Anyone here recover from Adrenal Fatigue ...and ride again?

[Jiffer]

Last July, when my period came and serious fatigue set in, I believed I was iron deficient per a coach and my sister, a nurse. After taking it easy on the bike for about a month, I started to feel reasonably better. Six months later, after getting serious about training again in January ... and losing weight again ... my period came again (it has a way of doing that) and the fatigue came again.

Turns out it's not iron deficiency. I apparently have mild hypothyroidism and moderate adrenal fatigue.

What I want to know is if anyone here has experienced this and with proper care of your body, were you able to get back to cycling with any intensity or endurance, without crashing your adrenals again?

[Pip]

Hi Jiffer,
Out of curiosity, how out of range were your cortisol levels? How low are they? You said you've lost weight - do you crave salt or acidic foods? Have you found that your skin is more tan than usual (including in places which don't see the sun), or that freckles and moles have darkened? Do you suffer from nausea as well as fatigue? There are many endocrinologists out there who do not believe in adrenal fatigue, regarding it as a new age attempt to sell hormone supplements, but adrenal glands certainly can fail, often as a result of an autoimmune process. Adrenal failure is more commonly known as Addison's Disease, but it is very rare. I'm just unlucky enough to have it (along with Hypothyroidism and Pernicious Anaemia - all autoimmune).

It is VERY important however that you get your thyroid hormone levels dealt to before any adrenal issues are addressed. You may find that a couple of weeks on thyroid meds will help your energy levels.

[Chile Pepper]

I don't know about adrenal fatigue, but I started taking medication for hypothyroidism a couple of years ago. It think it took six weeks for the effects to kick in (certainly more than a couple), and when they did--wow! I was skeptical about the whole thing, so I wasn't even really paying attention to my body or looking for an effect, but one day I suddenly had a sense of well-being that I hadn't felt in years. I felt more positive, energized, generous, happy--just generally up. The change was remarkable. So my experience is that, yes, addressing the thyroid issues should help you get your energy back. Just give it a little time. Hope you feel better soon!

[limewave]

Me!

After I had my first child, my thyroid started to puke-out on me. I didn't know what was going on for a long time. But my energy levels were so low that I literally sat on a couch or laid down all day. I couldn't take care of DD, do household chores, nothin--for months and months.

Anyways, after a proper diagnosis, I now manage the hypothyroidism with diet and a thyroid (http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/Thyrosol) and iodine (http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/opt_Iodoral.htm) supplement. I also have to take supplements to support my adrenal glad (http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/Adrenogen). If I don't, I suffer from anxiety attacks. All the supplements I'm on are prescribed by my doctor.

All that said, I do race mountain bikes and ride hard on the road. I'm currently training for a 25k AND a mountain bike race simultaneously. However, I have noticed that following a traditional periodization schedule of a 3 week build and 1 week rest is a bit much for me. I'm now experimenting with a 2 week build with a 1 week rest.

When I think about my state 4 years ago, my lethargy and how much I slept . . . to what I do now everyday--it's a miracle.

Good luck! Our bodies can be a real challenge sometimes.

[Dogmama]

Limewave,

Tell me about your diet. I've been teaching many spin classes, riding and trying to get ready to run a half marathon. Normally, I wouldn't feel the intense fatigue that I have - and I suspect diet tweaking would be a good thing. I do take Synthroid and have my levels checked regularly, so that isn't the problem.

Thanks!

[limewave]

It's basically a whole-foods diet. Lots of veggies and fruit. I try to eat Gluten-free, but we can't always afford gluten-free bread. And I rarely eat red meat. I'll be the first to admit that I don't stick to this 100%. And I'll also be the first to admit that when I stray from that diet, I feel it greatly. I'll get fatigued and depressed.

I've also been experimenting with fueling my workouts. For every 45 minutes of cardio, I make sure to take in 1 serving of Endura (http://www.amazon.com/Metagenics-Endura-Energy-Rehydration-Formula/dp/B001ECZKCG). And for every additional 30 minutes beyond the first 60 minutes, I take a gu. For example, I did a 15 mile run last weekend that took approx. 2hrs and 15 minutes. Over the run I had 2 scoops of Endura mixed into 1 bottle of water and 1.5 gu packets. Making sure I fuel my workouts have helped my performance and recovery.

[maillotpois]

Me!

After I had my first child, my thyroid started to puke-out on me. I didn't know what was going on for a long time. But my energy levels were so low that I literally sat on a couch or laid down all day. I couldn't take care of DD, do household chores, nothin--for months and months.

