Adrenal Fatigue

First of all, no baby this month.  : (

I was pretty upset for a while, but I had another appointment with my FertilityCare NP (nurse practitioner) yesterday, and now I have more information about what is causing my hormone imbalances.

Let me recap:  My thyroid hormones are abnormal, as are my progesterone levels.  I started progesterone support last cycle.  In order to get a clearer picture regarding my thyroid, my NP recommended a couple more tests.  This was to determine what is causing my thyroid hormone abnormality. 

The findings from the cortisol saliva test are that my cortisol levels are normal in the morning, but are too low at mid-day and afternoon.  Then, at night, my cortisol levels are too high.  This is a sign of an adrenal problem.  The NP described mine as "adrenal fatigue."

In order to remedy this, I am starting licorice root upon waking and at noon through CD 10 in order to increase the half-life of my cortisol (keep it in my system longer).  I am not supposed to take the licorice root beyond day 10 because I am trying to conceive, and one of the side effects of this drug is that it can elevate your blood pressure.  Another thing I am supposed to try is to lay down in the afternoon for 15-20 minutes in order to reset my cortisol. 

I told the NP about some other symptoms I have been having, and she thinks I may be experiencing hypoglycemia, so I am not supposed to have any simple sugars or fruit sugars before 11:00am.  Then, it is recommended that I have a high protein snack in the afternoon.   

So, this is the course of action I'm taking for now.  I am really hoping and praying that these adrenal problems can be remedied and are not the beginning of something more serious.  Although the NP did not allude to this being the development of a serious problem, as I was doing research on the adrenal system, of course, there were some more serious disorders that popped up.  I know I need to give this up to God and not let my thoughts carry me into unnecessary worry.  Could you please say a prayer for me?  Thank you so much.

Prayer Buddy

I'm fairly new to this blogging world, so I completely overlooked the fact that I am supposed to post whom I have been praying for this Lenten season!  I had the privelage to pray for Cheerfully Chaotic.  I have found her blog to be such a treat and breath of fresh air.  It appears she actually has two blogs: the aforementioned...and then Cheerfully Chaotic Kitchen.  I have already found at least one recipe I would like to try from her site!  I look forward to exploring more of her ideas.  Cheerfully Chaotic, I remembered you in the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplets as well as offering up your intentions during the Holy Mass.  I can't remember whom I learned this effective prayer from here in the Catholic blogosphere, but I also tried to remember you at the moment I received the Eucharist.  I hope you can feel God's grace in your life more strongly, and I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

I was also pleased to learn that Love Came Down has been praying for me during Lent.  I had not happened upon her blog yet, so it was wonderful to find yet another IF-er here in cyberspace.  Thank you so much for your prayers for me, Love Came Down!!  I am so very appreciative.  It was a difficult, but wonderful Lent and now a very blessed Easter season!