[marni]

I have been taking phen on and off for 10 years. I recently stop taking it entirely was off for almost 13 months. Finally symtpoms of minimal hypthyroid are showing up-unfortunately not enough to get thryoid meds though so i am on my own..... Right after stopping I developed cushings- and put on almost 65lbs in 3 months(definetly not eating too much it just came on so fast about 5lbs a week sometimes more then that)
Does anyone know if phen blocks cortisol or increases it?
How exactly does it work in regards to the endocrine system? what does it affect in the adrenals and pituitary, and chemicals like epinephrin and leptin,DHEA,cortisol?I am wondering if finally stopping caused my body to overproduce the cortisol-I am not sure if phen blocks or increase the cortisol part. My endo has no idea what is going on at this point and has minimal info on the way phen works or what the long term affects could be. I am goping back on because nothing else has ever made me loose weight like phen and I cant stand being this heavy I have always been 120ish now I am a huge 170lbs. This is a horrible way to be but with drs not having any more info I have no choice unless I want to be like this forever.
Also has anyone heard anything about adrenal fatigue caused from using phen long term?
Any feedback is appreciated as I am desperate now and have no idea what to do next. I am hoping the dr will prescribe it again to me

[susanpesek]

COPIED, but it may help!
"The adrenal glands produce three types of steroid hormones: glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and androgens (DHEA/DHEAS). Cortisol enables the body to respond and adapt to the stresses of daily life. It also helps to maintain blood sugar levels and promote
a healthy immune system. Aldosterone works to balance salt and water in the body. Androgens secreted by the adrenals provide the majority of DHEA for both men and women. For women, the adrenal glands are the major source of testosterone. Imbalances in the adrenal system can contribute
to problems with the nervous and immune systems, body composition difficulties, blood sugar irregularities, and high androgen levels.
Symptoms of adrenal imbalance(in alphabetical order), allergies, asthma, arthritis bone loss, chemical sensitivities, morning and evening fatigue, high blood sugar, increased abdominal fat, memory lapses, sleep disturbances, and sugar cravings .

Many people experience high levels of mental and emotional stress on a regular basis putting a
significant strain on adrenal function. The adrenal glands are two triangle-shaped glands that sit over
your kidneys, and are primarily responsible for governing the body’s adaptations to stress of any kind.
When stress becomes excessive, or is not well-managed, the ability of the adrenal glands to do their
job becomes compromised. The adrenals normally secrete cortisol in response to stress, exercise or
excitement, and in reaction to low blood sugar.
The body normally secretes the highest amount of cortisol in the morning to get us going, with levels
decreasing throughout the day. People with adrenal imbalance will often have abnormally high or
low cortisol levels throughout the day. If stress remains too high, the adrenals are forced to
overproduce cortisol continuously. After a prolonged period of time, the adrenals can no longer keep
up with demand and total cortisol output plummets, leading to adrenal exhaustion.
The hallmark symptoms of adrenal dysfunction are stress and fatigue that is not alleviated with sleep,
or that tired all the time feeling. Other common symptoms include sleep disturbances and/or
insomnia, anxiety, depression, increased susceptibility to infections, reduced tolerance for stress,
craving for sweets, allergies, chemical sensitivities and a tendency to feel cold. Saliva testing charts
the extent to which cortisol levels are out of balance and test results can be used as part of a strategy
that looks at the whole person and his or her lifestyle. It is helpful to work with a doctor who can
design a complete program of hormone balance and then monitor your progress. You can begin to
support adrenal function on your own by avoiding hydrogenated fats, excess caffeine, refined
carbohydrates, alcohol, and sugar. Get plenty of quality protein and eat regular meals of high
nutritional value. The key to success is to discover and practice stress management in whatever form
works for you personally. Take time out, evaluate the stressors in your life, and find ways of
expressing yourself creatively. Get enough rest and sleep. And last but not least, keep a sense of
humor!

Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome

Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome affects an estimated 80% of adults at some point in their lives. Yet, it is
one of the most under-diagnosed illnesses in the U.S. Often, patients go from doctor to doctor trying
to find out why they feel exhausted and sick. Too often they’re told that there is nothing wrong with
them or, worse, they are made to feel like hypochondriacs. What are Adrenal Glands? The adrenal
glands (also known as suprarenal glands), sit on top of the kidneys and are chiefly responsible for
regulating the body's stress response through the synthesis of corticosteroids and catecholamines,
including cortisol and adrenaline. In other words, the task of your adrenal glands is to rush all your
body’s resources into “fight or flight” mode by increasing production of adrenaline and other
hormones. When healthy, your adrenals can instantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure,
release your energy-stores for immediate use, slow your digestion and other secondary functions, and
sharpen your senses.
What is Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome?
Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome comes from a failure of the adrenal glands to efficiently produce
hormones. The adrenal glands secrete cortisol, a hormone fundamental to optimal health. An excess
of cortisol in the body can lead to severe problems, including Cushing's syndrome. However, when
released in normal levels by the adrenal gland, cortisol is essential to helping our bodies cope with
stress and to fight infection– without cortisol the body cannot sustain life! Balance is crucial.
Cortisol affects every tissue, organ, and gland in the body. When the adrenal glands are fatigued, they
do not supply the body with enough cortisol. The body does what it can to get by, but it is not without
consequences. As such, Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome generally precedes other chronic conditions. A
deficiency in adrenal gland functioning can result in debilitating symptoms such as chronic fatigue,
increased susceptibility to illness, lowered sex drive, lethargy, and weight gain.
You may have Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome if you are experiencing any of these symptoms: Fatigue,
lethargy, lack of energy in the mornings, also in the afternoon between 3 and 5 pm. Often feel tired
between 9 and 10 pm, but resist going to bed, lightheadedness (including dizziness and fainting) when
rising from a sitting or laying-down position, lowered blood pressure and blood sugar, difficulty
concentrating or remembering (brain fog), consistently feeling unwell or difficulty recovering from
infections, craving either salty or sugary foods to keep going, unexplained hair loss, nausea,
alternating constipation and diarrhea, mild depression, decreased sex drive, sleep difficulties,
unexplained pain in the upper back or neck, increased symptoms of PMS for women – periods are
heavy and then stop (or almost stop) on the 4th day, only to start flowing again on the 5th or 6th day,
tendency to gain weight and inability to lose it, especially around the waist, high frequency of getting
the flu and other respiratory diseases, plus a tendency for them to last longer than usual.
All of these symptoms might be caused by an inability for your body to produce enough cortisol – the
root cause of adrenal fatigue syndrome. Diagnosis -- The following tests and procedures may help you
find out what is causing Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome: Online Self-assessments such as the “Candidiasis
Self-Assessment” and the “Magnesium Assessment”can help you determine some of the root cause(s)
of your chronic conditions. Learn more about self-assessments.
Adrenal Function Test (AFT) – Measures levels of DHEA and cortisol during four periods of the day
to determine if there is a hormone imbalance. This is a comprehensive evaluation of adrenal
functioning recommended for those with excessive stress, allergies, chronic fatigue, and sleep
problems—all indicators of immune dysfunction.1
Morning Cortisol – Too much or too little cortisol can signal a hormone imbalance. If there are
noticeable levels of stress or fatigue in the morning, this test may indicate problems with cortisol
levels.1
AM/PM Cortisol – Too much or too little cortisol can signal a hormone imbalance. If there are
noticeable levels of stress and fatigue in the mornings and again in the afternoon, this test may
indicate problems with cortisol levels.1
DHEA-S – Measures levels of the DHEA hormone using saliva sent to a lab for analysis. DHEA,
with testosterone, are key factors in muscle mass and energy—and are strongly linked to depression,
weight gain, and cardiovascular disease.2
Hormone Profile III + AFT – Measures levels of estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and
all four cortisol levels—morning, noon, evening, and night. This is the most complete test of how
hormone levels relate to symptoms of menopause, andropause, and adrenal function.1
ACTH Challenge Test – The ACTH test is generally ordered when cortisol levels are low. It measures
the levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)—a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that,
in turn, tells the adrenal glands to secrete cortisol-2. Cortisol test – Measures levels of cortisol in the
blood. Cortisol helps keep blood sugar levels normal, control inflammation, boost the immune
system, regulate metabolism and body temperature, and influence blood pressure. A doctor-ordered
cortisol test may be done using blood samples taken in the morning and again in the afternoon. Or,
it can be done using urine collected over a 24-hour period. Often the results can be affected by stress,

pregnancy, hypoglycemia, eating or drinking prior to the test, or other medications.
~~~~~
ALSO~~~There is a wide variety of possible causes of adrenal hormone imbalance. Although most of which are linked with improper and unhealthy lifestyle practices, there are also some which are inherited. In some cases, the condition can also be caused by various environmental factors. In order to find the proper treatment for the situation, it is quite important to first determine the root of the problem.
In most cases, adrenal hormone imbalance can be caused by unhealthy dietary practices. If you are drinking too much coffee matched with several bars of chocolate in a week, there is a high chance that you will have an unbalanced set of hormones in no time. Fried foods and poor quality fats are also primary cause of this condition. Drinking too much wine or alcohol and inadequate intake of good fiber sources can also result to the condition.
Aside from dietary practices, medical care can also cause adrenal hormone imbalance. If you have had some hormone treatments or antibiotic treatments before, you are highly at risk of having the condition. Hormonal imbalance also stems from taking medications that affect the liver function and/or using too many pain relievers.
You can also be prone to hormonal imbalance if you have a family history of cancer, stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases. If you live a sedentary life that’s bombarded with stress and trauma, then you ought to be ready because such are also prime causes of estrogen dominance.

[marni]

great info Thanks so much for researching this stuff and posting it for me.....
I want to know if phentermine affects the levels of cortisol. Nothing i am finding says anything with regard to it affecting it directly or indirectly....
the info you gave me is more in depth then what i was finding before though so thanks again!