infection, or injury.

Normally, cortisol levels rise during the early morning hours and are highest about 7 a.m. They drop very low in the evening and during the early phase of sleep. But if you sleep during the day and are up at night, this pattern may be reversed. If you do not have this daily change in cortisol levels, you may have overactive adrenal glands.

Cortisol levels vary widely throughout the day, so you collect urine over 24 hours for this test.

Why It Is Done

A cortisol test is done to find problems of the pituitary gland or adrenal glands, such as making too much hormone

#16

Cortisol in Blood

A cortisol test is done to measure the level of the hormone cortisol in the blood. The cortisol level may show problems with the adrenal glands or pituitary gland. Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands. Cortisol levels go up when the pituitary gland releases another hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

Cortisol has many functions. It helps the body use sugar (glucose) and fat for energy (metabolism), and it helps the body manage stress. Cortisol levels can be affected by many conditions, such as physical or emotional stress, strenuous activity, infection, or injury.

Normally, cortisol levels rise during the early morning hours and are highest about 7 a.m. They drop very low in the evening and during the early phase of sleep. But if you sleep during the day and are up at night, this pattern may be reversed. If you do not have this daily change (diurnal rhythm) in cortisol levels, you may have overactive adrenal glands. This condition is called Cushing’s syndrome.

The timing of the cortisol test is very important because of the way cortisol levels vary throughout a day. If your doctor thinks you might make too much cortisol, the test will probably be done late in the day. If your doctor thinks you may not be making enough, a test is usually done in the morning.

Why It Is Done

A cortisol test is done to find problems of the pituitary gland or adrenal glands, such as making too much or too little hormones

#17

Cortisol is low-medium. However the response to ACTH is stunted.

This tells me my cortisol production pathway is impaired.

#18

So do you think it would be a bad thing to take cortef?

I’m concerned because I don’t want to make things worse. I’m not in a good state right now. Making things worse, could be a real bad scenario.

I guess I could cut off a small shard of the pill and try it, just to test the waters and see how I react to it.

#19

Didn’t know this, but you can buy saliva and urine tests for cortisol off of amazon.com!

This is a godsend for people who live in bureaucratically corrupt states like MA, NJ, NY, ect. States that make it practically impossible to get a goddam blood test.

#20

I’m all for experimentation, but honestly, cortisol is something you don’t want to fuck with.

Suppressing your own production is very dangerous. Much more so then thyroid or testosterone replacement. You risk adrenal crisis, which can be fatal. I believe in self-mediciation, but in this case you very much need a doctor on board. I’ve considered similar treatment, even buying some hydrocortisone, but after much reading I concluded it isn’t something to fuck with.

Anecdotally cortisol replacement hasn’t cured PFS for anyone. It doesn’t even have much benefit for those diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency.

My advice is to avoid cortisones. Explore other methods to induce or aid your own production of cortisol. You may want to try taking a natural Adrenal Cortex supplement.