Cortisol, Stress and Adrenal Hormones
509 associated posts. These are attributed summaries; original text remains at the linked X post and in the local archive.
- @lowmegatron · 2025-09-30 original
Author posts extended Ray Peat quotations linking schizophrenia to stress, hormonal stress, serotonin, estrogen dominance from hypothyroidism, lipid peroxidation, low energy metabolism and poor sleep. A shared NTFabiano post calls the menstrual cycle an overlooked vital sign in mental health.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-09-30 original
Author shares a Ray Peat quotation that 'Cushingoid' fat distribution, sudden balding and other signs of hormone imbalance secondary to hypothyroidism are statistically associated with heart disease.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-09-30 original
Author reports that female rats take more cocaine than males and that progesterone reduces cocaine use in females in some contexts. A quoted excerpt says progesterone alone reduced reinstatement only in females, while progesterone plus atomoxetine reduced it in both sexes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-01 own thread gap
lowmegatron claims coffee reduces muscle breakdown by inhibiting 11β-HSD1, which he says increases cortisol locally and breaks down muscle.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-01 original
The author describes a low-carb pattern of weight loss, then weight gain, more restriction and hypothyroid symptoms. They claim high local cortisol can suppress thyroid hormone action while labs look normal. The quoted account (MojitoSlammer) reports going from 40% to 30% body fat without peptides or strict dieting, crediting Ray Peat.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-03 original
Quoted Ray Peat passage argues diabetes is driven by stress-induced free fatty acids that block glucose oxidation, not by sugar. He says this impairs thyroid hormone activation and that free fatty acids kill newly regenerated pancreatic beta cells.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-03 own thread gap
lowmegatron claims low T3 decreases glucose oxidation and sugar use and raises cortisol and glucagon. He says this increases reliance on fatty acid oxidation and raises free fatty acids, and that high TSH also increases free fatty acids.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-03 original
Author argues thyroid hormone T3 is a key determinant of heart rate and that overtraining and stress lower T3 while raising T4 and lowering TSH, making it easy to overlook. Stress-induced free fatty acids are said to block thyroid hormone metabolism and reduce the sensitivity of blood tests. The author says exercise should build you up rather than break you down.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-05 original
Author claims that higher TSH within the normal range raises the risk of developing hypertension, more so in men than in women. The author attributes this to low thyroid hormone raising stress hormones, which raise blood pressure. The author also calls 'euthyroid' a poor marker of thyroid hormone status.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-07 original
The author summarizes Ray Peat's comments on endotoxin from leaky gut. The summary covers links to aging, stress, cancer, inflammation, thyroid, estrogen and cholesterol, plus dietary and other factors said to raise or lower endotoxin effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-09 original
Post shares a Ray Peat quote saying penetrating red light is possibly the fundamental anti-stress factor and that chronic deficiency of it may best explain aging-related deterioration. The embedded older post from lowmegatron quotes Peat on red light and stress-related electron displacement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-10 original
Post quotes Ray Peat on hives triggered by cold, exercise or low blood sugar, describing a chain of impaired oxidative metabolism, lactic acid, lipolysis and PUFA-derived prostaglandins, and recommends small frequent meals. The author adds mechanistic commentary on cytochrome c oxidase, mast cells, PUFAs, CO2 as mast-cell stabilizer, and T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-11 original
Author lists proposed antidepressant mechanisms of coffee. The embedded lowmegatron post says coffee intake is associated with lower melanoma risk and attributes skin cancer to lipid peroxidation of PUFAs from seed oils, pork and poultry fat rather than sun.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-11 original
Author posts a checklist of factors for thyroid hormone T3: carbohydrates, calories, several vitamins and minerals, low stress, and moderate protein.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-11 original
Author quotes a study suggesting part of coffee's anti-diabetic effect is inhibition of 11β-HSD1 glucocorticoid reactivation. The author explains that 11β-HSD1 converts cortisone to cortisol, promoting insulin resistance, glucose production and visceral fat.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-12 original
Author argues coffee metabolites are linked to lower type 2 diabetes risk, and that coffee compounds may act via cortisol lowering and 11β-HSD1 inhibition. One quoted study found an association with filter coffee but not boiled coffee.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-12 original
Author shares a Ray Peat passage claiming bright artificial light can replace sunlight against the stress reaction, with longer days healthier and brief intense light exposures possibly protective. The embedded quoted post is another Ray Peat quote on red light as an anti-stress factor.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-13 original
The author claims hypothyroidism activates the sympathetic nervous system, raising cortisol (+60%), adrenaline, noradrenaline and aldosterone (doubled), with downstream effects on blood pressure, blood sugar and mood. Thyroid hormone replacement reversed the activation and lowered diastolic blood pressure, citing PMID 11994331.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-13 original
The author asks how Ray Peat would address insulin resistance and early type 2 diabetes, then shares a Peat excerpt. Peat claims chronic stress and estrogen raise free fatty acids, which interfere with glucose use, and that lowering stress and estrogen improves insulin sensitivity and glucose-to-CO2 conversion rather than lactic acid.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 original
The author claims stress, defined as energy demand exceeding supply, slows metabolic rate through effects on thyroid hormones, causing 'hidden hypothyroidism' that blood tests often miss. The post appears to open a thread.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 own thread
lowmegatron defines stress as not only psychological, citing Hans Selye's definition: "The nonspecific response of the body to any demand placed upon it."
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 own thread
lowmegatron lists his markers of stress: raised cortisol, glucagon, adrenaline, prolactin, serotonin, growth hormone, free fatty acids, reverse T3 and fat gain, with lower muscle.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 own thread
lowmegatron says TSH is the most common hypothyroidism test and is assumed to be good when low and bad when high. He claims stress also lowers TSH, so it is unreliable as a marker of thyroid hormone activity.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 own thread gap
lowmegatron says T4 is the storage form and the next most common test. Low T4 can indicate a thyroid problem, but normal T4 does not confirm good activity because T4 must convert to T3, and he says conversion declines under stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 own thread gap
lowmegatron claims good T3 lab results do not guarantee optimal thyroid activity because labs only measure blood. T3 must enter tissues and cells and activate receptors, and he says stress disrupts every step.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 own thread gap
lowmegatron claims stress hormones lower T4-to-T3 conversion and TSH and raise free fatty acids. He says PUFAs in those free fatty acids block T3/T4 uptake and receptor binding, and that PUFAs come mainly from seed oils, pork and poultry. He concludes cells become T3-starved even when blood tests look normal.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 own thread gap
lowmegatron lists what he calls common causes of stress: fasting, poor sleep, undereating, over-exercising, psychological stress, and low carbohydrate intake. He says it is often a combination, and that many people pair malnutrition with over-exercising.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 original
The author shares signs of stress that can indicate low thyroid hormone activity, but the signs themselves are not in the retrieved text. The embedded lowmegatron post claims stress causes hidden hypothyroidism, slows metabolic rate via thyroid hormones, and often goes undetected in blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-16 original
Author claims cortisol shrinks the thymus, lowering protective immunity and raising autoimmunity risk, with changes resembling aging, citing a quoted finding on lymphocyte loss after cortisol injection. The embedded post (lowmegatron) argues zinc, from sources like oysters, may protect the thymus and estrogen shrinks it.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-16 original
The author states that blocking the glucocorticoid receptor lowers glucose and insulin in obese, diabetic mice, and that receptor activation raises free fatty acids. They list interventions said to help lower cortisol. The embedded lowmegatron post quotes a suggestion that coffee's anti-diabetic effect involves inhibiting 11β-HSD1.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-16 original
The author quotes Ray Peat claiming menopause symptoms are essentially identical to those of excess cortisol or Cushing's syndrome. The symptoms listed include facial hair, loss of head hair, weight gain, raised blood pressure, unstable blood sugar, fragile skin and digestive instability.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-17 original
Author explains that the heart's energy comes mainly from oxidative metabolism, which they say depends on thyroid hormone T3. They state that cardiac work (Stroke Work Index) is lower in hypothyroidism and improves with thyroid hormone replacement, and quote a passage attributed to PMID 10843159. The embedded quoted post by lowmegatron links T3 to heart rate and says overtraining and stress lower T3 or its conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-18 original
The post quotes Ray Peat's account of Hans Selye's rat experiments. In that account, high-PUFA diets (linoleic acid) caused heart cell death, and adding stearic-acid-rich cocoa butter prevented it. The posting author adds that cocoa fat and beef fat are good sources of stearic acid and that seed oils are very high in linoleic acid. The embedded post, by lowmegatron, lists claimed benefits of stearic acid.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-18 original
The author claims hypothyroidism shrinks the thymus, and that thymic involution attributed to aging is caused by estrogen, cortisol and low thyroid hormone. The post quotes Ray Peat and a rat study excerpt (PMID 7954684). The embedded lowmegatron post says cortisol shrinks the thymus, citing PMID 4669870.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-18 original
The author claims hypothyroidism, including 'hidden' hypothyroidism with normal TSH and T4, lowers testosterone and raises prolactin in men. They say underfeeding and overtraining can downregulate T3. They describe mechanisms involving TRH, prolactin, GnRH, LH and STAR protein. The embedded lowmegatron post says stress causes hidden hypothyroidism that blood tests often miss.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-19 original
Post quotes Ray Peat saying stress-suppressed thyroid function may not respond to synthetic T4 because stress can block T4-to-T3 conversion. The embedded post from lowmegatron claims stress causes hidden hypothyroidism that often goes undetected on blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-20 original
The author states that sleep restriction reduces fat loss and increases lean tissue loss during caloric restriction. They quote a study (PMID 20921542) and add that stress generally downregulates metabolism, wastes muscle and promotes fat storage. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron lists common causes of stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @nootropicguy · 2025-10-22 own thread
nootropicguy claims DSIP restores systems damaged by addiction. He says it triggers Met-enkephalin release, potentiates GABA, blocks NMDA receptors, and normalizes sleep homeostasis, the HPA axis, circadian rhythm, and autonomic function.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-23 original
The author invites readers to join a Hypothyroid Masterclass group that has 30 videos and a support group. The post lists topics covered: the thyroid system, disorders caused by low T3, hormone metabolism, medications, and diet and stress effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-25 original
Author promotes their Hypothyroid Masterclass, a 30-video course with a support group covering the thyroid system, low-thyroid diseases, hormone metabolism, thyroid medications, and diet and stress effects. The quoted lowmegatron post contains only a link.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-26 original
The author shares a Ray Peat quotation saying that reabsorption of estrogen from a sluggish, bacteria-altered intestine (said to always occur in hypothyroidism) raises systemic estrogen and stresses the liver. Peat is quoted as saying an antibiotic or a daily raw carrot can lower estrogen and cortisol and raise progesterone. The quoted X post is a list of foods and lifestyle items followed by a Erling Haaland description.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-27 original
The author presents a severe myxoedema coma case before and after treatment. Features were hypothermia, kidney failure and TSH >100, and the patient was treated with hydrocortisone and levothyroxine and survived. The quoted case report links the multiorgan dysfunction to severe T3 depletion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-28 original
The author says a 15-day fasting study showed T3 falling 34% and reverse T3 doubling while TSH and T4 stayed unchanged. They argue that stress lowers T3 even when common labs look fine. The post quotes study excerpts on impaired T4-to-T3 conversion and reduced rT3 clearance, and notes that Angus Barbieri died aged 51. The embedded post, by lowmegatron, says metabolic rate drops after extreme dieting.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-29 own thread
lowmegatron claims that cortisol, glucagon and adrenaline inhibit T4-to-T3 conversion, lowering T3 and raising reverse T3 in a vicious cycle. He lists common, easily corrected causes of high cortisol and adrenaline (poor sleep, too little carbohydrate, sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium, fasting, chronic caloric restriction, noise, shallow breathing, black coffee on an empty stomach, constant stimulation). He suggests acerola vitamin C, L-theanine and glycine may help.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-29 own thread
lowmegatron claims unsaturated fats, especially PUFA from seed oils and from non-ruminant animals fed high-PUFA diets, disrupt thyroid hormone production, transport and binding, and that stress releases them as free fatty acids. He recommends mostly saturated fats (coconut oil, cocoa butter, butter/ghee, cream and cheese, tallow) and lists oils to avoid, including fish oil.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-30 original
Author links coffee, cortisol and depression: 11β-HSD1 raises local cortisol, is reported as upregulated in the DLPFC in depressed people, and is said to be lowered by coffee. Author also says coffee intake is associated with lower depression risk and lower suicide risk. The quoted post separately links coffee's anti-diabetic effects to 11β-HSD1 inhibition.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-30 own thread gap
lowmegatron points readers to his course on hypothyroidism and lists links to his threads on the thyroid system, thyroid hormone tests, 'Light is the most effective treatment for Hashimoto's' and 'Stress causes hidden hypothyroidism'. The titles are his claims; the linked pages are not supplied.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-01 original
The post claims hypothyroidism causes low sperm count, low testosterone, low libido and high prolactin, and that correcting it doubles testosterone, increases sperm count, lowers prolactin and improves libido. It quotes a study excerpt on hypothyroid men treated with thyroxine. An embedded earlier post claims hypothyroidism activates the sympathetic nervous system and raises stress hormones and blood pressure, reversible with thyroid hormone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-03 original
Post shares a Ray Peat quotation arguing that heart enlargement in animal studies came from gigantic thyroid doses, that physiological T3 reversed cardiac fibrosis in rats, and that fibrosis is linked to low oxygen, excess nitric oxide and estrogen, and stress. It quotes an embedded post saying hypothyroidism reduces cardiac oxidative metabolism and work.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-05 original
The author gives a history of animal thyroid treatment for hypothyroidism, from Murray's 1891 injections to natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) and synthetic T4 and T3. They list improvements after three months of treatment and claim that lab-range errors and T4-only medication now make treatment less effective. The quoted lowmegatron post links hypothyroidism and elevated TSH to migraine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-06 original
The post is a Ray Peat quotation claiming that chronic stress and isolation create serotonin excess, impair learning and cell structure, and are associated with conditions with high serotonin. The embedded post by lowmegatron is titled 'Energy, Learned Helplessness, and The Voodoo Death Phenomenon' with a link.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-06 original
The author claims creatine decreases the stress-induced cortisol increase, quoting a study in trained swimmers where short-term creatine suppressed the cortisol response to high-intensity swim sprinting. The quoted post lists markers of stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-06 original
The post shares a Ray Peat quotation on minimizing the harmful effects of serotonin through diet, light and specific agents. The quoted lowmegatron post lists compounds and practices said to lower or block serotonin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-07 original
The author says fasting and high cortisol lower thyroid hormone and suppress TSH, and that common thyroid tests can be misleading under stress because a lower TSH is usually read as higher thyroid hormone. The quoted study text says mild cortisol elevations may mediate fasting-induced changes in TSH and thyroid hormone. The embedded lowmegatron post describes a 15-day fasting study with T3 down 34%, reverse T3 doubled and TSH/T4 unchanged.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-07 original
The author states that creatine increases grip strength by increasing energy availability, and that grip strength predicts cardiovascular risk, frailty, cognitive impairment and all-cause mortality. The post quotes study text on a 15% rise in mean power output after creatine and the link to PCr availability for ATP synthesis. The embedded quoted post (lowmegatron) claims creatine suppresses the exercise-induced cortisol response in trained swimmers.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-09 original
The author states that cortisol, adrenaline and glucagon inhibit thyroid hormone conversion, and lists common causes: chronic caloric restriction, low carbohydrate, poor sleep, low magnesium/potassium/calcium/sodium, and fasting. The quoted post (lowmegatron) cites Ray Peat saying stress can block T4-to-T3 conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-13 original
Post quotes Ray Peat saying the gut makes most serotonin, that serotonin promotes stress hormones, inflammation, pain and anxiety, and that serum serotonin takes months to shift. It also quotes him saying an air ionizer near the bed can help because the lungs are the main site of serotonin metabolism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-17 original
Author states that pregnenolone lowers stress and reduces alcohol cravings at 300-500 mg/day and quotes a trial abstract (PMID 36445398) reporting reduced stress- and cue-induced craving in individuals with alcohol use disorder. The quoted post shares a Ray Peat quote linking alcohol cravings to hypothyroidism and high serotonin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-18 original
The post states that TSH can stimulate thyroid cancer. It cites Ray Peat on keeping TSH near zero to reduce recurrences and quotes a report (PMID 11701668) of two papillary thyroid carcinoma patients whose tumors grew after rhTSH injections. An embedded quoted post from lowmegatron links subclinical hypothyroidism to raised inflammatory markers and lipids.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-18 original