Anyways, after a proper diagnosis, I now manage the hypothyroidism with diet and a thyroid (http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/Thyrosol) and iodine (http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/opt_Iodoral.htm) supplement. I also have to take supplements to support my adrenal glad (http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/Adrenogen). If I don't, I suffer from anxiety attacks. All the supplements I'm on are prescribed by my doctor.


Same here! Post-childbirth onset Hashimito's disease. I just thought I was "supposed" to be tired all the time because I had a kid and was working full time. Once the thyroid meds kicked in, it was a different world. Sure I still get tired, but it will be causally related to specific events as opposed to a chronic condition.

[Jiffer]

Hi Jiffer,
Out of curiosity, how out of range were your cortisol levels? How low are they? You said you've lost weight - do you crave salt or acidic foods? Have you found that your skin is more tan than usual (including in places which don't see the sun), or that freckles and moles have darkened? Do you suffer from nausea as well as fatigue? There are many endocrinologists out there who do not believe in adrenal fatigue, regarding it as a new age attempt to sell hormone supplements, but adrenal glands certainly can fail, often as a result of an autoimmune process. Adrenal failure is more commonly known as Addison's Disease, but it is very rare. I'm just unlucky enough to have it (along with Hypothyroidism and Pernicious Anaemia - all autoimmune).

It is VERY important however that you get your thyroid hormone levels dealt to before any adrenal issues are addressed. You may find that a couple of weeks on thyroid meds will help your energy levels.

I'm waiting for my saliva hormone test results. I initially did blood tests, not realizing that was kind of pointless. I don't have insurance, so after my initial visit to the doctor, who ruled out anemia, I have been researching on my own. I have done enough research and talked with enough people familiar with all of this, including Dr. Lam, who believe I have mild hypothyroidism and moderate adrenal fatigue. My TSH levels were not in the traditional range for hypothyroidism, but Dr. Mercola and many others who practice natural medicine believe the range is not accurate and someone with anything above 1.5 would have at least mild hypothyroidism. Mine is 2.1. I did the 24 hour cortisol saliva test last week and am waiting for results right now. I'm looking for a natural doctor to see once I get my results back.

[limewave]

Here's a simple thyroid test (which I do regularly):

One way to do an evaluation of your thyroid status: go to the drug store and buy a bottle of ordinary liquid Iodine 2% (just like you’d put on a cut). Take a cotton swab or applicator and apply a patch of iodine to your skin; an area about as big as a silver dollar, on the abdomen, leg, or anywhere on the body.
Watch this area for the next 12 hours, every hour. If the brown iodine area is absorbed into your skin and disappears in less than 12 hours, it is very likely you are thyroid deficient.

[Jiffer]

Me!

After I had my first child, my thyroid started to puke-out on me. I didn't know what was going on for a long time. But my energy levels were so low that I literally sat on a couch or laid down all day. I couldn't take care of DD, do household chores, nothin--for months and months.

Anyways, after a proper diagnosis, I now manage the hypothyroidism with diet and a thyroid (http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/Thyrosol) and iodine (http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/opt_Iodoral.htm) supplement. I also have to take supplements to support my adrenal glad (http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/Adrenogen). If I don't, I suffer from anxiety attacks. All the supplements I'm on are prescribed by my doctor.

All that said, I do race mountain bikes and ride hard on the road. I'm currently training for a 25k AND a mountain bike race simultaneously. However, I have noticed that following a traditional periodization schedule of a 3 week build and 1 week rest is a bit much for me. I'm now experimenting with a 2 week build with a 1 week rest.

When I think about my state 4 years ago, my lethargy and how much I slept . . . to what I do now everyday--it's a miracle.

Good luck! Our bodies can be a real challenge sometimes.

Yay! That's exactly what I wanted to hear. I've been talking to a lady who runs a yahoo group, who has studied natural healing and adrenal fatigue for like 40 years. She is very knowledgeable on the subject. I asked her what she thought about me riding competitively again. Her answer, which I'm pasting below, made me literally cry.

I don't know about competitively, may be too early to
tell.

But there's still riding for fun and therapy.

Unfortunately you're in a social circle where it seems
everyone rides competitively and that's the basis of the
social relationships.

But I'm sure you'll be able to branch out to new interests
and new moderation with cycling, and adding some more
emphasis on machine strength training, yoga, chi gong, tennis,
etc.

A lot of it is your own "head" or mindset in the way
of your short- and long-term wellness,
your worldly identity as a competitive road cyclist,
your social circle of road cyclists. Little room for
contingencies in that narrow definition.

A lot of aerobic endurance athletes just get older and
find other things to do, epxand their interests, dare to
be different, add new friends, learn to think of
themselves in new ways.


