Cushings syndrome and lifting weights

firemedic

firemedic

Cathlete
I just found out that I have Exogenous Cushing Syndrome which has been caused by taking Hydrocortisone Acetate for the last 13 yrs and for the rest of my life. I've gained weight even though I always workout and eat pretty clean. My question is when it comes to lifting weights, should I go lighter or can I still do your programs that lift heavier weights (which I do enjoy)? I asked my dr. but she couldn't answer that question for me. All she said is working out, cardio or weights, is fine. I just don't want to make myself "bigger" by lifting heavy. I've been trying to do my own research about this but it's hard to find out the right info on working out and lifting weights for a particular disease. Any info, books or anything that anyone can recommend would be great. I'm just at a loss and now I don't want to even workout because now I'm fighting a losing battle with weight. I just love working out, mostly for my sanity, but I love how I feel after and later in the day and even sleep better when working out. Talk about going into instant depression, that's how I feel and have been feeling for 5 days now. I haven't worked out and am now feeling worse. So I hope there's someone out there with some helpful/hopeful info.

Kim
 
Hi, Kim,

I'm sorry to hear about your health issue. I really don't have any insight into Cushings, but hope someone else will.

Best,

Beth
 
Kim, I know we're in Ask Cathe here, but I hope I can just send you a (((gentle hug)).
I encourage you, if you have not already done so, to join a peer support group. Ideas regarding management that aren't typically discussed in a clinical setting will be brought up.
The absolute only thing I know about hypercortisolism is that endurance workouts often worsen the symptoms. We do have nurses, clinicians etc. around here that I hope might have some more info/direction for you.
 
Hi Kim, I too am sorry to hear of your health issue. I 've been doing a lot of research on hormonal related nutrition and some exercise as well. Although very brief, what I found through the place I'm doing a nutrition cert through is this:

"Working to lower stress by engaging in cortisol lowering exercise like yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation could be helpful, as would high intensity shorter duration cardio and weight training."

I also agree with Elsie above, long duration cardio or endurance stuff would worsen your symptoms too.

I have a stress module yet to go through, I will look through the materials and see if they talk about other exercise. This clinic not only certifies for nutrition but for Personal training and group exercise.. I'll see what else I can find.. :)
 
Thank you all for your kind words. I will make an effort to keep my workouts shorter and see how that works. I was mostly wondering about upper body weights. This is where I've gained the most fat esp. since I have the wonderful "buffalo hump" from the steroids. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right things. Elsie, I will look into a group, thank you for that, I didn't even think about it. I will also look into Tai Chi, I've never done it, only yoga, but I'm willing to try anything. Thanks again for all the suggestions.
 
firemedic said:
Thank you all for your kind words. I will make an effort to keep my workouts shorter and see how that works. I was mostly wondering about upper body weights. This is where I've gained the most fat esp. since I have the wonderful "buffalo hump" from the steroids. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right things. Elsie, I will look into a group, thank you for that, I didn't even think about it. I will also look into Tai Chi, I've never done it, only yoga, but I'm willing to try anything. Thanks again for all the suggestions.
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Hang in there girl!!! We are all sending you good vibes!!! i've also heard plain ole casual, not power walking is excellent for reducing cortisol, 30 -60 minutes a day is good! :) and I would think upper body weights would be good, but not long duration weight training sessions.. do some short strength circuits maybe, but just don't overdo by doing it too many times a week. Take care!

I don't know if you're able to do any herbs or teas (maybe check with Doctor), but I know that Tulsi chamomile tea contains Holy Basil which is great for elevated cortisol levels and the yogi calming tea has bacopa in it which I've also heard is good for stress. HUGS!!
 
firemedic, Yeah I am a volunteer facilitator with a couple of support groups & they are very much a wealth of information and diverse experiences. I know you will find another living with Cushing's who also really loves to resistance train. :) Have you been going to an endocrine clinic of some sort or is it just a single physician on her/his own? I would think if it's a larger clinic, they might have more information on management etc. I know there are Dietitions who can specialize in endocrine disease and I am wondering if there may also be exercise scientists/physiologists? Cause you're right, there is not exactly a wealth of patient info online.

Take care.
 
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