The post claims pregnenolone helps with alcohol cravings partly by inhibiting TLR4. It supports this with a Haidut quote about naltrexone, a university statement on a mouse study of (+)-naltrexone and drinking, and excerpts on neurosteroids suppressing TLR signaling. The embedded lowmegatron post quotes a placebo-controlled human study of pregnenolone at 300 mg/day and 500 mg/day in alcohol use disorder.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-19 original
The author claims a little sugar lowers stress hormones, citing a rat study in which sucrose or saccharin drinking dampened HPA-axis stress responses. An embedded post says fasting and high cortisol lower thyroid hormone and suppress TSH, so thyroid tests can mislead under stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 original
Author says there is substantial criticism of the serotonin theory of depression, contrary to popular press and alt-health media. The post collects quotes from named clinicians and researchers saying serotonin deficiency has not been shown to cause depression. The embedded post shares a Ray Peat quote that serotonin is high in learned helplessness.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 original
Author states that progesterone and allopregnanolone reduce learned helplessness, an animal model analogous to depression, and that learned helplessness is characterized by increased brain serotonin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 original
Author says serotonin causes helplessness, reversible by serotonin blockers such as methysergide, and that T3 acts against learned helplessness, probably partly by opposing serotonin. Brain serotonin is said to rise in hypothyroidism in animal experiments. The embedded post says recovery from the Voodoo Death Phenomenon can occur by the same mechanism that caused it.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-21 original
Author shares a Facebook commenter's anecdote (posted with permission) about depression and feelings of helplessness after a thyroid crash with low T3. The commenter says starting Cynoplus with extra T3 lifted the depression quickly. The commenter also claims many women have inadequate T3. The embedded post says depression is a low brain energy state that can be caused by low thyroid hormone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-21 original
The post author says endotoxin raises cortisol and that chronically elevated cortisol can cause low testosterone, weight gain, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and depression. They quote a human endotoxin-administration study reporting dose-related rises in inflammatory markers, cortisol and norepinephrine. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron says blocking the glucocorticoid receptor lowers glucose and insulin in obese diabetic mice. It also lists many things it says help lower cortisol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-22 original
Author shares a Ray Peat quotation linking Candida growth to hypothyroidism, estrogen excess, stress and poor glucose oxidation. Peat says inflammation and improper glucose oxidation are typical of cancer metabolism, and Candida intensifies the inflammation. He mentions Simoncini.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-23 original
Ray Peat, quoted by the author, suggests pregnenolone avoids the risk of DHEA converting to estrogen when thyroid function is low. He says a small amount of Armour thyroid could quickly lower cholesterol and probably help testosterone, and recommends shellfish, low-fat fish, eggs, liver, cooked potatoes with butter or cream, fruit and cooked greens for nutrients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-23 original
The post says thyroid hormone (T4) replacement roughly doubled free and total testosterone and halved prolactin in hypothyroid men. It quotes the study's conclusion that primary hypothyroidism can cause reversible hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. The author adds that the men were still far from optimal and that more progress was possible. The embedded quoted post (lowmegatron) gives a Ray Peat quote on low testosterone and high cortisol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-25 original
Post quotes Ray Peat saying an inefficient liver with low overnight glycogen storage commonly causes headaches and shakiness, and suggesting light exposure, weekly liver and oysters, low stress and bedtime cyproheptadine. It adds a quoted study conclusion that cyproheptadine may be effective for migraine prevention in patients for whom conventional drugs failed or caused side effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-26 original
The post quotes Ray Peat saying stress hormones lower thyroid hormone conversion, so TSH alone cannot diagnose thyroid problems. The embedded quoted post (lowmegatron) says stress causes hidden hypothyroidism that often goes undetected in blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-27 original
The author says breakfast lowers stress and that skipping it disrupts metabolism. The author quotes a study on skipping breakfast, higher post-meal glucose, lower iGLP-1 and impaired insulin response in type 2 diabetes. The embedded quoted post (lowmegatron) claims coffee reduces fatty acid synthase and lipogenic enzymes, linking FASN to cancer.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-27 original
The post asks whether supplements can safely raise serum androgens in men if diet is good, and answers with a Ray Peat quote. Peat says pregnenolone has favorable effects. He also says thyroid or aspirin can improve the androgen-to-cortisol/estrogen ratio, and that low-dose DHEA can help if thyroid function is good. An embedded post by lowmegatron links subclinical hypothyroidism to low testosterone and ED in men.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-29 original
The author says all thyroid blood tests can be misleading and TSH is the worst. They support this with a Ray Peat quote that stress hormones lower TSH, so stressed, tired people can have very low TSH. They add an unnamed quoted sentence that short-term fasting and high-dose glucocorticoids suppress serum TSH in healthy subjects. The embedded lowmegatron post says stress lowers TSH, making it an unreliable marker of thyroid hormone activity.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-30 own thread
lowmegatron claims fat-soluble vitamins D, A, E and K2 can help with endotoxin-related leaky gut, TLR4 activation, inflammation, cortisol and sickness behavior. He lists food sources and the personal regimen he follows (D3 4k IU in winter, K2 8 mg, vitamin E 200-800 IU, vitamin A 1700 ug), and adds that individual needs may differ.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-01 original
The author argues that in people without a thyroid, levothyroxine-only dosing suppresses TSH relative to blood and tissue T3, so TSH is a poor marker of T3 sufficiency. They cite two PMIDs (a human study on TSH-suppressive dosing and an animal thyroidectomized rat study) and explain tissue-specific T4-to-T3 conversion. An embedded lowmegatron post says TSH is misleading, with a Ray Peat quote on stress lowering TSH and a statement on fasting and glucocorticoids.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-01 original
The author says endotoxin lowers testosterone by impairing cellular energy production, quoting mouse and Leydig cell mitochondria research. The embedded lowmegatron post says endotoxin raises cortisol and cites human study data.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-02 own thread
lowmegatron advises minimizing stress, claiming short-term stressors spike prolactin and long-term stress can keep it chronically elevated. He quotes a study that exhaustive exercise lowers select thyroid hormones 24 hours into recovery and that prolactin increases are directly related to TSH changes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-02 own thread
lowmegatron advises getting adequate sodium. He quotes a study in which sodium-deprived animals had increased aldosterone secretion and higher plasma and pituitary prolactin than controls.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-02 own thread
lowmegatron says aspirin minimizes stress-induced prolactin increases, quoting a study finding a significantly reduced total prolactin response to stress after aspirin. He notes the study used 800 mg and suggests lower doses may work in most cases (his opinion).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-02 own thread
lowmegatron claims melatonin increases prolactin and that bright light early in the day may lower it. He quotes a source saying bright light during early darkness delays the nocturnal melatonin peak and alters cortisol, GH, prolactin and vasopressin secretion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-03 original
The post reproduces Ray Peat's text on learned helplessness, covering Seligman's work, Richter's rat 'hopelessness' studies and MKUltra context. It adds the statement that T3 has been identified as able to help reverse learned helplessness. It also includes a Facebook comment describing depression lifting after starting Cynoplus with extra T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-04 original
The author says the 5-HT3 blocker ondansetron reverses learned helplessness in rodents, but only at low to moderate doses. The author says ginger compounds are also 5-HT3 antagonists and that serotonin is elevated in learned helplessness and hypothyroidism. The post quotes a rat study abstract.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-05 original
Post quotes Ray Peat saying hypothyroidism involves poor absorption and retention of magnesium, sodium and copper. He says extra sodium raises body temperature, lowers aldosterone, helps retain magnesium and improves cell response to thyroid hormone. He adds that low sodium raises adrenaline while enough sodium lowers adrenaline and improves sleep.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-08 original
The post claims hypothyroidism raises stress hormones and histamine, contributing to anxiety, hypertension, blood sugar problems and depression. It cites experimental hypothyroidism data, a T4/T3 combination therapy study and a rat mast cell study.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-09 original
The post quotes Ray Peat saying hypothyroidism causes thymus atrophy, partly from lack of thyroid hormone and partly from excess estrogen and cortisol. The embedded lowmegatron post adds thymus function context and a rat study.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-09 original
The sharing account posts a Ray Peat quote saying cold hands and feet, and oral temperature, can indicate thyroid function without a blood test, with cold extremities being the first sign of failing thyroid function. The embedded post by lowmegatron claims hypothyroidism raises stress hormones and histamine and that T3 added to T4 therapy improves anxiety, depression and quality of life.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-10 original
The author claims magnesium reduces stress, anxiety and depression, with effects noticeable in two weeks and scores halving by six weeks. The author cites a study of 248 mg magnesium from magnesium chloride and quotes an abstract (PMID 28654669) on an open-label randomized cross-over trial in 126 adults with mild-to-moderate depression symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-10 original
The author claims hypothyroidism with fast heart rate, high blood pressure and palpitations can be caused by high TRH. The author quotes Ray Peat on TRH effects, explains that TRH is elevated in primary hypothyroidism, and quotes a pharmacology passage on TRH pressor and tachycardic effects. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron claims hypothyroidism raises stress hormones, blood pressure and histamine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-10 original
The post quotes Ray Peat recommending carbohydrate (preferably sugar), salty foods, bedtime T3 or ice cream to reduce nighttime stress hormone reactions. It also quotes a 1967 study excerpt that hypothyroidism reduces stage 3 and 4 sleep and that desiccated thyroid may increase them. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron links subclinical hypothyroidism to insomnia.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-12 original
Author states that low-calorie dieting increases cortisol and lists harms of high cortisol. They quote a paper saying 1200 kcal restriction increased cortisol output and perceived stress, and that clinicians may need to rethink recommending dieting.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-12 original
Author comments 'Jeff was born for this' while sharing lowmegatron's post on low-calorie dieting and cortisol. The comment is context-dependent, and no explicit support for the quoted claims is given.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-12 own thread
lowmegatron claims stearic acid reduces fat and raises lean mass in mice, probably through anti-cortisol and anti-estrogen effects. He reports personally losing fat after replacing some dietary fat with cacao butter (about 30% stearic acid) while keeping his diet otherwise consistent.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-14 original
Author states hypothyroidism increases adrenaline, quoting Ray Peat on adrenaline sustaining blood sugar and body temperature while disturbing sleep and speeding the heart. A quote from PMID 4766338 says thyroid hormone depresses noradrenaline and adrenaline secretion by blocking production at the cellular level. The embedded post from lowmegatron claims experimental hypothyroidism raised stress hormones and histamine, and that adding T3 to T4 improved anxiety, depression and quality of life.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-14 original
The author says caloric restriction, fasting and low-carb diets reduce thyroid hormone conversion, favoring reverse T3 over T3, and advises eating regularly, enough, and eating carbs. The embedded quoted post says low-calorie dieting increases cortisol, with a list of harms and study excerpts.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-16 original
The author claims hypothyroidism raises stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline, aldosterone) and histamine, contributing to anxiety, hypertension, blood sugar problems and depression. They cite studies in which stopping thyroid medication raised these hormones, and studies in which adding T3 to T4 improved mood and quality of life. A rat study is cited for higher mast cells and histamine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-16 original
The author compiles Ray Peat quotes and cited excerpts arguing that hypothyroidism or low thyroid hormone activity can drive anxiety through raised adrenaline and histamine. The post says T3 added to T4 therapy improved anxiety, depression and quality of life, and that some foods, thyroid or pregnenolone may help. An embedded post by lowmegatron repeats the same thyroid, stress-hormone and histamine claims.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-16 original
The author says cyproheptadine is sometimes used for IBS and functional GI disorders, proposing serotonin and histamine blocking plus ACTH dampening as possible mechanisms. The author cites three PMIDs on symptom improvement, exaggerated ACTH response in IBS, and lowered ACTH/cortisol in healthy volunteers. The embedded quoted post gives a Ray Peat quote on low-dose cyproheptadine for insomnia.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-17 original
The author claims sodium deficiency can cause insulin resistance and rapidly raise noradrenaline and aldosterone. They cite a study (PMID 21036373) where healthy people on a low-salt diet had higher HOMA-IR and 50% higher aldosterone. The embedded Ray Peat quote links sodium intake to aldosterone, magnesium retention, adrenaline and sleep in hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-18 original
The post quotes Ray Peat saying many people become sleepy after eating much carbohydrate and/or salt, that both lower adrenaline, and that carbohydrate can increase thyroid hormone activity and restore tissue energy. A link is included. The embedded lowmegatron post quotes Peat on hypothyroidism raising adrenaline.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-19 original
The author argues that vitamin E supports immune function in aging, citing mouse pneumonia and influenza data and a human study of elderly subjects. The proposed mechanism is partial reversal of age-related T cell decline. The author says they take 200 IU of natural tocopherols and tocotrienols and that synthetic alpha-tocopherol should be avoided. The quoted lowmegatron post says cortisol shrinks the thymus.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-19 original
The post shares a Ray Peat quote saying regular sleep timing, about six to nine hours a night, is protective and anti-stress, and that prolonged starvation or fasting can shrink the brain. The quoted lowmegatron post links hypothyroidism to reduced deep sleep, citing a 1967 study of 7 hypothyroid patients that reported fewer stage 3 and 4 sleep minutes, with some improvement after desiccated thyroid.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-19 original
The post shares a Ray Peat quote about learned-helplessness experiments in rats, where rescued rats later swam longer. The embedded lowmegatron post quotes Peat on learned helplessness and stress, says T3 can help reverse it, and includes a Facebook comment describing depression lifting after starting Cynoplus with extra T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-27 original
The author describes a small study of 20 healthy women in which black coffee was followed 1 hour later by significantly lower blood sugar and cortisol. The author explains this via cortisol's effect on glucose and coffee compounds that reduce cortisol reactivation. The quoted post links coffee, 11β-HSD1, cortisol and depression.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-28 original
The author claims hypothyroidism raises noradrenaline, which can increase blood pressure, cholesterol and anxiety. The post quotes Menoff's paper and studies it cites (Christensen, Stoffer) on thyroid hormone and catecholamines. The embedded lowmegatron post presents a case report and paper commentary on thyroid hormone (NDT) lowering blood pressure in some hypothyroid patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-28 original
The author says blood sugar tends to be elevated in human anaphylaxis, and that it is unclear whether this is protective, causal or incidental. They quote rat and mouse experiments in which low blood glucose worsened anaphylactic or anaphylactoid responses and high glucose delayed or reduced them. They note epinephrine, used in anaphylaxis, causes hyperglycemia.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 own thread
lowmegatron says diet and lifestyle determine thyroid gland health, hormone conversion, uptake and activity in cells. He claims stress and nutritional deficiencies can rapidly cause low thyroid hormone activity with normal TSH and T4. He cites a woman he spoke with who improved after dietary changes and swapping some workouts for walks.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 own thread
lowmegatron argues that questions about hypothyroidism lack one-size-fits-all answers and that anyone offering broad solutions doesn't understand the problem. He promotes his Hypothyroid Masterclass Course, described as 31 short video modules, and lists the topics covered (tests, conversion, reverse T3, T4/NDT/T3 supplementation, nutrients, PUFA, stress, diet, drugs).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 original
Post quotes Ray Peat saying progesterone raises body temperature while estrogen lowers it via nitric oxide and vasodilation, and that hot flashes reflect estrogen imbalance relative to progesterone. It adds an excerpt from a paper on menstrual-cycle temperature regulation. An embedded lowmegatron post quotes Peat saying a few progesterone doses can shift balance and aid T4-to-T3 conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-30 original
The post quotes Ray Peat's anecdotes that progesterone or pregnenolone revived old horses and dogs. The author adds that these hormones lower CRH/ACTH, that excess cortisol accelerates aging, and that photos show a dog treated for Cushing's syndrome. The embedded post (lowmegatron) discusses thyroid hormone, lactate and CO2, and rodent data on transcutaneous CO2 against human tumor xenografts.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-03 original
The author describes selenium as required for thyroid hormone conversion and as protective of the thyroid. They say deficiency may cause hypothyroid-like symptoms and that supplementation may lower thyroid antibodies in autoimmune thyroid disease, help Graves' eye disease, and speed recovery of thyroid hormones in acute stress. They also list selenium-rich foods and note an upper limit of 400 mcg/day.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-03 original
A Ray Peat quotation states that salty snacks help bring on sleep, probably by stabilizing blood glucose and lowering adrenalin. It adds that ice cream (sugar, calcium, fat) is often effective for improving sleep quality.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-05 original