She comes across as kind of condescending to me. This silly little thing called cycling. It's like she gets all psychological and like she's trying to convince me it's not as big of a deal as I may think it is. Cycling is the first form of exercise I've ever done that I love and stick with consistently. Riding "just for fun" isn't really that fun for me, on a regular basis. It's setting goals and trying to get better and stronger and faster that drives me and keeps me riding. The thrill of riding with a fast group and hanging on. Doing an event faster than I did it before. I was just getting into training for time trials when all this happened. Cycling is not my identity, it's something I love to do. And there are plenty of people in my "social club" of cyclists who don't ride as fast. There are all levels of riders in my club and I could ride with any of the slower riders any time I want, but that's not what makes me excited about riding.

So thanks for your story and encouragement. I know everyone's body is different and what is true for one person with these issues may not be true for someone else. Luckily my hypothyroidism is mild and my adrenal fatigue is basically moderate, not severe. It makes sense to me that I can ride strong again if I take care of myself and pay attention to my body. Can you tell me what you do to monitor yourself? Is it just a matter of listening to your body? You mentioned changing your build up time and rest time, etc. Do you do anything else, like check cortisol levels?

[Jiffer]

Here's a simple thyroid test (which I do regularly):

One way to do an evaluation of your thyroid status: go to the drug store and buy a bottle of ordinary liquid Iodine 2% (just like you’d put on a cut). Take a cotton swab or applicator and apply a patch of iodine to your skin; an area about as big as a silver dollar, on the abdomen, leg, or anywhere on the body.
Watch this area for the next 12 hours, every hour. If the brown iodine area is absorbed into your skin and disappears in less than 12 hours, it is very likely you are thyroid deficient.

I am familiar with this. Dr. Mercola actually advocates doing this daily to get the iodine you need if you are deficient. If it does not absorb, then you know you know you have enough.

If you aren't familiar with Dr. Mercola, I highly recommend you check him out. http://www.drmercola.com/ His site is the first place I go when I have a medical question. If you click on the "newsletter" link, you can do a search and see if he's written an article (or several) on the subject. I get his newsletter emailed to me every day. He tries to keep the world apprised of medical truths the conventional world of medicine doesn't tell you or doesn't know.

I hadn't thought about where one buys iodine, so thanks for the tip. :)

[Crankin]

Jiffer, the woman who gave you that advice was not trying to be condescending. When you get a chronic thing that zaps your strength, no matter what it is, sometimes you have to readjust your goals. And whether you want to believe it, or not, your identity is wrapped up in cycling. I know mine is, and I don't compete! Look how upset you are that you can't do what you want to do. Most likely you will recover and find a way to race again, but you might have change your expectations for awhile, while you figure this out. What would happen if you really couldn't race again? I know how you are feeling when someone tells you to find something else to do. My rheumatologist told me to ride my bike 5 miles when I was having mysterious medical issues that no one ever figured out. I was pissed as hell, but at that point, I couldn't even do that. The truth is, while I am mostly back to where I was, I can't do what I did before, without making myself sick from over training. And I am 4 years older.
I decided a long time ago that I am never giving up cycling, but every ride can't be about speed. And when you are always around other fast riders and racers, it is hard to be kind to yourself when you are not feeling well and struggling. Before I used to think, well, they are just stronger than me. Now, I know that I am not going to be like them. Ever.
You will get it figured out, but sometimes it helps to take a step back and do some other activities while that is happening. I never would have done yoga if I hadn't been sick. Not only did it help me get better, it is a perfect complement to cycling. I'm not saying that you should do this, but you should find something you love, in addition to cycling.

[Dogmama]

My rheumatologist told me to ride my bike 5 miles when I was having mysterious medical issues that no one ever figured out. I was pissed as hell, but at that point, I couldn't even do that. .

When I was rehabbing from my cervical fusion, my physical therapist gave me the same advice. I very snottily told him it wasn't worth putting on a helmet for five miles. Then I tried to ride five miles - not realizing that the jolting from the bike would kill my neck - and this was my full suspension mtb!

I think Crankin gives some good advice. I lift weights & do yoga. When my endurance tanks - like right now - I can focus on other things. For me, it's about moving my body. AND accepting that at age 56, teaching a one hour spin class, then returning 12 hours later to teach another spin class will probably mean I need a little extra recovery. :rolleyes: I don't teach "twinkie" classes.:D

BTW, "Machine weight lifting?" Use dumbbells & work on functional fitness.

[Dogmama]

It's basically a whole-foods diet. Lots of veggies and fruit. I try to eat Gluten-free, but we can't always afford gluten-free bread. And I rarely eat red meat.

