Hi, It sounds like you might be talking about a natural remedy called H5TP if you're talking depression. I happen to have a thyroid problem, rather severe but under control. The side effects to most drugs is a real problem for me so I seek more natural alternatives instead. Even some homeopathic remedies have some negative side effects which is why I do a ton of research first. I always seek the Doc's advise before subjecting myself or my family to them usless it's the minor/cold remedies and such. My family Doctor is an M.D./alternative medicine Doc. I was put on the H5TP remedy and can tell you it has no particular side effects yet has greatly reduced the depression in a fairly short time! After more than six months of anxiety attacks (when our daughter was gravely ill) that grew even worse when my hubby was diagnosed with cancer again, the H5TP has really worked! Have not had an anxiety attack in over 2 weeks. The depression is doing so much better now too. It's been a great option for me personally. Three weeks ago I was a total anxiety/depressed wreck. Now I'd say I'm 75% back to myself again. Long story! Nothing is cured over night after all. It took many years to get as depressed as I have been so a quick cure would be expecting too much. What works for one person may not for another however. Always talk to your Doctor before attempting anything...please! On the cortisol question, I hope you aren't talking of a suppliment such as DHEA or DHEA containing suppliments! That is something no one should ever try without strict supervision of a Doctor. I repeat...no one should use any DHEA suppliments without medical supervision! It may be for sale OTC but we're talking hormones! DHEA has some very serious negative effects if used wrong or in a body that doesn't require it. There hasn't been a so-called anti-cortisol suppliment out there that I've read about I'd even give thought to without the absolute advise of a Doctor. I am no Doctor but I have many years experience using alternative remedies and if DHEA is what you're talking about please seek medical guidence! It requires blood hormone levels before use and if used... requires follow up levels.

I got a ton of large stretch marks vertically on my sides and groin when my bad depression began in november 2001. At that time I was a competitive swimmer, and not at all fat (145 lb 6ft2, im a male). I know that people who take cortecosteroids often develop stretchmarks. I also know that cortesol is a hormone released when your body is under strees. So maybe it was the stress of University, the stress of depression that caused the cortesol that caused the stretch marks. Or perhaps (unlikely i gather) the cortesol caused the depression and stretchmarks. I mentioned this to two family doctors and they both said i didn't have the moon face or other features (including blood pressure problems) associated with cushingtons disease. I did have a cotisol blood test done once and it came back fine (however i only peed in the cup a little bit as I have a messed up sleeping schedule and didnt have t pee much that day). I understand that cortesol levels fluctuate during the day depending on your sleep schedule so since my zchedule was odd maybe the timing of the test wasn't so great. Anyway I figure this is probably some kind of desperation paranoia on my part. I which I had an easier fixed problem causing my depression and anxiety. The topic of hormones and depression sure is interesting!

Cortisol that I was reading about and the herbal medications they were trying to sell to cure depression , fat, sleep problems etc. was too good to be true. I have since come upon a legal class action case pending in the U.S. against this company and claims it made about cortisol and the suppliment I was wishing for. I was wishing I could stop my medications and become well and thin again, but I guess it may not happen after all...

Thank you lisa-t - I did not know about the Cortisol test. Now I can ask my doctor about it. You see, I saw a natural suppliment that is supposed to help you loose weight by blocking the cortisol and carbohydrates in the diet; filling the stomach so that you eat less at meals. Also, I do have someone in my family history who was a giantess; Anne Swan was in my famiy background, and she was born with Human Growth Factor problems. She was in Barnum and Bailey's Circus she became so big. It is a pituitary problem which controls the size you become. The pituitary controls the thyroid. So therefore, I wonder if I have inherited these hormone problems. I also understand adrenal glands are involved with the nervous system, and can cause damage to the thyroid also. My aunt also had problems with her ovaries, and had to have them out when they became cancerous. So your story was interesting to me too!

Unrequited, One other thing I just thought of, my doctor did a test for cortisol levels once because of my weight problems. It's a simple urinary test (well not so simple--you collect all your urine over the course of 24 hours), but it's easy enough for them to detect the levels of corisol in your urine. Lisa-T

I too have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, depression, weight problems, and polycystic ovary problems (which apparently lend to hormonal imbalances). I just found this website tonight and am very happy to find a resource that may provide not just support from others going through similar problems but also HELP!!! I found your question/topic interesting and look forward to hearing more about it. Lisa-T

Hi unrequitted, You are right. Weight gain is a known side effect to some medications. However, not all people experience side-effects in the same manner. The topic of cortisol and weight gain is beyond the scope of The Depression Center. I would suggest you speak to your doctor or even your pharmacist regarding these concerns. They may be able to either explain the connection between them or direct you as to where you can locate the information, for example the findings of research studies on this topic. Casey __________________________________ The Depression Center Support Team

YES, I was aware of the connection between thyroid and depression, however, I would still like to know more about Cortisol over-abundance in people with obesity and these other problems and the connection between them. It seems to me that there must be a connection between the weight gain and the medications, and someone needs to find out what it is, and solve the problem. Because then the problem becomes one of survival because of obesity....

Members, We apologize for the delay in response of this issue. We have spoken with our medical team and they have advised that there certainly appears to be a connection between thyroid functioning and the symptoms of depression. In fact, thyroid problems are so common and the symptoms of thyroid problems so often mimic the symptoms of depression that is important for people who are feeling "depressed" to see their GP and get a physical to rule out problems like hypothyroidism. Hope this helps, Josie ___________________________________ The Depression Center Support Team.

Thank you!