If you’re having a tumor removed, you may also take adrenal-blocking drugs for a few weeks before surgery. For those with serious symptoms, such as severe high blood pressure or a weakened immune system, taking medication before surgery can lower the risk for complications. If you have a tumor that’s in a hard to reach location or the risks of surgery outweigh the benefits, your doctor may not recommend surgery for you. If they decide surgery isn’t an option, they’ll usually recommend a long-term medication regimen to help manage your cortisol levels.
Since it can cause cortisol levels to become too low, you’ll need to see your doctor for tests frequently while taking metyrapone. Side effects may include stomach pain, weight loss, and nausea. Tell your doctor if you experience side effects, as they may be a sign that your dose is too high. Metyrapone usually isn’t prescribed for long-term management of high cortisol levels. Long-term use of this medication can lead to acne, potassium deficiency, high blood pressure, and unusual hair growth in women. [6] X Research source
Side effects may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, muscle pain, and high blood pressure. [7] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Unlike metyrapone, it can take several weeks for ketoconazole to take effect. However, there’s a reduced risk of cortisol levels falling too low. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you take injections at home, your doctor will show you exactly how to use your medication. Inject the pre-measured dose into your thigh, upper arm, stomach, or buttock. Choose a different injection site each time you use your medication to help prevent irritation. Side effects may include diarrhea, high blood sugar, abdominal pain, and fatigue; long-term use may lead to diabetes. Your doctor may also prescribe metyrapone or ketoconazole in combination with pasireotide. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If a non-steroid alternative isn’t available, ask your doctor about delayed-release corticosteroids, which may lower the risk for harmful side effects. For instance, a delayed-release form of prednisone is now available for the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Even if you’re able to switch medications, your doctor will need to gradually decrease your dosage amount to wean you off of the corticosteroid. Stopping a corticosteroid abruptly is not recommended.
To help prevent these harmful effects, maintain a healthy diet, limit your salt intake to 1500 mg per day, and avoid consuming added sugars. Additionally, ask your doctor if they recommend taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
As you breathe slowly and deeply, imagine calming scenery. Picture yourself on a beach, in a tranquil field, or in a comfortable place from your childhood. Continue to control your breathing for 2 to 3 minutes, or until you start to feel more relaxed.
You don’t have to be stressed out when you listen to music for it to have beneficial effects. Music can help keep cortisol levels from spiking in stressful situations hours after you’ve stopped listening.
After tensing and releasing your toes, contract and relax the muscles in your feet, calves, and thighs. Tense and relax one muscle group at a time, and work your way up until you’ve reached your head and neck. Do progressive muscle relaxation whenever you’re feeling stressed. It can also help you fall asleep, so try it when you hit the hay, too.
Avoid looking at electronic screens before bed, since they produce blue light and trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime. If you need to use your phone, tablet, or computer, download a filter app that blocks out blue light. Avoid drinking caffeine later than 2 p. m. , and try not to have a heavy meal within 3 to 4 hours of going to bed.
Limit your intake of salt, added sugars, and trans fats, which can each increase cortisol. Items to limit or avoid include processed meats (such as bacon and deli meats), soft drinks and other sweetened beverages, fatty cuts of red meat, and fried foods. Avoid skipping meals and low-calorie diets, which can raise cortisol levels. Make sure you’re consuming enough calories per day to meet your daily needs. Learn more about your specific nutritional requirements at https://www. choosemyplate. gov.
Set limits whenever possible by saying, “I’d love to volunteer, but this month is crazy for me,” “Thanks for the invitation! I’d love to go, but my schedule is packed,” or “The ABC account is taking up all of my time. Unless you want me to reprioritize, I can’t take on a new project this week. ” Whether you have kids or are busy at work, you can’t take care of others or do your best work if you’re burned out.
Valerian and chamomile may lower cortisol, reduce stress, and make it easier to fall asleep. There are no expert-approved dosage amounts, but a typical daily dose is 400 mg to 1,400 mg. When in doubt, start at a low dose to see how a supplement affects you. Taking a 300 mg capsule of Ashwagandha root 1 to 2 times per day may also lower stress and anxiety. [26] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Green, black, and oolong teas contain a compound called L-theanine, which may lower cortisol levels. Additionally, relaxing with a hot cup of caffeine-free tea at night may help you de-stress after a long day. [27] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
