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Sun Sep 19, 2010 2:57 pm  |
Hi everyone,
Hope you're all well.
As you may have seen in other posts I've made, Ive had some problems with my skin thinning.
I've just been looking in to how having high cortisol levels over time can cause thin skin. (I am a really 'stressy' person unfortunately), so am thinking high cortisol could be a factor.
Have seen the supplement phosphatidylserine is ment to help bring down cortisol levels. Does any one have any experiences with this supplement? Thanks guys |
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 3:58 pm |
| No, never heard of this supplement, but I heard about some supplement (can't remember the name) that is supposed to lower your cortisol level, so you don't get a fat belly. |
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 4:06 pm |
There are a number of supplements reported to lower these levels. 
http://www.livestrong.com/article/29033-natural-lower-cortisol/#
Supplements
Some supplements help lower stress and cortisol levels. Herbal adaptogens, such as rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha, holy basil and ginseng may help. Also consider vitamin C, which is excellent for lowering stress and increasing energy without harmful side effects. The Life Extension Foundation also recommends fish oil, ginkgo biloba and phosphatidylserine. Phosatidylserine (PS) has been shown to inhibit excess cortisol production, according to LifeExtension Magazine. |
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I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Mon Sep 20, 2010 4:45 am |
| DarkMoon. How much vitamin C would one take to reduce cortisol? I read on the Dr Perricone site that he feels coffee, both regular and decafe, increase cortisol due to an ingredient it has (in addition to caffeine). I am trying to reduce my stress hormones to feel more relaxed and also to reduce belly fat. Any other ideas would be helpful. Harriet |
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Mon Sep 20, 2010 4:56 am |
| Regular exercise (at least 45 min per day) will reduce cortisol. Any type - but yoga would be best. Having a pet also reduces stress hormones as does meditation. |
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42! Currently using: NCN All-in-One, Mito-Q cream, Eviron AVST, Osea, Grateful Body. Wouldnt be without: Rhassoul clay, avocado oil, Glorybe Herbals hydrosols and perfume oils |
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Mon Sep 20, 2010 7:16 am |
| You may want to research adrenal fatigue. |
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Mon Sep 20, 2010 7:45 am |
I've been reading about cortisol as well as all the other "hormones" that affect weight and overall health. so interesting to learn that hormone balance impacts weight and the immune system. (yes..I've read "Ageless" by Susan Sommers)
I've decided to give myself a dyi saliva hormone test to see where all my levels are at so I can have a good plan of attack to get them in balance.
They have tests you can buy on the internet...
that you do at home and mail in for results.
Just thought I'd mention it...it is cheaper than going to the doctor for expensive blood tests. From my reading ..these saliva tests are very reliable and read actual hormone levels better than blood tests. And the best time to take them is first thing in the morning. Doctors test people all day long.
I paid $200 dollars for my test which will test for cortisol, Estrogen, Progesterone, Testerone and DHEA. If you only wanted to test for cortisol it would be much cheaper.
I hope this helps |
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Mon Sep 20, 2010 1:34 pm |
Thank you for the replies girls 
Thanks for the article Dark moon !and good luck with the diy saliva test hotdoc, hope you get lots of info from it : ) |
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Mon Sep 20, 2010 5:02 pm |
I think I tested for about all those as well. My doctor required it after she suspected adrenal fatigue and she was right. I was also tested for a full panel of my thyroid just to see if there was cause and effect there and not just from stress responses, etc.
I was first prescribed Phosphatidylserine as it is the most commonly prescribed for lowering cortisol levels. I switched to taking L-Theanine because I'm supposed to avoid soy for awhile and my supplement had soy lecthin in it. But if that is not an issue for you, then it should work well. When I took it, I liked it as I didn't "feel" it working nor did it bother me on an empty stomach.
Does your test have you taking a saliva sample at 4 different times of the day? Mine did, as it was explained that there are ideal ranges that our coristol levels should be at certain times of the day. Mine were all out of whack expect for the nighttime range where is when I feel quite normal.
So for the last 3 months, I take a supplement in the morning, noon, and afternoon ranges. I take some Adrenal Support in the morning to raise my levels and the later ones I take L-Theanine to regulate them from being too high. There are a few supplements that can work, so it's just finding one that fits you. I noticed a huge difference in the morning as I can feel awake without wanting to take a nap later no matter how much good sleep I had. At the 6 month mark, I will test again to see the results. On side note, with my other hormones being off, I now take Vitex which has worked out well for me with my cycles and hormonal breakouts.