The post answers why people seem sicker in winter with a Ray Peat quotation. Peat attributes winter sickness mainly to 'light deficiency' from long nights and little sunlight. He says prolonged darkness raises nocturnal stress and mitochondrial damage, and that orange and red light improve energy production. The embedded lowmegatron post shows a 500 W halogen work light.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-08 original
Ray Peat states progesterone antagonizes effects of estrogen, cortisol, and aldosterone, which interfere with glucose oxidation. Embedded post discusses thyroid hormone T3, depression, glucose oxidation, and inadequacy of TSH/T4 testing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-08 original
Ray Peat describes darkness as stressful, creating catabolic state where cortisol breaks down tissues for glucose, and proposes sleep reduces this stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-09 original
Aspirin reduces stress-induced increases in prolactin, cortisol, and ACTH according to a cited study (PMID: 11740295).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 original
High cortisol causally increases risk of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, insomnia, depression, fatty liver, low T3 thyroid hormone, and high blood pressure. Post introduces tips for cortisol control in thread format.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron claims vitamin C lowers stress-induced cortisol release, quoting studies on ascorbic acid inhibiting cortisol secretion after ACTH and on vitamin C in women with functional hypercortisolemia or elevated DHEA-S. He says he prefers vitamin C from foods such as fruit, juice and acerola powder.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron claims parathyroid hormone increases cortisol and that PTH is elevated with low dietary calcium and low vitamin D status. He quotes in vitro and treatment studies reporting PTH stimulating cortisol secretion or raising tissue cortisol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron claims salicylate, an aspirin metabolite, lowers tissue cortisol regeneration by reducing 11β-HSD1. He quotes research on salsalate/salicylate improving glucose tolerance and reducing adipose 11β-HSD1 in mice and men.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron claims vitamin D appears to lower 11β-HSD1, a cortisol-regenerating enzyme implicated in insulin resistance, obesity, fatty liver and type 2 diabetes. He cites a study where 2,000 IU for 2 weeks reduced cortisol and the cortisol:cortisone ratio versus no change on placebo.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron claims aspirin itself lowers stress-induced increases in ACTH and cortisol, quoting a study saying aspirin blunted ACTH and cortisol and was associated with reduced cortisol after exercise.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron says drugs that reduce local cortisol via 11β-HSD1 inhibition are being investigated for type 2 diabetes. He quotes a study reporting increased whole-body 11β-HSD1 activity in obese men with T2D, supporting the idea that inhibitors would be most effective in that group.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron says coffee, linked to lower type 2 diabetes risk, contains 11β-HSD1 inhibitors that reduce local cortisol regeneration. The post quotes a study (PMID 16814782) reporting that espresso extract inhibited 11β-HSD1 activity and suggesting this may explain part of coffee's anti-diabetic effect.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron says DHEA may also lower 11β-HSD1 and local cortisol generation. The post quotes a study (PMID 15613680) on DHEA, blood glucose and insulin sensitivity in obese rodents and humans. The author adds an opinion that low doses (no more than 5 mg, 3 times a day) are probably best because DHEA can otherwise increase estrogen.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron says emodin, found in cascara sagrada, aloe and rhubarb, inhibits 11β-HSD1 and lowers local cortisol. In obese mice it reportedly reduced insulin resistance, liver fat and high blood sugar. The author mentions a supplement called Lapodin, which they say they have not tried and are not affiliated with.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron says magnesium and potassium (250 mg each) lowered serum cortisol by nearly 50% in people with type 2 diabetes and improved insomnia scores. The post gives figures such as no-insomnia participants rising from about 5% to over 40% and severe insomnia falling from 38% to 0%.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron claims darkness and low light keep cortisol elevated while bright light lowers it after an initial spike. The author says daytime bright light is important and that most indoor lighting is insufficient. The quoted study reported lower cortisol under constant bright light than dim light, but not under intermittent bright light.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron claims creatine reduces stress-induced increases in cortisol. The quoted study says more than 5 days of creatine combined with resistance exercise was sufficient to increase testosterone and decrease cortisol concentrations.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron says L-theanine lowers the cortisol response to stress. The quoted study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover in which subjective stress fell at one hour and cortisol response at three hours. The active treatment was a combination of L-theanine, alpha GPC, phosphatidylserine and chamomile, not theanine alone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron says hypothyroidism activates the sympathetic nervous system, raising stress hormones, anxiety, blood sugar and blood pressure. The author cites a study of hypothyroid people who stopped medication, reporting about +60% cortisol and doubled adrenaline, noradrenaline and aldosterone, with diastolic blood pressure dropping as T3 rose with replacement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron claims hypothyroidism increases cortisol, that many hypothyroid symptoms resemble excess cortisol, and that TSH above 2.0 (or 2.5) is associated with higher cortisol. The author says thyroid hormone T3 regulates 11β-HSD2, which inactivates cortisol, so low thyroid hormone reduces cortisol detox, and that TSH is not a reliable way to assess this.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 original
Low sodium diets increase plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels significantly compared to high-salt intake.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 original
Estrogen-induced thyroid dysfunction is compensated by elevated adrenaline and cortisol, with inadequate compensation causing hypoglycemia and elevated histamine. Women with hypothyroidism on thyroxine may need increased dosing during estrogen therapy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 original
Long-distance running may be linked to higher rates of precancerous colon lesions through inflammation, stress hormone elevation, free fatty acid release, and increased gut permeability with endotoxin translocation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 original
Daily carrot consumption may produce hormonal shifts similar to antibiotic therapy: lowering cortisol and estrogen while raising progesterone, through bacterial modulation of liver detoxification in low-thyroid individuals with sluggish digestion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron quotes Ray Peat saying that in women and rats antibiotics lowered estrogen and cortisol and raised progesterone. Peat attributes this to the liver's improved ability to inactivate estrogen and maintain blood sugar when endotoxin stress fell, and suggests diets that reduce intestinal toxin production.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron cites a rat study in which antibiotic exposure significantly decreased cortisol and inflammatory biomarkers, linked to gut microbiome changes, with most returning to baseline after a 13-day recovery.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-11 original
The cortisol-regenerating enzyme 11β-HSD1 increases local cortisol in liver and adipose tissue without detectable blood elevation and is implicated in insulin resistance, obesity, and fatty liver. Coffee and vitamin D (2,000 IU) inhibit 11β-HSD1 activity and reduce cortisol burden.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-11 original
During inflammation and stress, adrenal glands secrete adrenaline and cortisol to raise blood sugar in response to inflammation or stress signals (blood sugar, lactic acid, or CO2 changes), assuming the glands are not exhausted or starved.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-11 original
Stress-induced cortisol elevation suppresses TSH and impairs thyroid hormone T4-to-T3 conversion while elevating reverse T3, resulting in low functional thyroid hormone despite normal TSH and T4 labs. Free fatty acids further impair T3 metabolism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-12 original
DHEA improves insulin sensitivity and reduces abdominal fat through decreased local cortisol production via 11β-HSD1 inhibition; coffee, vitamin D, and aspirin share this mechanism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-12 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a paper reporting that in 3T3-L1 adipocytes DHEA downregulated 11β-HSD1 and reduced its oxoreductase activity, comparably to rosiglitazone but not additively. The authors propose that some of DHEA's anti-diabetic effects may come from inhibiting local glucocorticoid amplification in adipose tissue.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-13 original
Thyroid hormone T3 and its metabolite TRIAC reverse learned helplessness in animal models by correcting energy metabolism rather than as a purely psychological intervention; low brain T3 increases serotonin which may contribute to learned helplessness.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-13 original
Comprehensive compilation of potential health benefits of aspirin across multiple mechanisms: antibiofilm activity, cancer prevention, dopamine pathway stimulation, immune regulation, metabolic effects, cardiovascular protection, liver health, bone regeneration, and metabolic flexibility. No commercial promotion included.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-13 original
Exercise in caloric deficit lowers T3 thyroid hormone and causes amenorrhea; increasing calories can help. CICO model ignores thyroid hormone and metabolic rate adaptation. Cortisol from exercise and low-calorie stress lowers TSH, which doctors may miss. Study tested effects but not TSH.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-14 original
Cyproheptadine blocks mediators of stress from hormonal-nutritional deficiencies (Ray Peat). It inhibits acetylcholine and serotonin-induced CRF release, reducing ACTH in Cushing's disease patients. CRF initiates HPA axis stress response.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-14 original
Decaffeinated coffee reduced cholesterol, liver enzymes (ALT), fatty liver, and weight gain in mice fed high-fat/high-PUFA diet. Coffee reduces intestinal permeability and endotoxin; also reduces 11β-HSD1 (cortisol-regenerating enzyme) implicated in insulin resistance, obesity, fatty liver, and type 2 diabetes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-14 original
11β-HSD1 inhibitors under investigation for type 2 diabetes treatment. Cortisol raises blood sugar and free fatty acids (necessary in healthy states but chronically elevated in dysregulation). Coffee, aspirin, and vitamin D reduce 11β-HSD1 activity and associated with reduced diabetes risk.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-15 original
Parathyroid hormone physiology and regulation: elevated by low dietary calcium, high phosphate, low vitamin D, adrenaline, histamine, low magnesium. Connects PTH elevation to cortisol secretion and obesity-related comorbidities. Includes Ray Peat quote on calcium/vitamin D reducing PTH and associated health problems, plus citations on PTH-cortisol relationships and psychiatric manifestations of hyperparathyroidism. Embedded post on cortisol causation and control strategies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-15 original
Animal model evidence: thyroparathyroidectomy causes learned helplessness (escape deficit) in rats. Low T3 increases brain serotonin correlating with helplessness. Embedded post on serotonin 5-HT3 antagonism (ondansetron, ginger) reversing learned helplessness in rodents.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-16 original
Hypothyroidism causes anxiety and panic attacks through inefficient glucose metabolism producing lactate instead of CO2, suppressed by adequate thyroid hormone. Multiple mechanisms including elevated histamine, cortisol, serotonin, and reduced carbon dioxide suppress excitatory nerves. Includes Ray Peat quotation and multiple study citations.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-17 original
Adrenaline elevation disturbs sleep and indicates defective cellular energy production. Thyroid hormone, salt, sugar, protein, and progesterone restore sleep by acting directly on cellular energy production.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-19 original
Broda Barnes used Armour Thyroid (NDT) to prevent heart disease; discussion of industry preference for levothyroxine and role of polyunsaturated fats in blocking thyroid hormone effects. Historical context on Barnes and basal temperature test provided.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-19 original
TSH levels 2.5–5.0 twice as common in women with unexplained infertility. Discusses optimal TSH range, role of TSH in oocyte development, and associations with menstrual disorders and autoimmune thyroid disease.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-20 original
D-limonene from citrus peel lowers stress response; cite excerpt on monoterpene antioxidant and anti-stress properties. Embedded quote on orange juice and depression via gut effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-20 original
Ray Peat's interpretation of serotonin as behavioral inhibition and harm avoidance system via Cloninger's framework. Embedded quote attributes tryptophan's serotonin synthesis to inhibition and learned helplessness.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-20 own thread gap
lowmegatron quotes Ray Peat saying that many people who are uncomfortable in heat have very high nitric oxide production, which causes vasodilation and skin reddening and lowers core temperature.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-21 original
Ray Peat on protein-induced insulin and cortisol response; meat fat composition effects on estrogen and metabolism; phosphate/calcium ratio in meat and stress activation; sugar effects on cortisol and thyroid.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-22 original
The author quotes Ray Peat and a paper abstract on diabetes and thyroid hormone. Ray Peat says cellular glucose deficiency impairs T4-to-T3 conversion and that T4+T3 combination therapy suppresses TSH. The paper reports lower T3 and higher reverse T3 in diabetes, normalizing with improved hyperglycemia. The embedded lowmegatron post claims stress causes hidden hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-22 original
The author claims hypothyroidism generally increases cortisol, with chronic cortisol elevation driving fat gain, high blood sugar and free fatty acid effects. The author says cortisol also lowers TSH and reduces T3 conversion, giving misleading labs. The author speculates that NDT or T4+T3 would have improved the study's results beyond levothyroxine. The embedded lowmegatron post makes related claims citing human and rat studies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-23 original
Endotoxin from intestinal bacteria suppresses thyroid hormones and testosterone production through multiple mechanisms, with supporting evidence from human and animal studies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-23 original
Hypothyroidism increases cortisol and activates the sympathetic nervous system through reduced T3 levels, which impairs cortisol detoxification via 11β-HSD enzymes; TSH levels above 2.0-2.5 may be abnormally high based on cortisol elevation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-26 original
Author says stress increases COX-2, which drives some cancer metastasis, and that aspirin inhibits COX-2. The post quotes a mouse chronic-stress lymphatic metastasis paper and a colorectal cancer aspirin paper. The embedded post links aspirin and COX inhibition to anti-cancer effects in prostate cancer.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-27 original
Knowledge claim on prednisone-induced diabetes mechanism and Ray Peat commentary on excessive replacement dosing; embedded post on pregnenolone for stress and alcohol craving reduction.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-28 original
Ray Peat quoted on glucose availability, adrenaline mobilization, and polyunsaturated fat toxicity to mitochondria during fasting or low-carb states. Embedded quote from SeedOilDsrcptr mentions seed oil detoxification timeline (~8 years for 5 half-life cycles) when transitioning diet.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-28 original
Adrenaline and noradrenaline lower immunity and are elevated in hypothyroidism, partly explaining Broda Barnes' findings of recurrent infections in hypothyroid patients. Cites PMID 32045472 on β2-adrenergic receptor modulation of host immune response to viral infection. Includes Barnes' clinical observations on thyroid removal effects and thyroid therapy outcomes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-28 original
Ray Peat quoted on T3 effects on aromatase inhibition and testosterone efficacy in men. Claims T3 lowers aromatase; elevated aromatase from stress lowers testosterone and increases estrogen. Discusses how T3, aspirin, pregnenolone, or progesterone inhibit aromatase and improve testosterone effectiveness.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-29 own thread gap
Quotes a claim that reducing dietary polyunsaturated fats lowers tissue stores over about four years, making it easier to keep metabolic rate up and stress hormones down.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-29 own thread
Repeats the quote that reducing dietary PUFA lowers stored PUFA over about four years, helping keep metabolic rate up and stress hormones down.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-29 own thread
Quotes a claim that when metabolic rate rises and stress hormones fall, such as after adding two quarts of milk daily, muscle may increase while fat decreases, gradually raising caloric requirements.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-29 own thread
Quotes a claim that antiseptic fiber such as bamboo shoots or raw carrot aids weight loss by reducing endotoxin and stress hormones and letting the liver metabolize better.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-29 own thread
Quotes claims that stored PUFA released by stress or hunger slows metabolism; niacinamide lowers free fatty acids; small amounts of coconut oil aid fat oxidation; aspirin reduces stress-related free fatty acid rises; thyroid supplements are reasonable until the saturated-to-PUFA ratio is about 2:1. Includes a personal anecdote of losing about two pounds weekly with a tablespoon of coconut oil.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-30 original
Author reflects on the time-course of diet and lifestyle 'hacks' and quotes Hans Selye, who described ACTH or cortisol first producing extraordinary wellbeing with excitement and insomnia, sometimes followed by depression.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-30 original
Author says stress reduction, by lowering cortisol, adrenaline and glucagon, can improve thyroid hormone conversion. They cite a yoga randomized controlled trial in women with hypothyroidism reporting T3 +17%, T4 +7% and TSH -26%, with the authors concluding moderate-to-large effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-31 original
The author claims low magnesium raises the risk of noise-induced hearing loss and that stress causes magnesium loss. He quotes a review of animal and human data linking magnesium deficiency to hair-cell damage in the inner ear. Here "hair" refers to cochlear hair cells, not scalp hair.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-31 original
Ray Peat explains pregnenolone synthesis requirements and the relationship between cholesterol, thyroid, vitamin A delivery to mitochondria, and stress hormone balance; pregnenolone insufficiency leads to cortisol overproduction and unopposed estrogen effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-04 original
Vitamin C 1g/day reduces cortisol by 20-40% and DHEA-S by 30-40% in response to chronic stress; cited study supports use in female patients with elevated cortisol or DHEA-S.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-04 own thread
lowmegatron claims that cortisol, glucagon and adrenaline inhibit thyroid hormone conversion, lowering T3 and raising reverse T3. He lists factors he says commonly raise cortisol and adrenaline, including poor sleep, too few carbohydrates, sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium, fasting, chronic caloric restriction, noise, shallow breathing, black coffee on an empty stomach and constant stimulation. He suggests acerola vitamin C, L-theanine and glycine as possibly helpful.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-05 original
