iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll ThofthThsehormones as well as potentially thyroid hormones by pituitary feedback
loop inhibition. Thus, the pituitary may stop sending messages to the ad-
renals and thyroid to produce more hormones. This may result in central
hypothyroidism, which is an abnormally low TSH (in hyperthyroidism
levels) coupled with low levels of both free T3 and T4. The person who
initially feels better with adrenal glandular extract only to crash a few
weeks to months later with symptoms of hypothyroidism and a “normal”
or “low” TSH should be suspected of HPA axis suppression.
In this case, the adrenal glandulars need to be tapered down slowly at
about a 10–20 percent reduction in dose every four days to one week.
Rapid withdrawal may cause symptoms like pain, low blood pressure,
extreme fatigue, nausea, and a rebound effect of the thyroid condition.
HPA suppression is more likely to occur at prolonged doses higher than
the normal physiological output of adrenal hormones, especially if dosed
at bedtime. Since the pituitary usually releases TSH to stimulate thyroid
production at night, adrenal extracts should never be taken at bedtime.
Remember, even though they are natural, glandulars are still steroids
and should be taken only under the supervision of a trained health care
professional.
Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is the precursor to many of the hormones produced by the ad-
renal cortex and often gets “stolen” to produce more cortisol. Pregnenolone
supplements may be given to those who are low in progesterone, aldoste-
rone, or DHEA. They should be used with extreme caution by those with
who have elevated and normal levels of aldosterone or are currently expe-
riencing fluid retention, swelling, or bloating. Unlike some of the other
hormones, aldosterone production doesn’t turn off when there is too much
of it, so pregnenolone may lead to aldosterone excess, which can cause fluid
retention and extremity pain due to nerve compression. Any signs of fluid
retention or pain warrant stopping the supplement. The fluid retention
should resolve after the pregnenolone is stopped. The pain may persist for
many weeks, requiring adequate rest and rehabilitation.
Progesterone
If hormone tests show low progesterone and the woman is experiencing
cycle irregularities, infertility, or similar types of concerns, progesterone
supplements may be employed. Again, since excess progesterone can
turn into aldosterone, the same precautions pertaining to fluid retention
should be exercised.