I highly recommend to others to get tested if you can, if it can make a difference in the quality of your health. This coming from a person who is afraid of needles and sorta faints when she's in hospitals. |
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Tue Sep 21, 2010 5:06 am |
| thanks from me too. very good and useful feedback. I'll see which ones to try or retry. Harriet |
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Tue Sep 28, 2010 4:59 pm |
You know, I have been meaning to do more research on the whole cortisol thing, because my skin is rapidly thinning and because how young I am, I think there is a connection. I think that it is due to stress. I have been meaning to get this book from the library:
Cortisol control and the beauty connection : the all-natural, inside-out approach to reversing wrinkles, preventing acne, and improving skin tone /
by Talbott, Shawn M.
I just need to pay my overdue book fines!  |
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Tue Sep 28, 2010 8:49 pm |
| Please get your cortisol levels checked first before taking any supplements for it. As far as those pills that promise to lower cortisol levels and reduce belly fat, I looked at the possible side effects and they were scary - including the hair loss part. Sorry, didn't mean to sound negative. Just erring on the conservative side. |
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Tue Sep 28, 2010 8:58 pm |
| Blaze wrote: |
| Please get your cortisol levels checked first before taking any supplements for it. As far as those pills that promise to lower cortisol levels and reduce belly fat, I looked at the possible side effects and they were scary - including the hair loss part. Sorry, didn't mean to sound negative. Just erring on the conservative side. |
I totally agree Blaze,
I think with any supplements or medications RX or OTC we should all check out the possible side effects and interactions and make very informed decisions about our personal choices and know what we are or aren't deficient in! |
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I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Tue Sep 28, 2010 10:06 pm |
Yes, it's a serious thing to alter with. If you don't know your actual levels beforehand then you run the risk of altering them too high or too low. Either of which is not good.
I saved myself from taking unnecessary supplements by testing. I thought I was deficient in most of my vitamins and minerals, particularly Vit D. But it turned out I rated above average in all of them except one. So do get tested first. |
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Wed Sep 29, 2010 3:27 pm |
| Thanks for the replies ladies. Thank you for that blaze, I def won't be taking that supplement then, how worrying it can cause hair loss |
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Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:57 pm |
I've been taking phosphatidyl serine (PS) for several years - primarily for preventing memory loss, but the cortisol lowering properties are welcome too. I've also had my dogs on it for years - the first one for Cushings disease (very high cortisol levels), the second one for age-related "dementia" (not really dementia, but don't know what else to call it - cognitive difficulties?). It helped keep the Cushings dog off very expensive & hard-on-the-body chemo drugs (she died at just shy of 17 yrs old). The dog I have on it now is 15, and there is a remarkable difference in her personality when she is on it (normal) vs when I ran out (totally frantic - on autoship now, so I do NOT run out ever again).
I've never heard of, nor can I find any reports of, PS causing hair loss. I certainly haven't lost any of mine & I take a pretty hefty dose. Excessive cortisol CAN cause hair loss however (in dogs as well as people - in fact, that's one of the first symptoms that brings a Cushings dog to the vet - as well as a big belly). And I'm sure some of those mass-marketed (especially over the Internet) "lose belly fat" supplements have questionable ingredients in them, even though they claim to be targeting cortisol. I seriously doubt they have PS in them because it's not inexpensive.
I also take rhodiola rosea daily for lowering my cortisol (my levels were totally out of whack on my saliva tests). I occasionally take L-theanine too, especially when I know I'm going to be in a stressful situation or really need a good night's sleep. |
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50, oily & not a lot of wrinkles (yet), melasma and hormonal acne cysts & breakouts |
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Fri Oct 01, 2010 10:34 pm |
| Natalyn wrote: |
| No, never heard of this supplement, but I heard about some supplement (can't remember the name) that is supposed to lower your cortisol level, so you don't get a fat belly. |
Unless it is genetic..then maybe it would not help.
I end up gaining weight around my waist the easiest..and that has been like that since I was a kid....so annoying! |
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Sat Oct 02, 2010 6:57 pm |
DHEA supplements can significantly help reduce cortisol levels. But, as previous posters have mentioned you need to know your base line levels and should use it under the care of a physician. Here is a link to one of several studies that explains the many benefits of DHEA supplements after age 30-35
http://www.virginiahopkinstestkits.com/dheahormonelevels.html
I use DHEA supplements (25mg every other day) but for other reasons (auto-immune disorder) and under the care of my physician. I have never experienced any negative side effects but did notice, increased energy and an overall better sense of well being.
Just a thought |
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Blonde hair, fair skin normal to dry with oily T-zone, Clarisonic, IFP bha/aha combo, Vivier Kine-C, Lips2kiss system, JB ADCE |
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