That's my diet too. And I do fuel before, during & after rides & runs. Rats - I thought you were going to tell me that you eat the liver of a gnu on full moons or something...

[goldfinch]

Sorry, I have another point of view and I also have a hard time keeping my opinions to myself.

Mercola is highly criticized and was ordered by the FDA to stop making a number of unproven health claims.

http://www.quackwatch.com/11Ind/mercola.html


The Respectful Insolence and the Science Based Medicine blogs (two well respected blogs headed up by MDs) frequently call Mercola out on his psuedo-scientific nonsense, for example:

http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2009/12/arm_hammer_baking_soda_for_h1n1_influenz.php
http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/07/joe_mercolas_shampoo_woo.php

http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=9903



As far as Dr. Lam--There’s no evidence that adrenal fatigue actually exists. The Endocrine Society's (representing 14,000 endocrinologists) public education arm has stated unequivically:

• “Adrenal fatigue” is not a real medical condition.
There are no scientific facts to support the theory
that long-term mental, emotional, or physical stress
drains the adrenal glands and causes many common
symptoms.
• Adrenal insufficiency is a real disease diagnosed
through blood tests.
• There is no test that can detect adrenal fatigue.
• Supplements and vitamins made to “treat” adrenal
fatigue may not be safe. Taking these supplements
when you don’t need them can cause your adrenal
glands to stop working and may put your life in
danger.


You can read more about it here: http://www.hormone.org/Public/upload/Adrenal-Fatigue-Web.pdf

Keep in mind that when a new or alternative form of treatment shows promise it is studied and if it is safe and effective it becomes part of science based medicine. There isn't a whole other field of medicine out here called alternative medicine. If it works and is reasonably safe, it is medicine. Calling unproven medicine "natural" or "alternative" makes it sound like it is something good for you but often all it amounts to is snake oil.

Jiffer, I am sorry that you do not have health insurance. It makes me embarrassed for our country that we can't even guaranty a basic level of medical care for our citizens.

[Jiffer]

I'm not going to get into a debate, but I wholeheartedly believe in Dr. Mercola and absolutely don't trust the FDA. I'm also not going to debate adrenal fatigue. It's real. I have it.

[limewave]

All I know is what I have been through myself with a myriad of symptoms. My GP put me on all sorts of prescriptions with all sorts of strange side-effects that didn't fix anything. In fact, I became more screwed up.

Going the supplemental route through a naturapath doctor has completely changed my life. And taking supplements for my adrenal support has eliminated my anxiety attacks.

But that's just me.

[Pip]

I was hesitant to respond to Jiffer's original email for just this reason. I have a huge issue with advocates of 'natural' medicine diagnosing adrenal fatigue without the test results to support that. Andrenal fatigue is a huge money spinner for some questionable 'natural therapists'.

I am not sure why Jeffer was told blood tests are pointless. Blood tests are the gold standard for identifying whether there are adrenal issues. A blood cortisol test (accompanied by an ACTH test), and a renin test, will identify whether the adrenals are working properly. All too often I've seen people with 'adrenal fatigue' given supplements which are little more than useless, or given corticosteroids without a proper diagnosis from a qualified endocrinologist.

And yes, I am admittedly biased. In 2004 I was diagnosed with Addison's Disease, and without Hydrocortisone I would not be alive today. My adrenal glands are not 'fatigued'. They have been demonstrated to not work. However I have also spent way too much time on other related medical forums reading posts from people who are wrongly treated, or who choose to self medicate based on questionable advice.

[Dogmama]

This could get into a hot debate. I've worked with Andrew Weil & seen both sides of the medical field. I know the FDA is highly influenced by drug companies. I know that the internet has spawned some highly questionable - if not downright dangerous - medical advice. The truth is somewhere in between.

[limewave]

Just to make it clear: I was NOT diagnosed over the internet.

My doctor is a Licensed Physician. He also happens to be a certified naturapthic physician and licensed in Functional Medicine. He served as a team physician under Johan Bruyneel for several Tour de France.

I have a friend that is a chemist for a major pharmaceutical company. She is completely baffled by the supplements I take and swears there is no way they could possibly work.

But I've seen them work. I have real, tangible results that I never saw with prescription drugs.