Ray Peat quotation on hypothyroidism-induced thymus atrophy via thyroid hormone deficiency and elevated estrogen/cortisol; author explains thymic involution's role in immune function and its attribution to aging-related factors rather than aging itself.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-05 original
Comparative effectiveness claim: honey and coffee reduced cough scores more than prednisone in a study. Includes detailed dosing description and reposted Ray Peat comment on prednisone-induced diabetes via supraphysiologic dosing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-05 original
Ray Peat quotation on stress hormones (elevated cortisol, decreased DHEA/progesterone/testosterone) driving inflammation, degeneration and depression as a protective shutdown response. Embedded post on hypothyroidism-cortisol relationship, TSH thresholds, T3 effects on cortisol metabolism enzymes, sympathetic activation and blood pressure.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-06 original
T3 thyroid hormone levels regulate exploratory behavior and risk-taking in animals through cortical mechanisms; low T3 causes behavioral withdrawal; stress reduces thyroid hormones and exploration.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-09 original
Stretching has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects comparable to aspirin pathways; stretching reduced tumor volume 52% in mice; embedded post on stress-induced COX-2 driving cancer metastasis and aspirin's inhibitory effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-09 original
Ray Peat explains that a decrease in temperature after breakfast, rather than saliva tests, may better indicate whether the preceding night was stressful or restorative based on normal circadian temperature patterns.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-09 original
Author explains that elevated free fatty acids block T4 uptake in the liver, reducing active T3 production, and identifies conditions elevating free fatty acids (fasting, restriction, stress, cold, low-carb diets, sleep deprivation, infection). Insulin reduces free fatty acids. Includes quoted study text on ATP depletion and circulating inhibitors.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-11 original
Quoted Ray Peat claims that nighttime stress and inflammation hormones rise despite ice cream consumption; bright incandescent light reduces them further. Recommends Cynoplus at bedtime instead of Cynomel to maintain T4 and hold down TSH; suggests daily eggs and weekly liver for nutritional support.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-11 original
Author claims low winter light exposure reduces metabolic rate, increases inflammation and stress, and promotes depression. Cites study showing bright light therapy reduced TSH levels in seasonal affective disorder patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-12 original
Author explains that high free fatty acids interfere with thyroid hormone T4 uptake and conversion to T3, and this effect is invisible to TSH and likely T4 tests. Discusses non-thyroidal illness syndrome where liver fat accumulation reduces conversion, and notes debate over whether thyroid hormone replacement is protective or harmful.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-12 original
The author explains 5α-reductase-2 deficiency, in which testosterone is made but conversion to DHT is impaired, leading to atypical genital development and sparse facial and body hair. He says it is usually genetic but can also be caused by hypothyroidism. He cites a report of children with severe untreated hypothyroidism whose urine steroid patterns mimicked the deficiency and reversed completely on thyroid replacement. The quoted conclusion urges excluding hypothyroidism in DSD workups.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-16 original
Explanation of allopregnanolone's role in depression treatment, how SSRIs increase it, its FDA-approved medication form (Brexanolone), and how bioidentical progesterone and pregnenolone increase allopregnanolone; includes mechanism of action via GABA receptors and embedded Ray Peat quote on stress hormones.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-16 original
Ray Peat quote on stress-induced suppression of T3 activity via cortisol and adrenaline; explanation that common thyroid labs may appear normal while T3 is actually low due to cortisol effects on free fatty acids; cites two studies on cortisol infusion effects and glucocorticoid inhibition of T4-to-T3 conversion; embedded quote on free fatty acids' role in blocking T4 uptake.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-16 original
Ray Peat passage discussing polyunsaturated fat toxicity in high-fat diet using Eskimo diet example; explains mechanism of thyroid hormone promotion in traditional Eskimo diet through consumption of organ meats (thyroid gland, brain) containing cholesterol and steroid hormone precursors; contrasts with negative effects of polyunsaturated fat on thyroid function.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-16 original
Claim that bacterial endotoxin increases cortisol and mimics thyroid marker derangements; embedded human study showing dose-dependent systemic and behavioral effects of endotoxin administration including temperature, heart rate, cytokines, cortisol, and mood effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-18 original
Noise pollution increases cardiovascular disease risk through endothelial dysfunction and stress hormone elevation; nighttime noise elevates morning adrenaline; vitamin C may reduce noise-induced effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-18 original
Author claims indoor natural light improves mood and sleep, reducing insomnia, depression, and elevated cortisol. States people with more indoor natural light have lower morning melatonin, higher nighttime melatonin, and lower nighttime cortisol. Notes lack of light exposure correlates with depression and poor sleep quality. Recommends windows or bright incandescent lights as alternatives. Includes embedded quote from Ray Peat on light effects on mitochondrial enzymes and seasonal health problems.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-23 original
Description of supraclavicular fat pad (fatty tissue above collarbone) as visible/palpable sign associated with Cushing's syndrome but also appearing in some hypothyroidism cases; congenital hypothyroidism study showing fat pad among multiple myxedema signs; embedded Ray Peat quote linking 'Cushingoid' fat distribution, hair loss, and hormone imbalance secondary to hypothyroidism with heart disease risk.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-23 original
Levothyroxine shows paradoxical effect in morbidly obese individuals: 600 mcg dose lowered T3 by 7% despite raising it 17% in non-obese controls. Authors hypothesize impaired T4-to-T3 conversion linked to elevated IL-6 in obesity, which blocks conversion and increases inactivation of thyroid hormones. Embedded post notes bacterial endotoxin produces similar thyroid marker derangement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-24 original
Ray Peat states T3 (active thyroid hormone) reverses learned helplessness in rats after it is induced. Embedded post discusses historical context of learned helplessness research, CIA MKUltra connections, and anecdotal report of T3 treatment resolving depression and hopelessness linked to low T3 from thyroid crash.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-25 original
Low TSH should be interpreted as stress marker rather than indicator of good thyroid status. Stress suppresses TSH while also lowering active thyroid hormone T3, causing hypothyroid symptoms. Stress reduces T4-to-T3 conversion (similar to euthyroid sick syndrome) to conserve energy. Embedded post defines stress as nonspecific body response to any demand.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-25 original
Lists six common causes of stress-induced drops in thyroid hormone T3: fasting, poor sleep, undereating, over-exercising, psychological stress, and low carbohydrate intake; notes these often occur in combination and have anti-T3 effects not visible on blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-26 original
TSH can appear normal or low despite real hypothyroidism when affected by factors beyond thyroid hormone feedback: aging, infection, trauma, prolonged cortisol excess, somatostatin, dopamine, adrenaline, amphetamine, caffeine, and fever.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-27 original
Vitamin D lowers cortisol and blood pressure by reducing the cortisol/cortisone ratio, suggesting inhibition of 11β-HSD1 enzyme that locally produces/recycles cortisol; high cortisol increases risks of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, insomnia, depression, fatty liver, low T3 and hypertension.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-01 original
Author shares Ray Peat's explanation that defensive action prevents stress ulcer formation via reduced serotonin, protecting against cortisol and circulation/energy disruption; notes endotoxin and prostaglandins activate similar stress systems, while progesterone and aspirin provide protection.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-02 original
Hans Selye quoted on disease as both suffering and the body's fight to restore itself, invoking the healing force of nature (vis medicatrix naturae). Embedded quoted post discusses stress resilience and learned helplessness from Ray Peat.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-03 original
Author explains a mechanistic pathway whereby hypothyroidism increases cortisol via reduced 11β-HSD2 enzyme activity, proposing this accelerates aging; contrasts with coffee's opposing effect; cites multiple studies on cortisol and aging, T3 regulation of cortisol metabolism, and hypothyroid cortisol kinetics.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-03 original
Author describes anti-thyroid effects of cortisol on TSH signaling, T4-to-T3 conversion, and thyroid hormone tissue uptake; notes these effects are invisible to blood tests and can cause misdiagnosis.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-03 original
Author presents two lengthy Ray Peat quotes: first on learned helplessness, stress-induced brain atrophy, and the brain-gut serotonin/nitric oxide axis; second on estrogen-progesterone dynamics in stress and aging, emphasizing intracellular estrogen retention and progesterone's role in expelling cellular estrogen.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-09 original
Author lists micronutrients, macronutrients, and lifestyle factors (sleep, stress) claimed to optimize thyroid hormones and prevent T3 suppression. Quotes lowmegatron on cortisol's anti-thyroid mechanisms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-12 original
Embedded anecdote from user reporting that T3 thyroid hormone supplementation eliminated learned helplessness, increased energy and motivation, enabling life changes and goal pursuit.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-12 original
T3 thyroid hormone reduces mast cell histamine production and inflammation; hypothyroidism increases mast cell numbers and histamine content in tissues. T3 may help reverse learned helplessness through anti-inflammatory and mast cell stabilizing mechanisms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-12 original
Bacterial endotoxin reduces REM sleep and causes depression-like symptoms including fatigue, reduced appetite and cognitive impairment. Embedded post summarizes Ray Peat commentary on endotoxin's role in aging, cancer, inflammation, and dietary/supplement interventions.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-13 original
Broda Barnes quoted on high-protein diet effects on thyroid hormone requirements and stress hormone effects on thyroid conversion. Multiple studies examine protein effects on cortisol, cortisol effects on TSH and T3, and methionine restriction effects on thyroid function and metabolism. Embedded quoted post on cortisol's anti-thyroid effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-16 original
Author shares extended Ray Peat quote and embedded lowmegatron post on high-protein diet's thyroid-suppressing effects via amino acids (methionine, cysteine, tryptophan) and cortisol, milk's protective calcium, delayed tissue response to thyroid hormone, and NDT dosing; includes cited studies on protein, cortisol, methionine restriction, and thyroid hormone conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-16 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on thyroid hormone's role in regulating adrenaline, serotonin, and estrogen; discusses methylene blue as electron-carrier substitute for thyroid hormone in treating depression and dementia; embeds lowmegatron post linking hypothyroidism to dementia risk, especially in patients on thyroid medication.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-16 original
Low T3 (active thyroid hormone) is linked to depression. T4 must convert to T3 to be effective. Poor T4-to-T3 conversion can leave brain thyroid activity low even with normal standard labs. TSH above 2.5 mU/L is associated with more depressive symptoms in T4-treated people. Standard tests focusing on TSH and T4 miss tissue-level thyroid activity; T3, reverse T3, and conversion capacity are more relevant.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-18 original
Low T3 thyroid hormone, high histamine and high serotonin are implicated in learned helplessness behavior; T3 is anti-inflammatory and stabilizes mast cells to reduce histamine and serotonin secretion; same treatments that reduce learned helplessness also reduce inflammatory response and histamine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-19 original
Quote-repost of Ray Peat on learned helplessness in rats: observing another rat escape allows trapped rats to survive longer in a drowning experiment, suggesting recognition of solution efficacy dramatically improves survival.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-19 original
Magnesium supplementation (350 mg/day for 6 months) reduces 24-hour urinary cortisol excretion and increases 11β-HSD type 2 activity, which deactivates cortisol and may lower cardiovascular disease risk. Explains the enzymatic mechanism of glucocorticoid metabolism and type 1 vs. type 2 isoenzyme roles.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-23 original
L-theanine may stabilize mast cells, lower stress and cortisol, reduce depression and anxiety, improve sleep and cognition, and decrease inflammatory markers and oxidative stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-25 own thread
The post text is only links. Its quoted post by lowmegatron claims experimental hypothyroidism raised cortisol (+60%), adrenaline, noradrenaline and aldosterone (2x), links this to blood pressure, anxiety and blood sugar, says adding T3 to T4 improved anxiety, depression and quality of life, and that hypothyroidism raised mast cells and histamine in rats.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-25 own thread
The post text is only links. Its quoted post by lowmegatron cites Ray Peat saying hypothyroidism involves elevated adrenaline, estrogen and cortisol and low magnesium, poor deep sleep, and that T3 with magnesium is a reliable treatment for insomnia, cramps and anxiety.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-25 original
Chronic stress suppresses TSH and impairs T4-to-T3 conversion via CRH, ACTH, and cortisol; stress-induced alterations can cause low active T3 despite normal T4 and TSH labs; T3 effects on tissues matter most.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-25 original
Citation of stress-induced suppression of TSH secretion and T4-to-T3 conversion with mediators including glucocorticoids, somatostatin, and cytokines; appears as self-reply continuation to preceding stress/thyroid post.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-26 original
Ray Peat quotation linking cortisol-driven glucose metabolism impairment to Alzheimer's, and associating high serotonin/harm-avoidance personality with dementia risk and stress-susceptibility affecting nerve cells and energy production.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-27 original
Coffee intake is associated with greater muscle mass and protects against age-related muscle loss through reduction of 11β-HSD1, anti-inflammatory effects, and accelerated muscle regeneration; mechanisms and two cited studies presented.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-27 original
Hypothyroidism decreases hippocampal neurogenesis, impairing brain cell production and cognitive function; study shows adult-onset hypothyroidism reduces neurogenesis and thyroid hormone replacement restores it.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-27 original
Magnesium supplementation improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in experimental diabetes through lowering cortisol and oxidative stress; animal study and human clinical dosing cited.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-30 original
Caffeine at 100 mg every 2 hours increases energy expenditure ~10% with no overnight metabolism change. In obese persons, caffeine enhances diet-induced thermogenesis. Coffee provides greater benefit than other caffeine sources due to gut and cortisol effects, especially with food.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-31 original
Bacterial endotoxin (LPS) injection increases growth hormone and cortisol, causing insulin resistance; quoted study demonstrates LPS produces metabolic responses similar to sepsis.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-31 original
Hypothyroid individuals produce 40x normal adrenaline as compensation; T3 supplementation initially causes stress-like adrenaline reaction during adaptation; T3's primary function is relaxing; sugary and salty foods help manage adrenaline during adjustment; thyroid hormone suppresses noradrenaline and adrenaline production.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-01 original
Learned helplessness and hopelessness preceding death in Curt Richter's experiments can be reversed by experience of escape, distinguishing escape from mere release of restraint.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-01 own thread
lowmegatron posts a link only, with a quoted earlier post titled 'Energy, Learned Helplessness, and The Voodoo Death Phenomenon'. The link content is not visible.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-02 original
Author describes L-theanine, a natural tea constituent, as inducing calm focused state via increased alpha brain waves. Defines alpha waves (meditation, relaxed wakefulness, reduced mental effort). Cites research showing L-theanine significantly increases alpha frequency band indicating mental relaxation without drowsiness and affects attention. Embedded quote from lowmegatron lists extensive L-theanine benefits including mast cell stabilization, stress/anxiety/depression reduction, sleep and cognitive improvement, and immune/inflammatory markers.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-05 original
Explanation of Type 1 (thyroid gland dysfunction) vs Type 2 (cellular thyroid hormone insufficiency) hypothyroidism, their interaction, and mechanisms by which Type 1 causes Type 2 through increased cortisol and free fatty acids that impair T4-to-T3 conversion and thyroid hormone action.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-06 original
Ray Peat quotation on thyroid hormone and vitamin A roles in converting cholesterol to pregnenolone, steroid hormone synthesis, and compensatory cholesterol mechanisms during stress-induced thyroid suppression.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-08 original
Pregnenolone and progesterone act quickly against water retention. Estrogen increases lung water content impairing oxygen transfer (animal studies). High estrogen-to-progesterone ratio occurs in malnourished, low-thyroid, or stressed individuals. Progesterone supplementation can rapidly improve water balance and breathing within an hour.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-09 original
Intravenous magnesium sulfate reduced insulin resistance and blood glucose in ICU patients with stress-induced hyperglycemia (n=50). Magnesium improves glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in diabetes and metabolic disorders.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-12 original
Explains mechanism by which stress causes 'hidden hypothyroidism'—reduced thyroid hormone T3 activity at cellular level despite normal blood tests. Describes stress markers, why standard labs miss the condition, biochemical mechanisms, indicators, and common causes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-13 original
Quotes Ray Peat on T3's role in depression treatment via stress/cortisol reduction. Presents evidence for T3 efficacy in treatment-resistant bipolar depression, compares natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) vs levothyroxine symptom profiles, and discusses cortisol dynamics in hypothyroidism and mental disorder.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-16 original
Hypothyroid people store insufficient liver glycogen, causing elevated adrenaline and cortisol during sleep to maintain blood glucose. Symptoms include nocturnal awakening with pounding heart.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-17 original
Ray Peat explains that stress, infection, aging, and various compounds can lower TSH independent of thyroid hormones, creating diagnostic confusion. Embedded quote details how chronic stress suppresses T3 conversion while also lowering TSH, misleading thyroid assessment.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-17 original
