How to find a BHRT that can Rx Hydrocortisone

I am looking for a BHRT Dr. to possibly prescribe Hydrocortisone. I have been to 2 Endocrinologists who said my A.M. Cortisol levels (ave of 8) were not low enough to treat. I am not satisfied, and am looking to find another Dr. My question is, should I keep looking at additional Endocrinologists, or go with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine Dr. who specializes in BHRT? I also understand that Functional Medicine Dr's frequently treat in this area.

Maybe I just need to look at all of the above for the right Dr.? I am thinking the best option is the right Endo Dr., who does not gain anything special financially from treating me. It seems as though the Regular Dr's who advertise as BHRT specialists are not necessarily that all educated on the subject, and looking to cash in. For example, one of them I called does Blood Tests, and then depending on the outcome, then has patients to buy various high priced supplement formulations that they sale (Dr. Wilson's Protocols).

Any insight is appreciated. Thank you.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/11/2015 12:55AM by Shannon.

I can't tell you who might be useful but I can share my experience with Endocrinologists insofar as the more advanced testing that's used with Functional or Restorative medicine.... they typically aren't interested because that's out of their realm of standard education. Practitioners using BHRT are not plentiful and there are none in my area of NEOhio (for instance).

I've mentioned previously that I've seen four endocrinologists over the years for hypothyroidism and thyroid nodules. None were interested in testing for iodine levels. Typically, they don't even do the complete Thyroid panel that is actually useful. If the TSH is fine, they're happy.

On the adrenal burnout topic, they just looked at me and said... there is nothing to indicate that your adrenals aren't fine. Well, yes, nothing because they didn't test anything; yet my history indicated a classic adrenal burnout case.... and it was. Now resolved. I found help with my Board Certified family practice MD who is also also certified in Functional Medicine. She doesn't take insurance and charges by the hour. Worth every penny.

Good luck in locating someone useful in your area. Let us know if you do find someone how you accomplished that.

Jackie

Anti-Fib:

My Holistic doctor, Dr. David Brownstein, works with BHRT, he will prescribe Hydrocortisone, does the iodine test, etc. However, I don't know where you are located, Dr. Brownstein has an office in West Bloomfield Michigan. Dr. Jonathan Wright, Tacoma clinic, Washington does the same as Dr Brownstein.

Liz

Anti AFIB.

There are a bunch of BHRT Docs that understand and use HC in cases like yours. I would avoid all Endos who are not yet enlightened in more progressive BHRT methods and cutting edge endocrinology. Not treating an HC of 8 when it is confirmed and combined with obvious signs and symptomsof cortisol deficiency as almost all such cases will clearly have plenty of both, is classic for the total disconnect with old school Endos who basically are told to assume, in effect, that there is no problem at all until total adrenal glandular failure has occurred.

As in one day you are perfectly fine and then the next day you miraculously have full blown Addisons .. or Cushings in the case of excess cortisol production. It makes almost zero sense at all.

Its one of the biggest failures in allopathic medicine in my view and that of many thousands of well trained BHRT MDs including a growing number of now wiser Endocrinologist who once followed the old school book to a T and have now seen the light with much better results with patients.

With a total cortisol morning 8am reading of 8 you will have a host of cortisol deficiency physical signs and symptoms,. And it's highly likely that your Free cortisol is around 3 to 5 max under best circumstances with a total cortisol of only 8, Get a Transcortin test next time you do a morning 8AM cortisol and also do an ACTH serum as well. Transcortin test is often called "Cortisol Binding Globulin" in the US.

13 or lower is often the treatment point where BHRT docs offer low phyiologic doses of HC.

Also, contact Dr Lindner at hormonerestoration.com as well as I noted in our phone call, He might be of help as well.

What was your morning serum 8 am ACTH as well when your total cortisol was 8??

Its stories like this that really make me shake my head. Hang in there, will call next week when back home.

Shannon