The weight gain is an indication that you are HIGH cortisol. Those with high cortisol tend gain weight around the midsection and, oddly, the sides of the face around the cheeks.

Hi Basket,

Thanks for the info. and for replying. I have read Schwarzbein's book at least 3 times in the last few years, and also Wilson's. I think Schwarzbein is more detailed. I know she says you will gain fat weight while recovering, bug jeeeez, this is getting ridiculous!! I am trying to stay on her diet plan again. It seems a little easier every time I try it, but I wish I could just stay the course. It's hard with hubby and 6 kiddos because they want other stuff. I try to remember to eat every few hours, but I just don't feel like eating, which I know is one of the problems. One thing that I did get from her book is that you don't eat a carb alone or a protein alone -- always balanced, so that is what I do most of the time.

No Unicorns -- Thanks for your input, but I am most definitely NOT high in cortisol. I am below the low in the range!!! I went to Dr. Lam's site last night and today and he does have a lot of great info. I don't know if I can afford to talk with him, but at least he has a lot of info to read on his site. Anyway, listed below is a copy/paste of adrenal fatigue symptoms off his site. You'll notice that weight gain is the top one. Also, I think I had posted that I am also hypothyroid, so the two together do not make a happy package. :(

Thanks again, everyone, for your input.

kagr

Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue (from Dr. Lam)

Tendency to gain weight and unable to lose it, especially around the waist.

High frequency of getting the flu and other respiratory diseases and these symptoms tend to last longer than usual.

Tendency to tremble when under pressure.

Reduced sex drive.

Lightheaded when rising from a horizontal position.

Unable to remember things.

Lack of energy in the mornings and in the afternoon between 3 to 5 pm.

Feel better suddenly for a brief period after a meal.

Often feel tired from 9 - 10 pm, but resist going to bed.

Need coffee or stimulants to get going in the morning.

Cravings for salty, fatty, and high protein food such as meat and cheese.

Increased symptoms of PMS for women; periods are heavy and then stop, or are almost stopped on the 4th day, only to start flow again on the 5th or 6th day.

Pain in the upper back or neck with no apparent reason.

Feels better when stress is relieved, such as on a vacation.

Difficulties in getting up in the morning.

Lightheaded.

Other signs and symptoms include:

Mild depression

Food and or inhalant allergies

Lethargy and lack of energy

Increased effort to perform daily tasks

Decreased ability to handle stress

Dry and thin skin

Hypoglycemia

Low body temperature

Nervousness

Palpitation

Unexplained hair loss

Alternating constipation and diarrhea

Dyspepsia

If you have many of these signs and symptoms, and you have ruled out other organic pathologies, it is time to consider Adrenal Fatigue as a possible cause. None of the signs or symptoms by themselves can definitively pinpoint Adrenal Fatigue. When taken as a group, these signs and symptoms do form a specific Adrenal Fatigue syndrome or picture of a person under stress. These signs and symptoms are often the end result of acute, severe, chronic, or excessive stress and the inability of the body to reduce such stress.

Oh yes, Surprised to see your post. Last year I gained 22 pounds in just 6 months, do to high cortisol levels, and it's effect on thyroid, leaving me with an elevated T3. ( all of which I found out with blood work some time later.) That amount of weight in that short time, I had never experienced and was in shock weighing in.

I'm not gaining anymore, but not loosing either. Like you I am hypoglycemic and have to eat all the time, but I try to eat very lean and lower carbs. I can do stretching in the pool and very light walking, but really no exercise, because I'm so tired.

Paulette