I wish I had more energy!

The two adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and are the size of walnuts.  The adrenal glands are our stress glands and produce many powerful hormones to combat stress.  The adrenal gland produces cortisol, which is the naturally occurring steroid hormone that is secreted in response to stress.  In the face of emotional or physical stress, injury, infection, inflammation, allergies or hormonal decline the adrenal glands responds by producing cortisone.  If the stress is chronic, the adrenal glands become fatigued and produce lower and lower levels of cortisol.  The adrenal gland's ability to function also decreases with age.  Cortisol potentiates the immune system's ability to fight infections.  Cortisol also promotes function of thyroid hormones and the sex hormones by the cells of the body.  It is the body's natural anti-inflammatory hormone.  Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:

• Morning fatigue
• Asthma
• Emotional stress
• Low blood pressure
• Joint pain
• Low libido
• Infertility
• Hormonal imbalance
• Allergies
• Recurrent infections
• Chronic pain or physical stress
• Fainting spells
• Muscle pain
• Hair loss
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Hypothyroidism 

If the adrenal gland is under stress and unable to produce the proper amount of cortisol, then the thyroid gland and the sex organs become stressed.  The hormones produced by the thyroid gland, ovaries, testicles and adrenal glands work together in synergy.  If we have the proper physiological doses of these hormones in our cells, then our body will be healthy and well.  If we produce too little of these hormones, then our cells function poorly and we become unhealthy and ill.  It is this decline in hormone production that causes aging and leads to a host of degenerative problems.

When we treat adrenal fatigue, which may include bio-identical cortisone, we are attempting to ensure that your hormone levels are maintained in a proper physiological range.  As long as your hormones are supplemented appropriately, they will only have positive effects.

Bio-identical cortisol replaces the identical cortisol that is normally produced by your body, but is in insufficient quantities due to adrenal fatigue.  This has the effect of relieving the stress on the adrenal gland and allowing the synergistic effect between cortisol, thyroid and sex hormones to occur.  This has the inevitable effect of promoting health and wellness.

By supplementing your hormones at  appropriate physiological doses, there will be no long term or adverse side effects; only positive benefits to your health.  Remember that the aging process is caused by the gradual and insidious decline of our various hormone levels.  If we want to remain healthy and well, we must maintain our hormones within the physiological range that we experienced when we were younger, healthy and full of vitality.

The adrenal gland also makes several  key hormones such as dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and adrostenedione.  These hormones have androgenic (muscle building) effects similar to testosterone but they are not as powerful as testosterone.  In women, after menopause, these hormones may be converted in the fat cells of the body to estrogen hormones.

Dr. Wycoff recommends the following "Metagenics" nutritional products for improving adrenal gland function and adrenal fatigue:  please note - you may find more specific product information at

www.wycoffwellness.meta-ehealth.com or by clicking on the blue "Metagenics" logo to the left of this page.

• Adrenogen - Provides nutritional support for adrenal function by combining high-quality nutrients that are involved in adrenal hormone regulation.  It contains adrenal glandular extract to help regulate normal adrenal gland function.
• Adreset - Features standardized extracts of the adrenal adaptogenic herbs;ginseng, rhodiola and cordyceps.  This product targets individuals who are "stressed and wired."
• BioSom - This product contains liquid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to promote healthy adrenal function.  DHEA may modulate metabolism of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which may influence immune function, bone mass and body composition.
• Cortico-B5/B6 - Supplies significant amounts of Pantothenic Acid (vitamin B5) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) that are important for adrenal hormone production and regulation.
• Exhilarin - Provides a blend of herbs that are used to relieve stress and help maintain mental acuity and support overall well-being.  It will assist the body's natural ability to adapt to a stressful environment.
• Serenagen - Comprehensive herbal stress management formula for those "stressed and wired" individuals.  It is designed to help maintain equilibrium between body systems and promote a sense of inner calm.
• Trancor - Formulated to support a sense of tranquility in those who may feel worried or nervous by beneficially modulating the balance between the calming influence of the neurotransmitter GABA and the excitatory effects of glutamate.  The components work together to promote a sense of relaxation and inner calm.
• Tran-Q - Contains herbs that help maintain a calm spirit, relax the body and quiet the heart.  The herbs in this formula help balance the flow of energy throughout the body and promote relaxation and a sense of well-being.
• Ultra Potent C 1000 - A high potency form of Vitamin C essential for adequate adrenal gland function.