Animal studies from 1980s implicate serotonin in learned helplessness development. Tryptophan and 5-HTP precursors impaired escape learning; serotonin antagonist methysergide reversed effects. Combined with weak stress, serotonin precursors caused greater learning deficit. Embedded quote discusses stress effects on gut and brain health via serotonin and estrogen-progesterone balance.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-17 original
Nature exposure reduces cortisol by approximately 20-21% per hour, with optimal benefit at 20-30 minutes duration. Study of 36 urban adults over 8 weeks measured salivary cortisol and amylase.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-17 original
Ray Peat claim that nocturnal blood sugar drops trigger inflammatory mediators and adrenaline; wool cap/stockings and sugar before bed or upon waking may alleviate night-stress problems. Post shares Ray Peat quote and embedded quote from @lowmegatron with extended Ray Peat passage on thyroid and hypoglycemia mechanisms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-19 original
Magnesium supplementation (15 mmol/day magnesium aspartate, 365 mg elemental magnesium) blunts exercise-induced cortisol and aldosterone surges in healthy young men. Study of 9 subjects showed reduced cortisol, aldosterone, and heart rate during cycling after 14 days supplementation. Author lists health effects of elevated aldosterone and cortisol. Embedded post from @lowmegatron on magnesium and type 2 diabetes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-20 original
Author reports personal use of bedtime snack combining honeydew melon, Greek yogurt, vanilla ice cream and salt to treat insomnia; cites Ray Peat statement that salty snacks and ice cream stabilize blood glucose and lower adrenaline.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-20 original
Filtered coffee reduces type 2 diabetes risk via cortisol metabolism (11B-HSD1 regulation) and gut health mechanisms; effect independent of caffeine. Highest coffee metabolite blood levels associated with ~60% lower diabetes risk.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-21 original
Shares Ray Peat quotation on hormonal recovery through essential nutrient-rich foods (eggs, orange juice, oysters, liver) or pleasurable foods (milkshakes, ice cream at bedtime) and thyroid or pregnenolone supplementation after intense stress. Embedded quoted post contains Ray Peat quote on salty snacks and ice cream for sleep improvement, plus author's personal bedtime snack recipe (honeydew, yogurt, ice cream, salt).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-23 original
Ray Peat on hypothyroidism's effects on temperature, cortisol, adrenaline and sleep via sympathetic nervous system activation. Study shows hypothyroidism increases cortisol (+60%), adrenaline (doubled), noradrenaline (doubled), aldosterone (doubled); reverses with T3 replacement and reduces blood pressure.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-23 original
Ray Peat anecdote on pregnenolone and progesterone improving mobility in aging animals; both hormones lower CRH and ACTH which trigger cortisol excess. Photos show before-and-after of dog with Cushing's syndrome illustrating cortisol's aging effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-23 own thread
Link-only post with media in a thread about a Ray Peat quote on progesterone and pregnenolone helping old animals. The parent context says the photos show a dog treated for Cushing's syndrome, and claims these hormones lower CRH and ACTH. That content is in the parent, not in this post.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-24 original
Salt restriction increases serotonin and noradrenaline; lists multiple negative effects of elevated serotonin on thyroid, thermogenesis, weight, blood sugar, and brain function. Study shows low-salt diet increases 24-hour urinary serotonin by 42% and noradrenaline by 77%.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-24 original
Lita Lee quote on pregnenolone as major anti-aging steroid; claims adequate thyroid converts LDL cholesterol to pregnenolone which opposes cortisol toxicity, prevents panic attacks, and converts to progesterone/DHEA as needed. States pregnenolone increases mental focus and prevents cognitive decline. Embedded Ray Peat quote on pregnenolone and progesterone's rapid water-retention effects via estrogen opposition.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-25 original
Ray Peat quote on sodium's importance in sparing magnesium loss during stress and hypothyroidism, suggesting eating salty foods when craved aids magnesium retention. Embedded post on magnesium's stress-induced insulin resistance effects, reporting randomized trial of IV magnesium sulfate (7.5 g over 8 hrs) vs placebo in ICU patients with stress hyperglycemia, showing magnesium improved HOMA-IR insulin resistance, blood glucose, serum/intracellular magnesium, and adiponectin by day 3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-27 original
Magnesium supplementation (Magnespasmyl, 300 mg elemental/day) reduced stress by over 40% in 8-week trial among people with suboptimal magnesium and moderate stress. Detailed stress symptom questionnaire and clinical outcomes provided. Embedded post describes magnesium's effect on blunting stress hormones (cortisol, aldosterone) during exercise and outlines consequences of high aldosterone and cortisol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-27 original
Higher progesterone levels in women and higher testosterone and progesterone in men predict lower stress response. Study measured ACTH and cortisol response to Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Progesterone inhibits HPA axis reactivity in women; testosterone inhibits it in men. Women studied during follicular phase.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-27 original
Hypothyroidism increases blood pressure by activating adrenal glands and elevating aldosterone, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol. Sympathetic and adrenal activation in hypothyroidism is reversible with thyroid hormone treatment. Embedded post describes hypothyroidism increasing oxidative stress (MDA elevation) and atherosclerosis risk; cites Broda Barnes' basal temperature and NDT treatment method reduced heart disease diagnoses by 94% compared to Framingham Study expectations.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-29 original
Ray Peat quote cautioning against Celtic salt due to heavy metal contamination; endorsement of refined salt (Morton's); embedded quote on salt restriction and serotonin elevation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-29 original
Carbohydrates with protein meals mitigate stress response to hypoglycemia. Low-carbohydrate diets increase muscle loss and lower thyroid hormone T3 despite isocaloric calories and equal protein.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-29 original
Hypothyroidism increases hypoglycemia risk through multiple mechanisms: blunted growth hormone and cortisol responses, reduced gluconeogenesis, impaired glycogenolysis, reduced glucagon secretion, prolonged insulin activity, and reduced glucose absorption. Extensive symptom list and pathophysiological explanations provided.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-29 original
Nocturnal hypoglycemia and glycogen depletion trigger cortisol and free fatty acid elevation. Consuming more carbohydrates later in day or at night can restore brain glycogen, reduce cortisol, and lower nocturnal free fatty acid rise and their inflammatory effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-29 original
Nocturnal hypoglycemia triggers counterregulatory hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, ACTH) that cause wakefulness, often around 3 AM. Multiple risk factors identified: hypothyroidism, high starch/protein before sleep, low carbohydrate intake, high stress. Recommended interventions include adequate daytime carbohydrates, sugar-based foods with protein/fat/minerals before bed.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-29 original
Historical shift in American metabolism from 1940s-50s: elevated free fatty acids now interfere with glucose oxidation, creating insulin resistance and elevated adrenaline even at normal blood glucose levels. Embedded post details how blocking fat absorption reverses insulin resistance before weight loss via Randle cycle mechanism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-30 original
Personal account of recovery from depression and learned helplessness after starting Cynoplus with 3:1 T3 ratio following thyroiditis and thyroid crash. Caller reports rapid mood lift and emergence of creative force.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 original
Author defines stress as energy demand exceeding supply and claims metabolic slowdown through thyroid hormone effects occurs but often undetected in blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 own thread
lowmegatron says stress has non-psychological causes as well and quotes Hans Selye's definition: 'The nonspecific response of the body to any demand placed upon it.'
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 own thread
lowmegatron lists claimed stress markers: higher cortisol, glucagon, adrenaline, prolactin, serotonin, growth hormone, free fatty acids, reverse T3 and fat gain, and lower muscle.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 own thread
lowmegatron says TSH is the most common hypothyroidism test and is assumed 'low = good', but claims stress also lowers TSH, making it an unreliable marker of thyroid hormone activity.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 own thread
lowmegatron says T4 is the storage form and low T4 can indicate a thyroid problem, but normal T4 does not confirm good activity because T4-to-T3 conversion declines under stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 own thread
lowmegatron says good T3 lab results don't guarantee optimal thyroid activity because T3 must enter tissues and cells and activate receptors, and claims stress disrupts every step.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 own thread
lowmegatron claims stress hormones reduce T4-to-T3 conversion, lower TSH and raise free fatty acids, and that PUFAs in those FFAs block T3/T4 uptake and receptor binding. He says PUFAs come mainly from seed oils, pork and poultry, and that cells become 'T3-starved' despite normal blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 own thread
lowmegatron lists claimed common causes of stress: fasting, poor sleep, undereating, over-exercising, psychological stress and low carbohydrate intake. He says it is often a combination of causes and that many people pair malnutrition with over-exercising.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-05 original
Author quotes Ray Peat criticizing FDA omega-3 (EPA/DHA) safety assessment and linking fish oil to antithyroid, immunosuppressive, glucose oxidation depression, and other adverse effects; connects to Alzheimer's pathology via energy failure and glucose metabolism impairment.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-06 original
Explains hypothyroidism mechanism for skinny-fat phenotype using rodent experiments; describes suppressed metabolism, preferential fat storage, and concurrent muscle loss via cortisol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-06 original
Author attributes to Ray Peat a mechanism explaining poor body temperature response to thyroid medication: stress hormones shifting T4 metabolism to reverse T3, and emphasizes selenium sufficiency for T4-to-T3 conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-07 original
Author summarizes findings from a paper on habitual coffee consumption, presenting data on immune function, inflammation, cortisol, GI function, blood pressure, and cognition/behavior; notes gut microbiota changes and discusses tissue cortisol effects via 11β-HSD1.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-07 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on pregnenolone's effects on cortisol and alcohol cravings, then presents a 2023 human study showing pregnenolone (300-500 mg/day) decreases stress- and alcohol cue-induced craving, reduces stress-induced anxiety, and normalizes HPA axis in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-08 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on thyroid hormone T3 decline with aging and impact on steroid hormone production (pregnenolone and progesterone); presents human study showing pregnenolone reduces stress-induced alcohol cravings.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-08 original
Author shares Ray Peat quote about thyroid supplementation form (USP thyroid containing both T4 and T3) preventing stress-induced hypothyroidism and arrhythmias compared to Cytomel monotherapy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-11 original
Ray Peat quote explaining CO2 production as superior metabolic indicator, adrenaline effects on fat oxidation, polyunsaturated fat peroxidation without energy yield, and expired breath CO2 as thyroid hormone activity marker.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-12 original
Ray Peat quotation describing anxiety as a thyroid deficiency symptom reflecting hypersensitivity of autonomic nervous system. Author cites evidence that hypothyroidism increases sympathetic activation and adrenaline/noradrenaline production; thyroid hormone suppresses catecholamine secretion. In hypothyroid patients on T4 monotherapy, adding T3 improves anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-15 original
CO2 exposure lowers stress-induced high pulse in rats by inhibiting sympathetic nervous system activation rather than activating parasympathetic; artificially produced CO2 water has same effect as natural CO2 springs; CO2 absorption increases skin oxygenation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-15 original
Hypothyroidism causes magnesium loss in skeletal and cardiac muscle; sodium spares magnesium which is lost during stress and hypothyroidism; IV magnesium improved stress-induced insulin resistance in ICU patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-15 original
2x 250 mg magnesium and potassium lowered cortisol by nearly 50% and improved sleep in type 2 diabetes; insomnia dropped from 95% to 60%; severe insomnia dropped from 38% to 0%; lower cortisol likely improves thyroid conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-15 original
Ray Peat and cited research on parathyroid hormone's role in inflammatory disease, cortisol elevation, and bone loss; dietary and lifestyle interventions including calcium, vitamin D, and reduced meat/grains.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-18 original
Elevated serotonin may cause hypoglycemia which lowers T3 thyroid hormone; serotonin-induced hypoglycemia is blocked by cyproheptadine and ketanserin receptor antagonists; Ray Peat hypothesis on serotonin excess and autism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-21 original
Earthing (grounding body to earth via conductive mattress pad) normalizes cortisol rhythm, lowering nighttime cortisol, improving sleep onset, reducing nighttime awakenings (44% reduction), and decreasing pain and stress in 12 subjects. Study measured cortisol profiles and subjective symptom improvements.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-21 original
PCOS is nearly 3 times more likely in autoimmune thyroid disease (primarily Hashimoto's). Women with PCOS are about 3 times as likely to have subclinical hypothyroidism, with odds increasing when TSH ≥4 mIU/L. Ray Peat is quoted that PCOS can be produced in animals by thyroidectomy due to impaired ovarian progesterone synthesis.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-22 original
DHEA increases 11β-HSD2 enzyme activity, which locally inactivates cortisol to cortisone at the tissue level, independent of blood cortisol levels. This reduces cortisol's receptor activation in tissues. Elevated tissue-level cortisol, even with normal blood levels, contributes to insulin resistance, visceral fat, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, depression, anxiety, sleep impairment, immune suppression, poor wound healing, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, hormone dysregulation, and skin deterioration. Optimal DHEA dosing is 3-5 mg, 1-3 times daily. Higher doses become estrogenic; topical application combined with pregnenolone maximizes anti-cortisol effects while minimizing estrogen conversion. Coffee, aspirin, and vitamin D reduce activity of the related 11β-HSD1 enzyme.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-22 original
Sharing a Ray Peat quotation on thyroid hormone (T3) converting cholesterol into pregnenolone, progesterone, and DHEA, with embedded secondary post discussing the same mechanism and additional claims about pregnenolone anti-aging effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-23 original
Progesterone lowers blood pressure through three mechanisms: dilating blood vessels, preventing adrenaline-induced blood pressure rises, and blocking calcium channel uptake in vascular smooth muscle (similar to calcium channel blocker drugs). A small clinical trial of 10 hypertensive patients (6 men, 4 postmenopausal women, mild to moderate, untreated) showed progesterone caused significant blood pressure reduction compared to placebo and baseline, suggesting antihypertensive rather than hypertensive action.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-23 original
Untreated hypothyroidism increases anxiety risk nearly 4-fold. Mechanisms include elevated histamine, catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline), cortisol, lactate, hyperventilation, and reduced CO₂ production. A case study shows severe psychiatric manifestations (delusions, hallucinations, insomnia, anxiety, disorganized speech) in a hypothyroid patient (TSH >100) that resolved within one day of levothyroxine initiation and remained absent at 6-month follow-up without psychotropic medications.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-26 original
Ujjayi pranayama (slow breathing with throat constriction) practiced 15 minutes daily for 8 weeks improved thyroid hormone levels and blood pressure in adults with hypothyroidism. Free T3 increased 20%, free T4 increased 40%, TSH decreased 55% (from 8.3 to 3.7). Author attributes benefits to increased CO₂ retention and reduced stress hormones.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-26 original
Hypothyroidism is an overlooked cause of hiatal hernia. Reduced thyroid hormone and elevated stress hormones (cortisol in relation to testosterone and DHEA) weaken connective tissues. Research shows hypothyroidism is an early sign of hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), associated with gastrointestinal motor-evacuatory disturbances rather than acid exposure. Severe hypothyroidism causes esophageal peristalsis disturbances, myxedema-related oropharyngeal dysphagia, and hiatal hernia.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-26 original
Thyroid hormone T3 can reverse learned helplessness, a state of giving up in response to uncontrollable stress, by counteracting the downregulation of thyroid hormone caused by chronic stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-27 original
Excess gut serotonin causes nausea and diarrhea; ginger blocks the 5-HT3 serotonin receptor via the same mechanism as ondansetron (Zofran). Ondansetron is selective for this receptor; ginger has broad anti-serotonin effects and low-dose ondansetron reverses learned helplessness in animals.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-27 original
To correct elevated reverse T3 relative to T3: lower cortisol/glucagon; if taking thyroid hormones, increase T3:T4 ratio, spread doses, and take with food.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-27 own thread
lowmegatron posts only a link, replying to a question about correcting a bad T3/reverse T3 ratio, with a quoted prior post about high cortisol. The linked content is not visible.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-27 original
Hypothyroidism causes Raynaud's phenomenon by elevating catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) that reduce blood flow. Treating hypothyroidism with levothyroxine reverses Raynaud's symptoms and resolves the underlying mechanism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-29 original
Post explains that chronic stress enlarges adrenal glands and increases glucocorticoid output, and that l-theanine prevents adrenal hypertrophy and stress-related behavioral depression in mice under confrontational stress. Cites detailed mouse study and references Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome. Embedded quote lists multiple purported l-theanine benefits.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-01 original
Post explains cyproheptadine as an older antihistamine with anti-serotonin actions that may treat SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. Proposes multiple mechanisms: reducing elevated serotonin (which blocks sexual drive), lowering prolactin and ACTH/cortisol, and restoring dopamine signaling. Cites studies on serotonin-dopamine interaction and prolactin's role in sexual satiation. Embedded post notes 5 of 7 patients improved sexual function with cyproheptadine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-01 original
