About Cortisol Manager

I have mentioned in a couple of articles that I have been taking Cortisol Manager to relieve what I call the “grrrrrrr” symptoms of perimenopause and that it has been extremely effective. This article gives a little more information about this. I’d urge everyone, even those not going through perimenopause, to read on as an over-production of the hormone cortisol in the body is not limited to perimenopause.




First, what is cortisol? This next bit is from Wikipedia:



Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is a steroid hormone, or glucocorticoid, produced by the adrenal gland. It is released in response to stress and a low level of blood glucocorticoids. Its primary functions are to increase blood sugar through gluconeogenesis; suppress the immune system; and aid in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. It also decreases bone formation. During pregnancy, increased production of cortisol between weeks 30-32 initiates production of fetal lung surfactanct to promote maturation of the lungs. Various synthetic forms of cortisol are used to treat a variety of diseases.



After reading through a number of articles and talking to my doctor, I’ve learned that cortisol is a stress hormone that the body releases to trigger the fight-or-flight response to stressful or dangerous situations. It is an essential function for many reasons. However, it can also be triggered more often than is needed by a number of outside factors including:



• Extended periods of stress

• Failure to process information about light through the retinas

• Perimenopause

• Poor diet

• Being overweight or obese.



This is not an exhaustive list, but is intended to indicate that a number of factors can trigger the over-production of cortisol by the body. This can be treated by adjusting the above-mentioned factors as much as possible. For instance, regular exercise and a better balanced diet will help. However, is some cases, the contributing factors can’t be controlled. Many people are exposed to stressful situations whether at work or dealing with other crises, and we can’t just always walk away from them to relieve the pressure. I’m also particularly interested in the concept that the processing of light may play a role as this is significant to people who are blind without light perception. I’ve known for a long time that this affects sleep and know many people who take melatonin, myself included, to offset this, but I didn’t know that failure to process light can also raise production of cortisol which in turn raises stress.



When I went to my doctor regarding the constant stress I have been feeling as a result of perimenopause, she prescribed a number of things (mentioned in other articles previously), including taking Cortisol Manager, an all-natural supplement to help the body stop over-producing cortisol. All I can say is that it has totally worked for me. I take two a night after learning through experience that one is not quite enough. All that is written below about not causing grogginess or other negative side effects has also proven true in my personal experience.



Below is a description of what Cortisol Manager is including its composition and what it is intended to do. I want to be clear that I am not promoting this particular source for purchase. I have not purchased from Tsang Enterprises. I purchase mine through Lucky Dragon which is the distributor my doctor recommends and in fact, I purchase it at the clinic I use. It is important to be sure that any provider of supplements is a reputable one as there is no regulation for nutritional supplements. Having said that, this web site gives a good overview of what Cortisol Manager is and the scientific trials to support its use. I read through a number of other articles and they all say the same thing.



From Tsang Nutrition

http://tsangenterprises.com/cortisol.htm

Home of Natural Remedies & Nutritional Information



Cortisol Manager by ITI (Integrative Therapeutics)



Reduces cortisol levels for all-day stress reduction and restful sleep.



Recommendations:

For adults, take one tablet before bedtime. Increase to two tablets during times of high stress. Safe for use every night.



Ingredient per serving size of 1 tablet

Sodium 5 mg

Stress-Reducing Proprietary Blend 250 mg - ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) (Sensoril brand) root and leaf extract standardized to contain 8% withanolides and L-theanine (Suntheanine brand)

Cortisol-Reducing Proprietary Blend 225 mg - magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) bark extract standardized to contain 2% honokiol and 1% magnolol and epimedium (Epimedium koreanum) aerial part extract

Phosphatidylserine 50 mg

Other Ingredients dextrose, cellulose, modified cellulose gum, modified cellulose, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, titanium dioxide color, soy lecithin, and carnauba wax.



Contains no sugar, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, dairy products, artificial flavoring, preservatives, or ingredients of animal origin. All colors used are from natural sources.



Warnings

Drowsiness may occur. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or consuming alcohol while using this product. If pregnant, nursing, taking prescription drugs, or if you suffer with chronic insomnia, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use. Keep out of reach of children.



About Cortisol Manager



Cortisol Manager dietary supplement has been clinically shown to reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol Manager combines an effective dose of phosphatidylserine with documented stress-reducing ingredients and cortisol lowering botanicals to help reduce stress and relieve occasional sleeplessness. This supplement promotes relaxation and supports a healthy sleep cycle without the use of habit forming ingredients. Cortisol manager is a safe and natural formula to increase the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, while also providing all-day stress reduction. Long-term use supports healthy cortisol levels, which in turn can help reduce stress, relieve occasional sleeplessness and fatigue, and optimize immune system and neurological function.