[goldfinch]

Jiffer, I have no hope of persuading you. I am posting because I do not want others who may be on the fence and don't know much about Mercola or Lam to know that they are giving advice that is so far from standard practice that endocrinologists issue a bulletin about it. The FDA is just doing its job when ordering Mercola to quit making claims for products that are unproven. Mercola has the option of proving the effectiveness of his claims. But he doesn't. Instead he sells, sells, and sells. In fact, I think the FDA should be tougher, especially on his bogus cancer screening and treatment claims. They need to shut him down. I think it is a safety issue.

http://www.casewatch.org/fdawarning/prod/2011/mercola.shtml

Read everything. Don't put blinders on. Read all the criticism of Mercola and Lam. Read about the placebo effect. Read about how the research on how it is nearly impossible for people to change their mind and that negative information about what they believe may make them even more certain they are right. Read about every supplement you are taking and what are the risks and benefits. And if you won't read it, question yourself as to why.

Good researchers know that they can be fooled and be married to their research. They understand confirmation bias. That is why there is peer review. That is why studies need to be replicated.

It isn't a case of the truth being somewhere in between science based medicine and alternative medicine. There are faults with science based medicine. Confirmation bias. Funding issues. Big pharma is a problem. Placebo responses muddy the waters. But that does not mean in any way whatsoever that alternative medicine is better. Alternative medicine needs to prove itself too. Alternative medicine has its own lobbies. After all "big altmed" manages to lobby to not have its supplements regulated by the FDA provided that they make their claims vague enough. Altmed needs to do the studies and have them reviewed by peers. If results are intriguing then other scientists will try to replicate the work. If effects are shown beyond placebo effects (which can be surprisingly huge especially for things like pain and other amorphous complaints) and the remedies are relatively safe, it becomes medicine.

[Jiffer]

I was really trying not to get into a debate here, but someone has to speak for the side of doctors trying to actually diagnose and treat beyond what the drug companies say they should.

Adrenal Fatigue, under many different names, has been recognized, written about, discussed and treated for over one hundred years. It has been dealt with by thousands of doctors, both personally and clinically. Yet today, it is still not taught in medical schools. Only Addisons and Cushings, much more drastic forms of Adrenal Fatigue, are taught and diagnosed. Low adrenal function is a problem that has become invisible to modern science, due mostly to the pharmaceutical industry and insurance companies, which have completely altered the way doctors diagnose and treat patients in the past fifty years. Because Adrenal Fatigue is best cured with natural supplements, there is no money in it for pharmaceuticals, who came up with synthetic hormones about fifty years ago to replace the natural supplements previously prescribed. The pharmaceutical industry only wants doctors prescribing profitable chemical drugs, and medical training is hugely dependant on pharmaceutical corporations for funding, ergo no training for Adrenal Fatigue.

Because of the ever present threat of malpractice and the conservative influence of peer review boards, MDs have become much less willing and able to try something different to help their patients. To protect themselves, they don’t explore beyond lab tests or routine signs and symptoms. They simply use the traditional range for lab tests to determine what insurance company ICD code to check, and since there’s no drug to prescribe for Adrenal Fatigue, there is no box to check. If there is no box to check for Adrenal Fatigue, it simply doesn’t exist.

It's all about money. Another reason Dr. Mercola is constantly attacked by the FDA. They don't care about actual health. Just money. And those in traditional medicine that do care about actual health are sucked into their way of thinking, as if it's absolute truth and natural medicine is quackery.

[Jiffer]

By the way, I do appreciate that you are truly trying to be helpful in pointing out what you believe to be true. I just truly believe the opposite and am speaking up for myself and others who believe the same. I really just wanted to get some encouragement from those who have been where I am and are now riding strongly again.

[goldfinch]

Well, we each said our piece.

[Pip]

Exactly, thanks Goldfinch. You've said what I would have said had I more time, and quoted the same kinds of sources I would have. I personally would rather listen to my endocrinologist, who has studied adrenal problems for years and is up to date with the latest research, than someone who has been openly discredited. My husband suggested this link:
http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/

I also wonder Jeffers why you are so certain you have adrenal fatigue when by your own admission you haven't had your saliva test results back yet. Nor did you respond to my questions about your symptoms, which referred to real and genuine symptoms of adrenal issues, beyond that of generalised fatigue. I hope you find your answers, but there is no creditable evidence to show that adrenal glands can suffer fatigue as a result of stress, nor is there any real evidence that they can recover after the use of natural supplementation.

As for your initial question, I suffered from autoimmune adrenal failure. I was tested and diagnosed appropriately, hospitalised until I was stable, and prescribed Corticosteroids. Once I began treatment I overnight went from being able to walk 100 metres without needing to sit down to wanting to run around the ward. 8 years later I run marathons and ride 100k on the weekend for fun. Not all Addisons patients are as lucky as me, but it certainly is possible to recover and begin riding again, under proper medical supervision. I hope that you get to the bottom of whatever is causing your health issues, and that you reach that point again yourself.