Condition + Location
Adrenal Insufficiency Treatment in Santa Cruz
10 holistic practitioners in Santa Cruz who can help with Adrenal Insufficiency. Gabriel's evidence-based protocols, matched to local practitioners.
10 Practitioners
1 Treatments
1+ Supplements
Gabriel's Approach to Adrenal Insufficiency
Gabriel distinguishes TRUE adrenal insufficiency (life-threatening, needs hormone replacement) from HPA axis dysfunction ("adrenal fatigue"—cortisol dysregulation, recoverable). TRUE insufficiency: primary (Addison's—autoimmune) or secondary/tertiary (pituitary/hypothalamus) or iatrogenic (steroid-i...
Read full protocolRecommended Treatments
IV Nutrient Therapy
Key Supplements
- TRUE Insufficiency requires hydrocortisone 15-25mg/day divided doses (typically morning, midday, afternoon—mimics natural cortisol rhythm) OR prednisone 5-7mg/day, Fludrocortisone 0.05-0.2mg/day (if primary—mineralocorticoid replacement for aldosterone), Salt tablets or increased dietary salt (sodium replacement), DHEA 25-50mg (adrenals produce DHEA—replacement improves quality of life in women especially), Supportive (don't replace medical treatment): Vitamin C 1-2g/day (adrenal glands concentrate vitamin C), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 500-1000mg (adrenal function), Magnesium 400mg, Vitamin D3 5000 IU (many autoimmune Addison's have other autoimmune conditions), Licorice Root (if NOT on fludrocortisone—raises cortisol, but can raise BP, use cautiously), Adaptogenic herbs CAUTIOUSLY (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola—may help but don't replace steroids), Electrolyte replacement
Key Lab Markers
- Morning cortisol (LOW in insufficiency—<3 μg/dL diagnostic, 3-10 suspicious), ACTH stimulation test (GOLD STANDARD—cosyntropin injection, measure cortisol at 30 and 60 min, failure to rise adequately confirms insufficiency), ACTH level (HIGH in primary—adrenal damage, LOW in secondary/tertiary—pituitary/hypothalamus problem), Aldosterone (LOW in primary insufficiency), Renin (HIGH if aldosterone low), DHEA-S (often low), Comprehensive metabolic panel (electrolytes—hyponatremia, hyperkalemia in crisis), Blood glucose (hypoglycemia common), CBC (anemia, eosinophilia), TSH (rule out concurrent thyroid issues—common in autoimmune), 21-Hydroxylase antibodies (if primary suspected—autoimmune Addison's), MRI pituitary (if secondary suspected—pituitary tumor, damage), Medication history (chronic steroid use—iatrogenic most common)
Practitioners in Santa Cruz for Adrenal Insufficiency
Sorted by treatment relevance and Practitioner Score
#1
93GPS
Santa Cruz Family Acupuncture
Spring Smith, L.Ac·L.Ac, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, CA Board licensed, award-winning
5.0(89)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website#2
93GPS
Santa Cruz Family Acupuncture
Spring Smith, L.Ac·L.Ac, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, CA Board licensed, award-winning
5.0(0)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website#3
91GPS
Wellness Medical Center
VerifiedDr. Donna Leight, LAc, OMD & Dr. Holly Guzman, LAc, OMD·LAc, OMD (both practitioners), Dr. Guzman is educator and speaker
4.9(76)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website#4
91GPS
Wellness Medical Center
VerifiedDr. Donna Leight, LAc, OMD & Dr. Holly Guzman, LAc, OMD·LAc, OMD (both practitioners), Dr. Guzman is educator and speaker
4.9(0)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website#5
88GPS
Jessica Powell Acupuncture
Jessica Powell, DAHM, L.Ac·DAHM, L.Ac, Certified National Acupuncture Detox Specialist, 15 years experience
5.0(42)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website#6
88GPS
Jessica Powell Acupuncture
Jessica Powell, DAHM, L.Ac·DAHM, L.Ac, Certified National Acupuncture Detox Specialist, 15 years experience
5.0(0)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website#7
87GPS
Santa Cruz CORE
Dr. Amberlee Rose, DAOM & Multiple Practitioners·DAOM, L.Ac, multiple licensed practitioners
4.8(58)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website#8
87GPS
Santa Cruz CORE
Dr. Amberlee Rose, DAOM & Multiple Practitioners·DAOM, L.Ac, multiple licensed practitioners
4.8(0)
Santa Cruz, CA
Acupuncture
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Contact via website