• Safe - promotes relaxation with no habit-forming ingredients

• Natural - will not cause morning grogginess

• Effective - 71% experienced improved sleep

• Fast Acting - reduced cortisol levels after only 24 hours



Clinical Studies



The effectiveness of Cortisol Manager dietary supplement was examined in an open label clinical trial involving 21 healthy volunteers. The combination was taken each night, and results were assessed using salivary cortisol measurements as well as self-assessment questionnaires.



The 28-day trial found that Cortisol Manager produced a dramatic reduction in stress during the course of the study. Salivary cortisol levels decreased by more than 60% after the first dose of Cortisol Manager. The effect continued throughout the duration of the study, averaging a 75-83% reduction in cortisol. No side effects were noted, and the formula was well tolerated by participants. Additionally, the participant survey revealed that:



71% of participants felt more relaxed during the day

71% experienced improved sleep

64% achieved deeper sleep, while 57% felt they fell asleep more easily

57% felt their stress level was reduced

57% felt they were better able to handle stressful situations

From perimenopause to Back Pain

Well, all I can say is that the plot thickens! I think the last update I gave I was talking about finding a new alternative treatment center with doctors I like and approaches that fit with my lifestyle. I went in to address the complicated symptoms of perimenopause and have been making progress there. I had a series of magnesium treatments to get my magnesium levels up and started a supplement routine that included hefty vitamin D, a probiotic and omega-3 acid. It's hard to judge the impact of all of this, but the science indicates that this is good for my body and I'm willing to keep taking it.


The part that does make a noticeable impact is the cortisol manager I take every night along with melatonin. The cortisol manager impacts the body's process that releases cortisol when it thinks there is reason for stress. Perimenopause triggers this response randomly so that I was feeling stressed, edgy, and irritable, all for no reason. The cortisol manager has most definitely relieved this for which I am incredibly grateful. I have been more myself and on an even keel with regard to how I wake up and greet each day. This has been quite significant.

Then, enter the next health concern.

I have been having lower back pain that comes and goes for a few years. It use to be the case that when I exercised regularly, especially building up my core muscles, this back pain was relieved. It’s also true that I have fallen a few times and landed directly on my butt while navigating a narrow and uneven median to get to my bus stop for coming home from work. Falling forward isn’t an option as I’m walking between an extremely busy DC street and an equally busy service road. About four months ago, the pain came and didn't leave. It wasn't severe, but it was constant. Then about two months ago, it became severe and started making it painful and difficult to stand from a sitting or lying position and I was taking a lot of ibuprofen.

When the pain became acute and started shooting down my left leg and making my big toe numb, I interrupted my ongoing visits to the doctor who was helping me with the perimenopause issues to see her colleague whose expertise was in musculoskeletal pain management. He tried a couple of manual manipulation treatments, kind of a targeted and intense massage/flexology/chiropracty, and while it provided some immediate relief, it didn't make the problem go away. He gave me a short run of oral steroids and a medicine for nerve pain which helped, but again when the medicine was stopped, the pain returned with no lessening.

I then had an MRI which showed a herniated disk in my lower back (L5) and a free broken fragment which were pressing on the nerve bundle that goes into my left leg. I was referred to another clinic specializing in back pain and have now started a series of three injection treatments along with a hefty oral anti-inflammatory and the same but stronger nerve pain medicine and I'm hopeful that this will work out. Apparently, the idea is to reduce the swelling of the herniated disk, let it absorb the free broken fragment and remove the pressure causing the nerve pain. I currently have periods of relief, but I'm still waiting for noticeable improvement.

All of this means that I'm not exercising. I'm also not always being smart about what I eat. That is to say that my core diet is still quite good, but I'm supplementing that with things that aren't all that good. I've gained weight back and while I'm not exactly happy about that, I'm allowing my body time to heal without obsessing over the weight thing.

So as much as it irritates me to have to write such a message, (I never wanted to be one of those old people who complains about health issues!), they are in fact very real and this is my health and fitness blog where I want to be honest about my health and fitness!

Here are my goals:

1. Complete the treatment regimen currently underway.

2. Continue to be aware of what I eat and work to keep it sane.

3. Allow Tom to do all the lifting even though I'm having a definite bout of spring cleaning fever!

Here's to wishing us all good health. Who thought it would be so difficult!