Posted by Elroy on June 30, 2005, at 17:17:34
In reply to Re: Cortisol_testing » Maximus, posted by EERRIICC on June 19, 2005, at 23:24:09
Happened to re-visit this and wasn't sure that it had been properly answered.
I don't believe that depression - by itself with no other HPA Axis hormonal malfunctions indicated - would be considered a main indicator.
The HPA Axis controls the production of certain hormones (cortisol, DHEA, testosterone - via the HPAT Axis, the various adrenaline hormones, etc.). If the regulated hormones are being secreted consistently within normal ranges and over long-term observations, then an assumption would have to be made that there is no HPA Axis dysfunction. And adopting a mode of treatment specifically geared towards allieviating a dysfunctional HPA Axis (and then a particular, specific process within that HPA Axis operation) would be inappropriate.
As an example, the HPA Axis can be dysfunctional in the sense that burn-out has occurred and adrenal functioning is slowing down very significantly and cortisol levels are well below normal. That is Adrenal Fatigue and would be treated in a specific direction (with concurrent efforts hopefully to get the HPeA Axis re-set). That disorder can very definitely lead to depression.
The opposite of that would be hypercortisolism where the adrenal glands are pumping out way too much cortisol. That disorder would be treated in a different direction (but also hopefully with a goal of getting the HPA Axis to "re-set"). That disorder can definitely lead to not only depression (and some severe forms of depression), but also develop severe anxiety.
A thread you might want to scan through to get more detailed info...
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050617/msgs/515432.html
Elroy
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X> I guess what I'm wondering is if low or high cortisol levels are the sole indicator of HPA disfunction; or is depression in and of itself the main indicator?
poster:Elroy
thread:513549
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050627/msgs/521633.html