Explanation of reverse T3 elevation as stress marker; cortisol and other counterregulatory hormones shift T4 conversion toward rT3 while raising free fatty acids that impair thyroid function; lists interventions to lower cortisol and suggests T3:T4 ratio optimization in levothyroxine users.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-01 original
Evidence-based review of cortisol's role in glucose dysregulation in diabetes; cites clinical and animal studies showing cortisol effects on blood sugar, insulin resistance, and reversal with glucocorticoid receptor blockade; discusses mechanisms and dietary strategies affecting cortisol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-01 own thread
lowmegatron lists four references for the preceding thread on cortisol and blood glucose: a MESA study of diurnal cortisol and fasting glucose, mifepristone in ob/ob mice, mifepristone in Cushing's syndrome patients, and oral corticosterone in non-obese diabetic mice.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-02 original
Study showing pomegranate juice consumption lowers blood pressure, insulin, and insulin resistance; attributes effect to tissue cortisol reduction via cortisol-recycling enzyme inhibition; notes similarity to effects of other compounds affecting these enzymes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-02 original
Explanation of two-enzyme system (11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2) controlling tissue cortisol activation and inactivation; notes thyroid hormone T3 influences balance toward inactivation; contrasts pharmaceutical research with clinician ignorance of T3 assessment; lists multiple interventions affecting enzyme balance.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-02 original
Ray Peat quote on cortisone/cortisol damaging pancreas and chronic stress from low blood sugar in diabetes; embedded post by lowmegatron synthesizes cortisol studies linking elevated cortisol to blood glucose, glucocorticoid receptor blocking effects, and dietary/lifestyle factors affecting cortisol and glucose metabolism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-03 original
Taurine lowers blood pressure by attenuating increased sympathoadrenal tone in young borderline hypertensive individuals.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-03 original
Taurine has insulin-like action and increases liver glycogen per 1976 Soviet study; mechanism explained as increasing glycogen reserve reducing blood glucose excursions and counterregulatory hormone surges (adrenaline, cortisol) that cause nighttime waking; describes in vivo and in vitro effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-05 original
Author argues over-exercise lowers active thyroid hormone T3 and TSH (via cortisol elevation), potentially misleading those monitoring TSH. Notes stress also lowers T3 and TSH. Cites study showing exhaustive exercise decreases free T3 by 24 hours into recovery with inverse cortisol relationship. Suggests increasing carbohydrates, calories, or creatine; recommends generative over degenerative exercise.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-05 original
Author cites Broda Barnes observation that hypothyroid patients suffer chronic recurrent infections; describes rabbit experiments showing hypothyroidism causes repeated infections and death from pneumonia. Notes rodent experiments showing hypothyroidism degenerates thymus gland (immune training organ), partly via elevated cortisol. Clarifies that issue is with T3 levels in untreated/undertreated patients, not the diagnosis itself. Embedded quote attributes Ray Peat statement on thymic atrophy mechanisms and involution.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-09 original
Low thyroid hormone (T3) combined with stress leads to gastric ulcers. Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) reduce stress-induced gastric ulcers in animals. Ray Peat called thyroid hormone a fundamental anti-stress substance. Gastric ulcers are one of Hans Selye's stress triad (also: shrunken immune tissue, adrenal hypertrophy). Low T3 Sick Syndrome associated with acute upper GI bleeding in ICU patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-10 original
Author argues against T3-lowering diets for weight loss, citing associations between elevated cortisol and reduced T3 in cardiovascular disease patients. References Broda Barnes' 1970s research showing 94% reduction in heart disease with natural desiccated thyroid treatment; embedded quote on hypothyroidism increasing blood pressure.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-10 original
Extended Ray Peat quotation on T3 deficiency causing sleep problems, especially at menopause, with explanation of paradoxical T3 effects in high-stress/adrenergic states. Notes T3 as prescription medication available in liothyronine and natural desiccated thyroid forms; embedded post on light therapy for Hashimoto's symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-06-10 original
Author's personal narrative of 4-month transformation through cold exposure and breathing protocol: weight loss, improved appearance, energy and mood. Describes routine of wim hof-style breathing before 34-degree ice bath immersion, with mechanistic explanations of norepinephrine, brown fat activation, and metabolic effects; spouse joins practice.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-10 original
lowmegatron claims that fasting causes hair loss by increasing fat burning. He cites rodent research in which fasting raises stress hormones and lipolysis, and free fatty acids cause hair follicle stem cell apoptosis, which topical vitamin E prevented in mice. He also cites human follicle explant results and notes that dramatic weight loss is linked to telogen effluvium.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-11 original
Ray Peat quotation on thyroid hormone as fundamental anti-stress substance. Embedded post explains low T3 plus stress causes gastric ulcers; thyroid hormones reduce stress-induced ulceration. Cites Hans Selye's stress triad (ulcers, immune tissue shrinkage, adrenal hypertrophy) and Low T3 Sick Syndrome in ICU patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-11 original
lowmegatron says vitamin E helped hair follicle stem cells survive fasting. The quoted earlier post cites rodent work in which fasting raises cortisol and epinephrine, lipolysis and free fatty acids, and the free fatty acids cause stem-cell apoptosis. It also cites topical vitamin E preventing this in fasted mice, and a human follicle explant model.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-15 original
Author's personal experience of ondansetron (Zofran) producing strong euphoria during IV administration after appendectomy. Shares embedded quote discussing rodent studies on ondansetron's antidepressant effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-15 original
Ray Peat quote on depression as low brain energy state linked to low thyroid hormone, recommending thyroid T3 and supportive diet of vitamin D and adequate calcium to lower stress hormones and raise brain energy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-16 own thread
lowmegatron claims cortisol, glucagon and adrenaline inhibit T4-to-T3 conversion and raise reverse T3. He lists modifiable causes of high cortisol and adrenaline: poor sleep, too few carbs, sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium, fasting, chronic caloric restriction, noise, shallow breathing, black coffee on an empty stomach, and constant stimulation. He suggests acerola vitamin C, L-theanine and glycine may help.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-16 original
Ray Peat on hypothyroidism consequences: inadequate thyroid hormone causes sluggishness, clumsiness, cold intolerance, anemia, infections, heart disease, headaches, cancer, and premature aging. Broda Barnes research showed hypothyroid rabbits experienced recurrent infections and early death.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-06-17 original
Tongkat ali is the only natural supplement with clinical evidence of raising testosterone in healthy men; author recommends 200-400mg daily of standardized extract and criticizes the supplement industry's profit motives.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-06-17 original
Morning sunlight exposure within first hour of waking sets circadian biology; author lists multiple physiological effects including cortisol timing, melatonin regulation, vitamin D production, serotonin, and dopamine receptor function.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-19 original
Large cohort study (500,000 participants, 3.2 million person-years) showing high fruit consumption associated with reduced cardiovascular and stroke risk and lower blood pressure and glucose. Embedded post discusses magnesium and potassium supplementation effects on cortisol and sleep in type 2 diabetes patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-19 original
Ray Peat quote: butter and coconut oil contain short- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids that are easily metabolized, inhibit histamine release, promote cancer cell differentiation, counteract stress proteins, decrease prolactin receptor expression, and promote T3 receptor expression. Embedded post discusses avoiding polyunsaturated fats and emphasizing saturated fat intake for thyroid health.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-06-21 original
Author explains cold shower benefits with specific neuroendocrine mechanisms, distinguishing between overhyped social media claims and evidence-based effects; recommends 2-3 minutes cold exposure at shower end with minimum effective dose of 11 minutes weekly.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-22 original
Author reports higher TSH within normal range associated with coronary heart disease mortality in women and cites Broda Barnes' 1970s research showing 94% reduction in heart disease with natural desiccated thyroid; includes embedded quoted post about cortisol-T3 relationships in cardiovascular disease.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-06-22 original
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that modulates cortisol regulation and stress resilience. Specific clinical benefits include cortisol reduction, improved VO2 max, testosterone increase, anxiety reduction, sleep quality improvement, and cognitive enhancement. Recommends 600mg KSM-66 extract daily taken in evening, paired with magnesium threonate.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-23 original
lowmegatron says grey hair is caused by stress-related noradrenaline and is reversible, citing a human hair greying study. He links the mechanism to fasting-related hair loss and suggests thyroid deficiency raises norepinephrine through sympathetic compensation; that last link is his own interpretation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-06-24 original
Reports sauna use benefits from 20-year JAMA study tracking 2,315 Finnish men; dose-dependent reductions in cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, and dementia risk; explains heat shock protein mechanism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-24 original
lowmegatron says hypothyroidism doubles noradrenaline, which he links to greying and hair loss. He cites a case in which greying reversed after IV levothyroxine, rodent T3 results, a human greying study and fasting-related follicle research, and says greying must be caught early to reverse.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-26 original
Quote attributed to Ray Peat regarding learned helplessness in rats based on seeing another rat escape. Embedded quote discusses CIA MKultra program, Martin Seligman's learned helplessness research, Curt Richter's rat studies, and T3 thyroid hormone as a reversal agent for learned helplessness with anecdotal recovery account.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-06-27 original
Substantive explanation of rhodiola rosea as Soviet-era adaptogen used by Olympic athletes and cosmonauts; details purported mechanisms (effort reduction, endurance, cortisol/testosterone ratio, cognition, burnout reduction, antidepressant effects) with dosing recommendation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-06-27 original
jamesbondwisdom says his thinning at 19 came from chronic stress and caffeine raising cortisol and pushing follicles into telogen, not from genetics. He describes cutting espresso from 5 to 1, plus saw palmetto, rosemary oil, weekly microneedling and scalp massage, and reports visible baby hairs at 3 months.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-06-28 original
jamesbondwisdom claims most young men's hair loss stems from a self-created hormonal environment: high cortisol, excess body fat raising aromatase and DHT, poor sleep lowering growth hormone, and seed oil inflammation. He advises cutting caffeine, sleeping better, avoiding seed oils and using rosemary oil with weekly microneedling, and says finasteride stops working when stopped.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-06-29 original
Author explains physiological effects of cold water exposure on norepinephrine, comparing cognitive and metabolic benefits to pharmaceutical stimulants; recommends cold showers as cost-free alternative.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-29 original
Author presents Ray Peat quote on hypothyroidism causing sodium and glucose deficiency, followed by embedded lowmegatron post on stress hormone suppression of thyroid hormone conversion and lifestyle factors affecting cortisol and adrenaline.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-06-30 original
Ashwagandha with KSM66 extract reduces cortisol by up to 30% in 60 days at 600 mg daily. Multiple effects documented: improved sleep quality, increased testosterone in men, improved VO2 max, reduced stress and anxiety. Author emphasizes biochemical intervention before meditation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-01 original
Author proposes adding a medical school curriculum component where students experience anti-thyroid medication and dexamethasone to lower T3 and suppress TSH, to help thyroid patients feel reassured their condition is normal. Embedded post by astadiuvita describes personal experience of low T3 during stress with a doctor dismissing it based on low TSH.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-01 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on glycine's protective antistress action across cell types and prevention of multiple pathologies. Embedded post by lowmegatron discusses thyroid hormone, fibrosis, and fatty liver disease, citing multiple studies on TSH/thyroid hormone associations with liver fibrosis and T3's anti-fibrotic effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-02 original
Ray Peat quote on causes of hypothyroidism including fasting, stress, aerobic exercise, legumes, unsaturated fats, carotene, undercooked cruciferous vegetables; author notes TSH lowering effect; embedded post by lowmegatron on over-exercising lowering T3 and TSH via cortisol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-07-02 original
jamesbondwisdom claims that sleep deprivation can cause hair loss 2-3 months later by pushing follicles into telogen, through reduced growth hormone and higher cortisol. He advises fixing sleep before hair treatments.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-03 original
Post discusses how certain high-sodium-bicarbonate mineral waters can lower aldosterone levels, with mechanisms and consequences detailed. References human trial with Vichy Catalan water showing sex-specific effects, provides alternative DIY formulation, and warns of milk-alkali syndrome risk when combining sodium bicarbonate with calcium supplements.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-04 original
Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors rather than providing energy; optimal timing is 90-120 minutes after waking to avoid interfering with cortisol rhythm and building tolerance; 5-6 hour half-life means afternoon caffeine reduces deep sleep quality.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-04 original
Baking soda lowers aldosterone via sodium and bicarbonate; chronically elevated aldosterone causes inflammation, fibrosis, and cardiovascular disease; bicarbonate supplementation mimics CO2 retention and normal thyroid function by maintaining cellular carbon dioxide and stabilizing cells.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-04 original
The author quotes a passage saying psychological stress may accelerate hair greying, that mouse work links norepinephrine signaling to melanocyte stem cell depletion, and that human greying is at least sometimes reversible. The quoted post (his own) adds that the mechanism resembles fasting-induced hair loss research and that thyroid deficiency raises norepinephrine; this reply itself only contains the quoted passage.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 original
Author shares Ray Peat anecdote about pregnant woman whose vivid stretch marks reportedly resolved in three days after consuming eggs, milk, and oysters, in response to question about foods increasing progesterone and lowering aldosterone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on salt's role in lowering aldosterone and preventing tissue degeneration, fibrosis, aging, heart failure and edema. Describes low-sodium diet as dangerous and discusses aldosterone's multiple effects on cardiovascular and tissue health.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a passage that is attributed to Ray Peat in the parent post. It says aldosterone is part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and raises blood pressure. It claims parathyroid hormone and aldosterone reduce energy production and shift cells toward lactic acid production. It adds that parathyroid hormone pulls calcium from bone, so blood calcium rises when both are high.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a passage claiming that low blood sugar can start a process in which the kidneys release renin and aldosterone is produced, leading toward hypertension, inflammation and degeneration. It also claims that not eating enough salt raises aldosterone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a passage claiming that hyponatremia occasionally occurs in hypothyroid younger people. It says thyroid-made carbon dioxide helps retain sodium, and that aldosterone saves sodium but makes the kidneys lose magnesium. It claims that extra salt is protective because it keeps the adrenals from making aldosterone, so the kidneys retain magnesium.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a passage claiming that vitamin D, zinc, anabolic and protein-related factors such as vitamin A, and a balanced calcium-phosphate ratio suppress aldosterone. It says the ratio is generally too high in calcium, and that calcium works with vitamin D to hold down aldosterone, which it calls the "major brittleizing hormone".
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a passage claiming that natural steroids derived from pregnenolone, progesterone or DHEA help with water retention, edema and heart failure. The quote says this is because they antagonize aldosterone, which it claims causes inflammation and water retention.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a passage claiming that leaky blood vessels, for example from hyperventilating, reduce blood volume. It says this activates the kidneys' pathway to increase aldosterone, which keeps sodium in the bloodstream so blood can absorb water and edema does not form.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a passage claiming that with low thyroid function the kidneys lose sodium and cells cannot retain magnesium. It says increasing sodium compensates and turns off aldosterone, lowering inflammation and magnesium loss. It claims Brewer and his predecessors showed sodium alone commonly cured the whole problem.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a passage claiming that salt intake suppresses aldosterone, so restricting salt raises aldosterone and blood pressure. It mentions Tom Brewer's approach of recommending milk, fruit and vegetables, and claims this also increased calcium and vitamin D intake.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a passage claiming that cutting sodium raises aldosterone, which retains sodium at the cost of potassium and magnesium. It says chronic high aldosterone is pro-inflammatory, and that getting more calcium, magnesium and potassium than needed is a safety precaution.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a passage claiming that estrogen activates the adrenal cortex to make aldosterone and cortisol, and that adequate progesterone blocks their peripheral effects. It says progesterone can substitute for their essential beneficial effects when the adrenals are removed, and protects against their excess as it does against estrogen toxicity. The quoted post in context is a Ray Peat quote about eggs, milk and oysters and stretch marks.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 original
Author presents research finding that hypothyroidism doubles aldosterone and is related to high blood pressure through increased daytime diastolic values and noradrenaline. Cites study showing thyroid hormones participate in systemic arterial blood pressure homeostasis.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-07 original
Ashwagandha as stress hormone regulator; claims 30% cortisol reduction in 60 days via 600mg KSM-66 extract daily; effects on testosterone, VO2 max, anxiety, sleep, memory; mechanism via cortisol-hippocampus pathway; contrasts with pharmaceutical alternatives (SSRIs, sleep aids).
