Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Has anyone tried Phosphatidylserine

I am trying to decrease my cortisol levels since I was in a highly stressful state for a few months.  This led to insomnia. I can honestly say my brain feels different.  It's like it never stops going.  I have never used medication but my Dr suggested  I try Lexapro.  It did not work for me.  I stopped taking that after 6 weeks. I had awful side effects.  I am not depressed, I was in a stressful situation and now things have been better.  However, I have sleep anxiety now.  I try to relax, distress my going to the gym, meditate but to no avail.  I would like to reduce my cortisol levels since I know stress was the cause of my insomnia.  Does anyone have any experience with phosphatidylserine?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Neuro PS works great in many ways...I switched to it instead of antidepressant meds that had horrible side affects and I was able to reap the befits of increased memory focus and brain function... which is really important since dementia runs in my family.
Helpful - 0
3 Comments
That's what it's used for -- overall brain function.  Not for anxiety or depression but it might help prevent some of the effects of these things.
I saw my doctor today. All is normal according to lab work. Seems like my insomnia is stress related, high cortisol levels. My obgyn suggested a low progesterone oral medication to help aid my sleep. Not sure how i feel about that. How can I lower my cortisol levels. I already exercise, try to mediatate and run but to no avail. Any suggestions are welcome.
The question is, do you have a hormonal problem?  Did this start with something like menopause or perimenopause?  Is it around your period?  It's hard to see why you would take artificial hormones if you don't have a hormonal problem, so is your doctor an expert in this, have you been tested for hormonal problems?  And again, has anyone tested your cortisol levels?  How do you know they're high?  If they are, sexual hormones aren't going to affect your adrenal gland unless your doctor has found you have a hormonal imbalance.  If anxiety is the reason for this, then anxiety is what you should be treating.  Ever tried therapy?  Meditation?  Do you exercise?  Ever learned relaxation exercises of any kind?  
Avatar universal
First of all, stress doesn't necessarily cause increased output of cortisol.  Anxiety attacks do, but that's an intense thing.  PS won't help with cortisol.  If it does anything, it improves overall brain function.  Cortisol is sent to the adrenal gland from a part of the primitive brain called the amygdyla, so the control of it comes by controlling the adrenal gland so it works in a more balanced fashion.  If anxiety is the cause of it, though, if you don't control the anxiety somehow, it will keep happening, but you can lessen the symptoms by reducing cortisol output.  Again, if it's just sleep problems, it might not be cortisol related at all, the brain is a complicated thing and we can be very anxious or have terrible insomnia without producing a whole lot more cortisol.  You know when it's really shooting out because that's what causes the classic fight or flight reaction, which when it happens without rational cause and frequently causes panic attacks in those of us who get them.  There are herbs called adaptogens that help calm the adrenals.  Ashwagandha is very widely used, and the best I've found for cortisol is holy basil, but I'm not sure these will help you if you take them at bedtime as the adrenal gland also gives you energy and a balanced one can keep you calm and also energize you at the same time, so you'd usually take these during your day, not at bedtime.  But I really don't think the sleep thing is a cortisol reaction as much as a problem with how you're thinking and the stress you're causing yourself at bedtime assuming it's not something physiological, such as a thyroid problem or other imbalance or nutritional deficiency.  Also, don't meditate any time close to going to bed -- if you're meditating well, it can give you a lot of energy -- it's a lot like the effect of a good nap.  So don't meditate too close to the time you go to sleep.  You might not be tired.  I personally have taken PS for a long time but it's prophylactic because I take medication, and I'm trying to protect my brain function from the dangers of taking medication.  It won't do what you're looking for.  Something called melatonin, about 1mg, might do the trick, as might something like a homeopathic remedy called Calms Forte, but the best cure is to cure your anxiety problem -- I know, not easily done.  I've never done it.  But I hope you do.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community

Top Anxiety Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?