Cortisol levels

I have started doing some research for a friend. This guy has worked his ass off trying to reduce fat. Diets and training give him minimal results. He is very strict when it comes to both, but the belly fat lingeres, not horrible but to the point he is bothered by it. I was discussing IGF with him, but I'm trying to get to the bottom of whats going on with him. I'm suspecting elevated cortisol levels and there is some history of weight issues in his family. He works a very stressful job, and thats why Im looking down this road. He said he tried a cortisol blocker a while back with some success, but Im not very familiar with these. Any advise would be appreciated.

I've always heard that if you can get the cortisol down, you'll drop fat, but I've never had any experience with that.

Can he go to the Dr and have T3, cortisol bound and free test levels checked?

The Dude said:

Can he go to the Dr and have T3, cortisol bound and free test levels checked?

Click to expand...

I would think so. He has very good insurance. Why the T3 and free test levels?

Atlas Stones said:

I would think so. He has very good insurance. Why the T3 and free test levels?

Click to expand...

It will give him a total picture of what's going on. If he is just stressed out I doubt a Dr. Is going to give him Cytadren, but if he is hypothyroidal, he can get cytomel. I always like the full picture.

does your friend run any gear? the only thing i could suggest is getting on a day to daay diet and cardio routine, and see how his body reacts, and from there we can help as much as possible to tweak his diet and training program,.... it would be beneficial for your friend to join this forum so we can help him as much as possible... feeling uncomfortable about your body is not fun

The Dude said:

It will give him a total picture of what's going on. If he is just stressed out I doubt a Dr. Is going to give him Cytadren, but if he is hypothyroidal, he can get cytomel. I always like the full picture.

Click to expand...

Cool Dude, Ill read up on that.

Fierce said:

does your friend run any gear? the only thing i could suggest is getting on a day to daay diet and cardio routine, and see how his body reacts, and from there we can help as much as possible to tweak his diet and training program,.... it would be beneficial for your friend to join this forum so we can help him as much as possible... feeling uncomfortable about your body is not fun

Click to expand...

Fierce, no gear for him. I think his training has been dead on. Ive seen him do it. He has been doing a brutal conditioning routing of high rep weights and body weight stuff. No type of heavy work. And his diet is pretty clean, unless he is a closet junk food eater. I told him next I was going through his cabinets and fridge to see whats in there. I usually feel that if someone cant cut fat, its their own fault, usually lack of dicipline, but Im starting to reconsider. This guys is not a lard ass by any means, but I know what he is aiming for. He was pissed about the weight I dropped on IGF and is considering it, but its not really his style. And your right, feeling self-concious about your body sucks!

hmmm, thats crazy. I know some people have bad genetics, but from what your saying its gotta be something else here. Im sure hes been to the Dr several times has he not? If not, thats all i can really think of bro. Hopefully he gets through this.

I have been going through the similar issues the past few years and finally determined it is the pituitary gland misfiring that is causing my problems including extremely low cortisol levels. Its genetic and has always been there apparently. As I get older I have to push the extreme envelope , especially if I am prepping for show to lose the bodyfat so I can be dialied in. I was prescribed cytadren and bromocriptine and so far it is helping me but it took years or seeing numerous docs to finally find out what is wrong. Again, this may or may not be similar to your friend, but its something else and body self conscious or not he has to get down to what is really wrong..

MMX2 said:

I have been going through the similar issues the past few years and finally determined it is the pituitary gland misfiring that is causing my problems including extremely low cortisol levels. Its genetic and has always been there apparently. As I get older I have to push the extreme envelope , especially if I am prepping for show to lose the bodyfat so I can be dialied in. I was prescribed cytadren and bromocriptine and so far it is helping me but it took years or seeing numerous docs to finally find out what is wrong. Again, this may or may not be similar to your friend, but its something else and body self conscious or not he has to get down to what is really wrong..

Click to expand...

yeah thats how I feel. You have to get to the root cause. He is not afraid to work for it, he trains hard, and I told him if he was eating crap and not telling me I was gonna stomp a mud hole in him. But I think he is being honest. This guys stress levels are insane, I can barely handle the stories he tells me! I'll see if he will go to the docs to get those tests done and Ill post the results. I think we're on the right track.

good luck!!