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-07 original
Cold water immersion (30 seconds to 2 minutes at end of shower) produces sustained neurochemical changes: 200-300% norepinephrine elevation for 3+ hours, 250% dopamine increase, endorphin release providing analgesia, enhanced immune function, increased vagal tone. Brown adipose tissue activation converts stored fat to heat. Compared favorably to expensive cryotherapy; no crash or tolerance development.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-08 original
Dose-response meta-analysis of coffee consumption and type 2 diabetes risk: 8% reduction with 1 cup daily, increasing to 33% reduction at 6 cups daily. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee associated with risk reduction. Embedded post by lowmegatron lists antidepressant mechanisms: dopamine boost, cortisol reduction, inflammation decrease, testosterone increase, gut barrier strengthening, endotoxin reduction, prolactin reduction, energy increase.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-08 original
Author promotes tongkat ali supplement as testosterone booster with specific clinical evidence. Claims it increases free testosterone 37% in 4 weeks via SHBG reduction without suppressing natural production. Provides mechanism, cites one human study, lists effects on cortisol, sperm quality, and lean mass. Recommends 200mg daily standardized extract (2% eurycomanone, LJ100 brand), cycling protocol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-09 original
Author claims 85% of people are omega-3 deficient and most fish oil supplements are rancid. Discusses DHA as structural component of neuronal membranes and brain fat. Cites evidence for depression reduction, triglyceride reduction, inflammation reduction, eye health, and cortisol modulation. Notes oxidation problem in commercial products; recommends 2-3g EPA+DHA daily from tested brands or whole fish sources.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-09 original
Quoted Ray Peat statement on thyroid T3 for insomnia and menopause, and sodium chloride for sleep-inducing effects. Claims T3 rapidly restores normal relaxation rate to calf and heart muscle. Sodium chloride at bedtime lowers adrenaline, promotes glucose absorption, spares magnesium. Connects thyroid function to glucose efficiency and adrenaline regulation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-07-09 original
The author claims chronic cortisol elevation (from poor sleep, stress, overtraining and caffeine) drives stress-related shedding (telogen effluvium) and damages dermal papilla cells, and that topicals like minoxidil cannot overcome this. He recommends 8 hours of sleep, less caffeine, ashwagandha at 600mg and barefoot grounding, and cites figures such as a 37-45% cortisol rise after sleep loss.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-10 original
Ray Peat quoted on nutrient needs during stress, including vitamins A, C, E, pantothenic acid, and minerals magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, and sodium for different stress stages. Embedded post by lowmegatron discusses thyroid hormone T3/T4 as anti-stress substances and their protective effect against stress-induced gastric ulcers in animal research.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-10 original
Author explains morning sunlight exposure (10 minutes within 30 minutes of waking) as natural regulation of circadian rhythm through the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), controlling cortisol, melatonin, testosterone, growth hormone, and body temperature. Contrasts effectiveness against supplements and sleep industry products, emphasizing outdoor light intensity requirements.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-07-12 original
The author claims stacking a multi-mechanism protocol gives 3-5x better results than single treatments. The stack includes saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, no seed oils, omega-3, black seed oil, scalp massage, rosemary, weekly microneedling, zinc, biotin, vitamin D3, sleep, ashwagandha and less caffeine. He gives monthly costs of $40-60.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-13 original
Ray Peat quoted on athletic training slowing pulse via cortisol-mediated thyroid suppression as adaptation, with consequence of sterility in both sexes. Embedded quote discusses over-exercise lowering active T3 hormone via cortisol and prolactin mechanisms; carbohydrate/calorie support and creatine mentioned as potential aids.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-14 original
Shilajit is a Himalayan resinous substance containing fulvic acid and 85+ minerals in ionic form; claimed to increase testosterone 20-23.5%, CoQ10 27%, improve energy through enhanced ATP production, provide adaptogenic stress modulation, and improve nutrient bioavailability. Recommended purified resin form at $30-40/jar.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-15 original
lowmegatron presents a case report, cited as 'Reversible Hair Loss due to Levothyroxine Overdose', of an infant with congenital hypothyroidism who developed diffuse non-scarring hair loss 15-20 days after starting levothyroxine. Hair regrew after the dose was reduced. The author concludes that overdose may cause hair loss. The author also gives a best-guess reading of the FT3 and FT4 levels because the assay ranges are not stated.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-16 original
TSH can be lowered by substances other than thyroid hormones; fasting reduces TSH secretion and cortisol elevation mediates this effect, suggesting mild cortisol elevations can significantly decrease TSH levels.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-17 original
Ray Peat describes red light as restoring enzyme activity and mitochondrial oxidation in rat brains, suggesting frequent brief exposure every 10-15 minutes may sustain benefits before stress degrades them.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-07-17 original
jamesbondwisdom claims that poor sleep undermines hair regrowth. He says 75% of growth hormone is released during deep sleep, that sleep loss cuts growth hormone by up to 70%, and that it raises cortisol and inflammation. He says topical melatonin stimulates hair growth, and he advises 8+ hours of sleep.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-19 original
Author argues mouth breathing during sleep reduces blood oxygen saturation and activates chronic stress response, while nasal breathing activates parasympathetic nervous system; recommends mouth taping with 3M micropore surgical tape, citing effects on oxygen, facial structure, dental health, and sleep quality.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-19 original
Author claims magnesium glycinate directly regulates GABA receptors to calm anxiety, operates similarly to benzodiazepines without addiction, cites meta-analysis of 18 studies and effects on muscle tension and heart rate variability; recommends 300-400mg evening dosing with pricing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-20 original
Cold water exposure increases norepinephrine by 200-300% and dopamine by 250% through thermoreceptor activation, producing sustained neurochemical elevation comparable to cocaine but without crash; purported benefits include brown fat activation, anti-inflammatory effects, immune function improvement, and mental resilience training.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-20 original
Tongkat ali herbal supplement has multiple human clinical trials showing simultaneous increases in testosterone (37% in 4 weeks), reduction in cortisol (16%), and improved body composition without diet/exercise changes. Mechanism attributed to HPG axis support via eurypeptides enhancing Leydig cell function. Contains dosing recommendation and price estimate.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-20 original
Historical context that arthritis was standard sign of hypothyroidism in 1930s. Ray Peat anecdote: patient with stress/injury-induced arthritis resolved with levothyroxine treatment within two weeks, remaining free of arthritis for 15 years. Cited study shows thyroid involvement in rheumatological disorders irrespective of autoimmune status.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-21 original
Knowledge comparison of KSM-66 ashwagandha extract versus generic ashwagandha, detailing study results on cortisol, testosterone, VO2 max, sleep, anxiety, and muscle gain; recommends 600mg daily at $15-20/month for KSM-66 versus $8/month generic alternative.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-21 original
Cites Dr. Broda Barnes observation that pallor occurs in ~60% of hypothyroid patients; quotes literature review explaining pallor mechanism (cutaneous vasoconstriction, mucopolysaccharide deposition, potential anemia) in hypothyroidism; embeds personal anecdote from AbudBakri on TSH elevation symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-22 original
Author's personal experience: topical Kuinone produces sleep-inducing effects similar to acerola powder (high vitamin C), more pronounced during poor sleep and high stress; author theorizes cortisol-related mechanism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-22 original
Author shares Ray Peat's explanation of coffee withdrawal and how hypothyroidism and blood sugar problems amplify caffeine sensitivity; adequate cream and proper technique reduce adverse effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-07-23 original
jamesbondwisdom claims sudden hair shedding (telogen effluvium) is mainly driven by chronic stress and cortisol, not the scalp. He says topical products cannot fix it and recommends 8 hours of sleep, less caffeine, walking and stress reduction.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-23 original
Author presents magnesium deficiency as increasing stress hormones and anxiety; extensively quotes animal study showing magnesium deficiency model increases anxiety-related behavior and HPA axis dysregulation, with implications for human depression and anxiety.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-23 original
lowmegatron argues that extreme caloric restriction and intermittent fasting cause hair loss. In his account, stress hormones raise lipolysis, and free fatty acids and fat oxidation kill hair follicle stem cells. Topical vitamin E prevented this in fasted mice. He cites an 18% slower hair growth in a human trial of 18-hour fasting.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-25 own thread
lowmegatron quotes Ray Peat: "Magnesium is not retained well during stress or in hypothyroidism, so a supplement of several hundred milligrams daily is desirable.."
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-25 own thread
Quotes Ray Peat saying stress disturbs adrenal hormones and mineral metabolism, and recommending about 90 g protein in frequent feedings, eggs for sulfur, a high magnesium-to-calcium ratio and low phosphate intake.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-26 original
Quoted post discusses magnesium supplementation in hypothyroidism context, citing Ray Peat's recommendation for several hundred mg daily. Author notes magnesium is lost during stress and hypothyroidism, worsening thyroid dysfunction. Describes personal experience with different magnesium forms, finding only topical magnesium chloride and oral magnesium bicarbonate water effective; others caused inflammatory symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-26 original
Author cites animal studies showing taurine prevents depressive behaviors caused by chronic stress. Describes behavioral improvements (anhedonia, anxiety, learning, memory) at human-equivalent doses of 2–7 g/day. Notes recent human research identifying low hippocampal taurine as characteristic of major depression. Includes quoted animal study and human neuroimaging study.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-27 original
Magnesium supplementation improves local tissue cortisol inactivation via 11β-HSD type 2 activity independent of blood cortisol levels; cited 6-month study using 350 mg daily magnesium citrate complex showing increased cortisol inactivation and potential CVD risk reduction. Embedded post by lowmegatron notes Ray Peat's historical emphasis on magnesium, its importance in hypothyroidism context, and personal experience with specific magnesium forms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-27 original
Creatine monohydrate supplementation (5g daily) improves cognitive performance and mood via ATP availability to brain; review of clinical evidence including working memory, processing speed, IQ gains, mental fatigue reduction, depression symptom improvement, and neuroprotection; notes bodybuilders discovered cognitive benefits accidentally and disciplines remain siloed in literature.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-28 original
Cold water exposure (2-3 minute cold shower) produces sustained 250% dopamine elevation for 3+ hours via sympathetic nervous system activation; review of neurochemical effects, fat metabolism, metabolic health, and vagal tone benefits. Contrasts research evidence with commercial cold plunge marketing and provides accessible implementation guidance.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-28 original
Taurine reduces blood pressure and adrenaline in borderline hypertensive individuals; 6 g/day for 7 days showed 9 mmHg systolic blood pressure reduction accompanied by decreased adrenaline response. Embedded quote discusses hypothyroidism and adrenal activation in hypertension.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-28 original
Ray Peat quotation on stress as adaptive process: meaning and perceived agency influence physiological stress response; example of restrained animals experiencing ulcers vs. those with ability to bite/fight back avoiding ulcers.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-28 own thread
Cites rat studies in which biting a stick during restraint stress reduced noradrenaline release and gastric ulcers, and notes mixed human gum-chewing data. The author argues this is not chewing-specific, pointing to a study where rats able to escape shock developed fewer ulcers than helpless yoked rats. The quoted context is a Ray Peat quote on learned helplessness.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-29 original
Thyroid hormone depresses noradrenaline and adrenaline secretion by blocking cellular production. This mechanism explains why hypothyroidism causes anxiety and high blood pressure.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-30 original
Author explains hypothyroidism mechanism involving glucose metabolism, adrenaline toxicity, and how T3 addition to T4 monotherapy improves anxiety, depression and quality of life, citing Ray Peat and multiple peer-reviewed studies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-31 original
Author explains ashwagandha's cortisol-regulating and testosterone-boosting effects, emphasizing that clinical benefits require KSM-66 extract at 5% withanolides, not generic ashwagandha powder, and recommending 600 mg daily with cycling.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-01 original
Research on negative social relationships ('hasslers') and aging: frequent negative relationships are associated with faster aging, increased anxiety, depression, BMI, and worse health across physical and mental domains. Negative social ties function as chronic stressors accelerating biological aging through multiple pathways.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-01 own thread
The author summarizes research linking higher TSH and subclinical hypothyroidism to insulin resistance, including rat data on TLR4 and inflammatory signaling and a retrospective human study finding TSH associated with HOMA-IR. T3 treatment improved insulin signaling in rodents. The quoted context is the author's post with Ray Peat and studies on hypothyroidism, adrenaline and T4/T3 combination therapy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-02 original
Author claims tongkat ali is the only natural supplement with repeated clinical proof of raising testosterone in healthy men, not merely supporting levels. Cites mechanism (reduced SHBG and cortisol via hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis) and six documented effects including 37% testosterone increase in 4 weeks at 200mg. Contrasts with multi-ingredient proprietary blends lacking clinical validation. Recommends 200-400mg standardized extract daily with breakfast, 100:1 or 200:1 extraction ratio, minimum 2% eurycomanone, cycling 5 days on 2 days off.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-08-03 original
The author claims hair is not falling out because of genetics but because of stress and a lack of head massage.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-03 original
Author explains earthing (grounding) mechanism via electron transfer reducing inflammation, blood viscosity, and cortisol dysregulation; cites unpublished research showing effects within 30 minutes to 8 weeks.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
Lowmegatron claims diet and lifestyle determine thyroid gland health, hormone conversion, and uptake and activity in cells. He says stress and nutritional deficiencies can quickly impair conversion, leaving low thyroid activity with normal TSH and T4. He relays an anecdote about a woman who improved after dietary changes and replacing some workouts with walks.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
Lowmegatron claims that even large doses of T3 may not work if nutrition is inadequate, and that a high-stress state tends to block T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on thyroid adaptation to stress, chronic depression under prolonged stress, and progressive thyroid decline with aging unless supported with appropriate intervention.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
Quoting Ray Peat, the post claims hospital patients with the same diseases but lower body temperature are less likely to survive. It says low thyroid, an adaptation to stress, eventually stops being protective and interferes with healing, leaving people living on adrenaline and cortisol that destroy tissues.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
Quoting Ray Peat, the post claims he has seen low-thyroid people make 30-40 times normal adrenaline, which leads to cortisol production. It says this adaptation can feel like being on speed and confuses doctors and patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
Quoting Ray Peat, the post says adrenaline and cortisol normally rise at night as a fasting state, but are higher with low thyroid or old age, making nights more stressful and insomnia more common.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
Quoting Ray Peat, the post says early waking after 5-6 hours is common in older people and in young people with low thyroid. It claims extremes can cause hyperactivity, poor attention, irritability and depression, which disappear when thyroid and blood sugar are normalized and cortisol and adrenaline come under control.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
Quoting Ray Peat, the post challenges the stereotype that low-thyroid people are lethargic. It claims many become hyperactive from high adrenaline compensating for low blood sugar.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
Lowmegatron says that by 'thyroid' Ray Peat meant more than TSH or gland activity. He claims stress lowers T4-to-T3 conversion and T3 activity, which may not show on thyroid blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 original
Quote of Ray Peat explaining that low thyroid people may become hyperactive due to high adrenaline compensating for low blood sugar, and that chronic stress causes thyroid depression with age.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-08-04 original
The author relays an anonymous dermatologist's claim that stress is the top cause of hair loss in men under 30. The claim is that cortisol pushes follicles into the resting phase and that fixing sleep, caffeine and stress matters more than drugs or minoxidil.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-04 original
Claims rhodiola rosea was used by Soviet athletes, cosmonauts and military for 40+ years as a classified performance enhancer; describes mechanisms of cortisol modulation and ATP enhancement; recommends 200-400mg daily standardized extract with pricing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-05 original
Blue light exposure after sunset suppresses melatonin by 58% and impairs nocturnal cellular repair; explains circadian signaling mechanisms and timing paradox: blue light beneficial during day but harmful at night; recommends evening blue blockers or software alternatives.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-05 original
Study findings on L-theanine reducing subjective stress and cortisol in double-blind placebo-controlled trial, with specific dose and co-ingredient details.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-06 original
Discussion of learned helplessness phenomenon in animals and Ray Peat's view on hopelessness as psychological response to inescapable stress, with identification of T3 as substance that can reverse learned helplessness.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-06 original
Explanation of gut-brain connection mechanism via microbiota-produced neurotransmitters and vagus nerve signaling, with multiple mechanistic claims and lifestyle intervention recommendations for microbiome optimization.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-06 original
Contrasts Ray Peat's view that raising life energy enables building and repair versus mainstream view of lowering energy to reduce wear and tear. Quoted post discusses thyroid adaptation under stress and chronic depression with aging.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-06 original
Ray Peat explains normal body temperature cycle and how morning temperature fall indicates night stress rather than restorative sleep, offering temperature as a stress indicator superior to saliva tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-07 original
Ray Peat discusses interactions between low cholesterol, thyroid status, and inflammatory processes including connective tissue pain and hormonal regulation. Explains role of sweet fruits as anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-supportive. Addresses statin effects on brain cholesterol synthesis and mental side effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-07 original
