My teenager has symptoms of CFS. Should supplement doses be altered because of her age?

I have been reading your wonderful book Fatigued to Fantastic! What a gift to the world! My teenage daughter began with symptoms 5 months ago. Recent blood lab tests show low vitamin D and very low morning cortisol levels. Should I follow the protocol in your book, as she did not improve with the protocol for kids outlined in your book? Should the supplement doses suggested be altered because of her age? I will eagerly wait for your response. Thank you so very much for your support.

Maribel

Answer

Dear Maribel,

Except for not giving DHEA or testosterone, the dosing and treatments and teenagers are larger like those of adults. A good multivitamin powder should take care of the vitamin D and I would not check the blood tests further on that. The adrenal treatments are often quite helpful in teenagers. If the morning cortisol BLOOD level was less than 6 µg/dl then she should likely see an endocrinologist. The endocrinologist will likely at the end of the day say that there's nothing wrong with her, and that the adrenals are fine. This will rule out dangerous causes of severe low adrenal (called Addison's disease), and at that point if the clinical symptoms are suggestive in people CFS, I will give the adrenal support regardless and it is often quite helpful.

Love and Blessings,

Dr. T