Cortisols regulate inflammatory and immune responses, appetite and the balance of sodium in the cells. They treat lupus, arthritis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, respiratory conditions, low functioning adrenal glands and transplant patients so that their bodies do not reject their new organs. According to a panel of medical doctors and their individual, extensive researches, they have many very dangerous, destructive side effects.
Common Side and Adverse Effects
In "The Lancet" and the "Journal of Immunology," Doctor Herbert, McLachlan, Serkin and Bakouche have found that blood sugar imbalances, increased appetite, water retention, weight gain, increased blood pressure, blood clots, heartburn, headaches, dizziness and increased sweating are one set of very common side effects. Blood sugar imbalances occur when it ranges too high or two low instead of maintaining a normal reading. This can lead to an increased appetite. The body holds on to water instead of releasing it through urination and sweat during water retention, causing weight gain. Normal blood pressure is 120/80. Once it becomes closer to 200/100, the increase should raise a concern. Blood normally clots during bleeding. However, in areas where blood should flow freely, such as the brain or the lungs, a clot can become very serious or deadly. Patients may also experience heartburn and dizziness when taking cortisol. Excessive sweating; such as when a person sweats while sitting in a room at a comfortable temperature, or from walking down a short hallway, may also occur.
Serious Diseases
"The Annual Report of the New York Academy of Science" features an article by Dr. Morales and his staff and Dr. Khorram. They have learned that osteoporosis--an accelerated loss of bone mass and density--proves a serious side effect for older cortisol users. The article also reports Dr. Yen's research on the effects of cortisol on the aging, which had the same conclusions. Dr. Padgett wrote in the "Journal of Immunology" about cortisol causing adrenal suppression and immunisuppression. The adrenal glands release hormones as the response to stress. Immunosuppression interferes with the system the body uses to fight off germs, bacteria and infection. Unsurprisingly, increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections are also side effects. Infections, or tiny microorganisms, invade a body part favourable for the growth of toxic matter, such as bacteria or fungus. In the "Journal of Perinatology", Dr. Toshiyuiki and his staff share their conclusion on a study of how cortisol can cause cataracts and glaucoma. Cloudy spots develop on the eye lens that, if not caught in early stages, lead to partial or total blindness. Glaucoma is pressure from inside the eye against the eyeball, causing partial or total blindness. The "Journal of the American Medical Association" printed an article by Dr. Skolnick who studied the mental effects of cortisol, or "steroid psychosis". Steroid psychosis is mental changes caused by cortisol and other steroids, and include depression, euphoria, mania, paranoid reactions or schizophrenia.
Medications That Increase The Effects of Cortisol
The medical research includes warnings about drug interactions. Certain medications increase the effects of cortisol, such as oral contraceptives or birth control pills, estrogens and synthetic female hormones. Other medications that increase the effects of cortisol include ketoconazole, an anti fungus drug usually prescribed for intestinal, vaginal or toenail infections; and macrolide antibiotics, a type of antibiotic with serious, sometimes permanent, side effects such as hallucinations, stomach pain and hearing loss.
Medical Condition Warnings
Patients should not take cortisol if they have high blood pressure, osteoporosis, ulcers, eye disease, kidney and liver disease and fungal infection. These conditions can also occur as side effects from taking cortisol and will complicate pre-existing health conditions. Expectant mothers also shouldn't take cortisol. Dr. Toshiyuki is one of several doctors who warn against the use of cortisol during pregnancy and nursing.
Harmful effects of cortisol
The prescribed cortisol is an imitation of the naturally occurring cortisol the human body releases in response to stress. Dr. Herbert and Dr. Skolonick says that high amounts of cortisol released during physical exertion or stress deplete the adrenal glands. This leads to fatigue, lowered immune system function, increased allergy conditions, lack of growth hormone and uncontrollable cravings for carbohydrates. These same side effects are associated with prescribed cortisol.
References
- "The Age of Dehydroepiandrosterone"; Herbert, M.D., Jean-Marc; The Lancet 345; May 13, 1995: 1193-94
- "Dehydroepiandrosterone Modulation of Lipoppolysaccharide-Simulated Monocyte Cytotoxicity"; McLauhlan, M.D., John; Serkin, M.D., Carla; Bakouche, M.D., Oauhid; Journal of Immunology 156, no. 1; January 1, 1996: 328-35
- "Effects of Replacement Dose of Dehydroepiandrosterone in Men and Women of Advancing Age"; Morales, M.D., John A., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 78; 1994: 1360-67
- "In Vitro Potentiation of Lymphocyte Activation by Dehydroepiandrosterone, Androstenediol, and Androstenetriol"; Padgett, M.D., David; Loria, M.D., Roger; Journal of Immunilogy 153, no. 4; August 15, 1994: 1544-52
- "Scientific Verdict Still Out on DHEA"; Journal of the American Medical Association 276, no. 17; November 6, 1996