Describes mechanism of thyroid replacement therapy reversing hypertension in hypothyroid patients. Embedded post elaborates on thyroid role in efficient glucose energy production, adrenaline release from hypothyroidism, and comparison of T4 monotherapy versus T4/T3 combination therapy effects on anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-08-07 original
The author claims sleeping under 7 hours accelerates hair loss. He cites lower growth hormone and testosterone, higher cortisol, more scalp inflammation and less melatonin, and advises 8 hours in a cool dark room.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-07 original
Bulleted list of dietary and lifestyle interventions for optimizing thyroid hormone conversion, including carbohydrate intake, stress management, micronutrient adequacy, avoiding mold/fluoride, and T3/T4 hormone balance considerations.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-08 original
Hypoglycemia was a recognized symptom of hypothyroidism historically but omitted from modern textbooks; multiple sources (Broda Barnes, Ray Peat, clinical case reports, animal studies) document that thyroid hormones enable efficient glucose production and that hypothyroidism causes glucose waste leading to hypoglycemia.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-08 original
Ray Peat quoted explaining that stress (cortisol and adrenaline) can shift T4 metabolism toward reverse T3 formation; emphasizes selenium as crucial nutrient for T4 to T3 conversion across all tissues requiring seafood intake (~weekly).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-08 original
Ray Peat anecdote on muscle gain inability in hypothyroidism; notes low testosterone and high cortisol shift body composition from muscle to fat; mentions thyroid hormone excess also causes muscle wasting.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-09 original
Morning sunlight exposure regulates circadian rhythm via photosensitive retinal ganglion cells signaling to suprachiasmatic nucleus; 2-10 minutes direct eye exposure within 30 minutes of waking sets cortisol, melatonin, testosterone and growth hormone timing for 24 hours; evening darkness reinforces the signal.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-10 original
Pregnenolone may help reduce alcohol cravings and anxiety in alcohol use disorder. A Ray Peat anecdote describes an alcoholic man whose anxiety and depression lifted after taking pregnenolone, describing it as 'the feeling I've been trying to get from alcohol, but it never worked.' Alcohol's calming effects are mediated through pregnenolone, DHEA, allopregnanolone, and progesterone. A human study (2023) found pregnenolone (300–500 mg/day) reduces stress-induced and alcohol cue-induced craving and normalizes HPA axis function. Author recommends Balancedbodymind, Raena, and Forefront Health pregnenolone brands, cautioning that many brands produce bad effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-11 original
Voluntary breathing techniques (Wim Hof method) trained over 4 days enabled subjects to control immune response when injected with bacterial endotoxin. The technique produces respiratory alkalosis triggering adrenaline surge that suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8) and increases anti-inflammatory IL-10. The breathing protocol (30 deep breaths, exhale hold, inhale hold, repeat 3 rounds) takes 10–15 minutes and produces immune modulation, improved cold tolerance, and mental clarity. A Radboud University study demonstrated 50% reduction in inflammatory markers and dramatically reduced symptoms in trained practitioners versus controls.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-12 original
Salt restriction causes more harm than benefit. Table salt is chemically processed and mineral-depleted; mineral-rich salts (sea salt, Redmond Real Salt, Himalayan) contain trace minerals essential for adrenal function, muscle contraction, neuron firing, stomach acid production, and hydration. The sodium-health relationship follows a J-curve; low intake is as dangerous as high intake.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 original
High cortisol causally increases risk of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, insomnia, depression, fatty liver, low thyroid hormone T3, and high blood pressure. Post announces tips for cortisol management.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
The author claims vitamin C lowers stress-induced cortisol release and cites two PMIDs: excess vitamin C inhibits cortisol secretion after ACTH, and vitamin C was used in women with functional hypercortisolemia or elevated DHEA-S. The author prefers food sources such as fruit, juice and acerola powder.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
The author claims parathyroid hormone increases cortisol and that PTH is elevated with low dietary calcium and low vitamin D. Three PMID quotations on PTH stimulating cortisol secretion are given. The quoted context is an earlier post linking PTH to obesity and depression, citing Ray Peat and studies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
The author claims vitamin D appears to lower 11β-HSD1 activity, describing the enzyme as regenerating cortisol locally and implicated in insulin resistance, obesity, fatty liver and T2D. Cites a study where 2,000 IU for 2 weeks reduced cortisol and the cortisol:cortisone ratio versus placebo.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
The author claims salicylate, an aspirin metabolite, lowers tissue cortisol regeneration by reducing 11β-HSD1. Quotes a paper reporting improved glucose tolerance in obese mice, reduced adipose 11β-HSD1 in men given salsalate, and this mechanism contributing to salicylates' metabolic effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
The author claims aspirin itself lowers stress-induced increases in ACTH and cortisol, quoting a study that aspirin blunted ACTH and cortisol after exercise.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
The author says drugs that reduce local cortisol via 11β-HSD1 inhibition are being investigated for T2D, quoting a paper that whole-body 11β-HSD1 activity is increased in obese men with T2D and inhibitors may work best in them.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
The author claims coffee, which is associated with reduced T2D risk, contains 11β-HSD1 inhibitors that reduce local cortisol regeneration. Quotes a study showing espresso extract inhibited the enzyme and suggesting this explains part of coffee's antidiabetic effect.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
The author claims DHEA may lower 11β-HSD1 and local cortisol generation, quoting a paper suggesting some antidiabetic DHEA effects come from inhibiting glucocorticoid amplification in adipose tissue. The author suggests low doses (no more than 5 mg, 3x a day) because higher doses can increase estrogen.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
The author claims emodin (found in cascara sagrada, aloe, rhubarb) inhibits 11β-HSD1, reducing local cortisol, and in obese mice reduced insulin resistance, liver fat and high blood sugar. Mentions a supplement called Lapodin, stating they have not tried it and are not affiliated.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
The author claims 250 mg each of magnesium and potassium lowered serum cortisol by nearly 50% in type 2 diabetes patients and greatly improved insomnia scores, with severe insomnia falling from 38% to 0%. Quotes a study finding significant effects on cortisol, melatonin and insomnia severity.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
The author claims creatine reduces stress-induced cortisol increases. Quotes a study suggesting more than 5 days of creatine with resistance exercise increased testosterone and decreased cortisol concentrations.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
The author claims darkness increases cortisol and bright light reduces it after an initial spike, that low light keeps cortisol elevated, and that most indoor lighting is insufficient. Quotes a study finding lower cortisol under constant bright light versus dim light, but not with intermittent bright light.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
The author claims L-theanine lowers the cortisol response to stress. Quotes a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study where subjective stress fell at one hour and cortisol response at three hours; the active treatment also contained alpha GPC, phosphatidylserine and chamomile, not just theanine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
lowmegatron claims hypothyroidism raises cortisol and that hypothyroid symptoms resemble excess-cortisol symptoms. He cites a study (PMID 23111240) whose authors suggest TSH above 2.0 uIU/L may be abnormal because of its positive relationship with cortisol. He also says thyroid hormone regulates 11β-HSD2, which inactivates cortisol, so low T3 reduces cortisol detox, and that TSH is not a reliable measure of this.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
lowmegatron says hypothyroidism activates the sympathetic nervous system, raising stress hormones, anxiety, blood sugar and blood pressure. He lists +60% cortisol and doubled adrenaline, noradrenaline and aldosterone, from a study of hypothyroid people who stopped their medication. He says diastolic blood pressure fell as T3 rose with replacement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-12 original
Raw honey before bed restocks liver glycogen, preventing nocturnal cortisol spikes that disrupt sleep and suppress growth hormone release. One tablespoon supplies ~17g glucose/fructose at minimal insulin cost, preserving the GH pulse that burns fat and builds muscle.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-16 original
Comprehensive explanation of pregnenolone as master neurosteroid hormone declining 1-2% yearly after age 25; describes mechanisms of cognitive and mood effects through GABA/NMDA receptor modulation, stress resilience via cortisol buffering, and practical supplementation guidance at 30-50mg sublingual daily.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-16 original
Comparison of bonobo and chimpanzee development showing bonobos retain elevated thyroid hormone T3 into adulthood, correlating with their playful and friendly behavior versus chimpanzee aggression. Embedded post links thyroid hormone T3 to reversal of learned helplessness in humans and personal testimony of mood/depression recovery with T3 supplementation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-17 original
Author lists interventions claimed to decrease chronically elevated cortisol, including light exposure, dietary fats, micronutrients, supplements, and lifestyle factors. Quoted source discusses mold-induced stress lowering thyroid hormone T3 conversion and successful T3 supplementation in four patients previously unresponsive to levothyroxine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-17 original
Author claims zinc supplementation improves insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes, citing systematic review. Embedded quote from lowmegatron discusses high cortisol causally increasing diabetes and obesity risk.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-17 original
Author claims hypothyroidism stimulates adrenal output and sympathetic nervous system, doubling adrenaline and noradrenaline and increasing cortisol by 60%, citing study on thyroid hormone role in blood pressure. Embedded quote from lowmegatron discusses forgotten hypoglycemia symptom of hypothyroidism, quoting Ray Peat, Broda Barnes, and citing multiple studies on thyroid-glucose metabolism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-18 original
Author claims pregnenolone synthesis from cholesterol depends on thyroid hormone, and hypothyroidism throttles this conversion, lowering sex hormones and increasing pain, depression, and anxiety. Cites study showing lower DHEA, DHEA-S, and pregnenolone sulfate in hypothyroid patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-18 original
Author reports cold water immersion study showed 250% plasma dopamine increase lasting hours, contrasting with cocaine/nicotine crash pattern. Describes mechanism via norepinephrine and brown fat activation, brown fat's insulin sensitivity benefits, and minimal protocol of 11 minutes weekly cold exposure across 4-5 sessions.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-19 original
Pregnenolone increases deep sleep by converting to progesterone and allopregnanolone, exerting anti-cortisol and pro-GABA effects. Studies show pregnenolone increases slow-wave sleep, improves sleep efficiency, and reduces intermittent wakefulness. Progesterone restores normal sleep when disturbed without inhibiting deep sleep like hypnotic drugs. Achieving maximum plasma allopregnanolone requires 1,600 mg progesterone daily.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-19 original
Studies show pregnenolone does not elevate downstream cortisol even at 500 mg/day for 8 weeks. Pregnenolone increases slow-wave sleep and suppresses EEG sigma power without altering sleep-associated nocturnal cortisol or growth hormone secretion. Pregnenolone metabolizes mainly to allopregnanolone and pregnenolone sulfate, not cortisol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-19 original
Ray Peat explains adrenaline compensation for low thyroid function dilates pupils. Levothyroxine works when liver has sufficient glucose and is not stressed by adrenaline. Combined T4+T3 formulations (Armour thyroid, Novotiral) superior to levothyroxine alone for stress hormone patterns. Cannabis interferes with liver function; recovery requires adequate protein and nutrients (orange juice, eggs, milk, cheese, cooked mushrooms, occasional shellfish).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-19 original
Author explains that experimental hypothyroidism increases adrenaline (which raises heart rate) despite lower T3 normally decreasing heart rate, citing a study on sympathetic and adrenal activation in hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-20 original
Author explains that morning bright light exposure sets the circadian clock and determines nighttime melatonin timing 14–16 hours later, describing light intensity requirements, timing, and the effect on cortisol, sleep quality, and evening dim light importance.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-08-21 original
The author explains that hair shedding lags its trigger (stress, crash dieting, illness) by 2-3 months as follicles move to the resting phase. He advises looking back about 3 months for causes and judging treatments no sooner than month 4, and calls crash diets a common trigger.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-22 original
Pregnenolone mechanism for reducing alcohol drinking in animals and stress-induced alcohol craving in humans: increases allopregnanolone (GABA modulator). Mechanism depends on T3 and cholesterol. Recommends three specific brands with sourcing caution due to impurity risks.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-23 original
Magnesium supplementation increases slow wave sleep, delta power, and sigma power while decreasing cortisol in older adults; dose escalation from 240-720 mg daily in 60-80 year old subjects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-23 original
Pregnenolone downregulates endotoxin-related inflammation through degradation of TIRAP, TLR2, and TLR4 signaling; allopregnanolone (downstream metabolite) shows similar effects in cell culture and animal brain models related to multiple conditions.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-23 original
Ashwagandha root extract reduces cortisol 27% and raises testosterone 15% in controlled trials; mechanism involves cortisol-testosterone competition for shared precursor resources; extract improves sleep, muscle gain, and strength in clinical studies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-24 original
Ray Peat quoted on risks of stimulant medications (Ritalin, amphetamines): associated with lymphoma, adrenaline stress, global brain disruption, and chronic use causing brain damage and shrinkage.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-24 original
Substantive explanation of hypothyroidism's role in insulin resistance and depression through effects on thyroid hormone T3, cortisol suppression, GluT4 transporter production, and brain glucose metabolism; cites multiple studies on thyroid-insulin-depression mechanisms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-26 original
Discusses how TSH of 4 may not indicate optimal thyroid hormone status, particularly T3. Levothyroxine monotherapy suppresses TSH while reducing T3 bioavailability in peripheral tissues. Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) increases available T3 and reduces anxiety. Low T3 hyperactivates adrenals and increases adrenaline/noradrenaline, contributing to anxiety. T3 optimization (not just TSH optimization) is needed; high T3 also causes anxiety.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-26 original
Correcting hypothyroidism and basal metabolic rate allows patients to tolerate alcohol without ill effects. Dr. Broda Barnes observed that hypothyroid patients unable to drink alcohol due to poor tolerance and hangover could drink freely once thyroid function was corrected. The embedded quoted post discusses pregnenolone's effects on alcohol cravings, stress, and HPA axis in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-27 original
Author explains metabolic consequences of sleep restriction: elevated free fatty acids compete with glucose oxidation via Randle cycle, impairing insulin signaling and increasing type 2 diabetes risk.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-27 original
Author presents evidence that thyroid hormone suppresses sympathetic nervous system activity; deficient thyroid causes compensatory adrenaline and noradrenaline elevation, contributing to hypertension.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-28 original
Magnesium supplementation (240-720 mg elemental daily) significantly improves sleep parameters in older adults: 63% increase in slow wave sleep, 24% increases in delta and sigma power, 29% decrease in cortisol. Ray Peat noted magnesium carbonate few hundred milligrams daily improves sleep.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-30 original
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) reduced cortisol by 16% and increased testosterone by 37% in a 4-week trial by lowering cortisol and SHBG, not by increasing testosterone production.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-02 original
Ray Peat quote: Thyroid tends to lower cholesterol by converting it into pregnenolone and other steroids. Embedded quote discusses pregnenolone's effects on skin aging and health; Ray Peat personal account of pregnenolone's dramatic symptom relief from inflammatory conditions and associated facial rejuvenation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-03 original
Hospitalized heart failure patients with low T3 have higher mortality; two trials show T3 supplementation improves cardiac performance metrics including stroke volume, ejection fraction, and walking distance while lowering cardiac stress markers. Embedded quote discusses thyroid hormone control of cardiac function and stress-induced suppression of T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-07 original
Carbohydrate consumption during weight training blunts cortisol response, leading to greater muscle fiber growth. A 6% carbohydrate solution reduced cortisol spike by 93% versus placebo, and type I and type II muscle fiber area gains were significantly greater with carbohydrate ingestion. Cortisol response variance accounted for majority of muscle growth variance.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-07 original
Weight loss resistance occurs when extreme calorie deficit suppresses thyroid hormone conversion and resting metabolic rate. Low energy availability abruptly reduces T3 and fT3, and increases fT4 and rT3 at specific thresholds. Increasing energy availability restores thyroid function and can reverse athletic amenorrhea without reducing exercise. Embedded post by lowmegatron discusses thyroid hormone's role in insulin sensitivity and depression.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-08 original
Caffeine coffee (not decaf) reduces chronic unpredictable stress effects in mice, limiting anxiety, anhedonia, helplessness and weight gain; speculated mechanism via adenosine A2A receptor antagonism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-08 original
Hypothyroidism alters muscle protein synthesis and breakdown, shifts fiber type, increases catabolic hormones causing muscle weakness and loss; unchanged muscle mass may contain excess water.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-09 original
Hypothyroidism lowers pregnenolone and downstream steroid hormones (DHEA, testosterone, estrogen) with implications for mood, mental illness, reproduction, libido, dementia risk, substance abuse, aging, appearance, and muscle mass. StAR protein shuttles cholesterol into mitochondria to make pregnenolone; thyroid hormone T3 regulates StAR. Study shows serum ADIOLS, ADIOL, DHEAS, DHEA, and pregnenolone sulfate are decreased in hypothyroidism. Embedded quoted account lists hormones derived from pregnenolone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-09-10 original
jamesbondwisdom claims 4 minutes of daily scalp massage increased hair thickness 10.3% in 24 weeks, citing a Japanese study. He says it stretches dermal papilla cells, activates Wnt/beta-catenin, lowers IL6, raises blood flow, lowers local cortisol, helps topical absorption and breaks up calcification. He describes a technique. These are source claims.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-09-10 original
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) declines 2-3% annually starting in late twenties; by 40, individuals have 50% of peak levels; by 70, 10-20%. DHEA is the precursor for testosterone, estrogen, and 50+ other hormones. Decline (adrenopause) causes fatigue, reduced recovery, declining libido, muscle loss, mood changes. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology study: DHEA supplementation in adults over 40 improved bone density, skin thickness, sexual function, and wellbeing within 6 months; improvements reversed upon cessation. Recommended dose: 25mg daily for women, 50mg for men, taken in morning. Cost approximately $8 for 3-month supply ($0.09/day).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-10 original
Emodin, found in plants like Japanese knotweed root and rhubarb root, lowered thyroid autoimmune markers (TGAb antibodies) and reduced thyroid infiltration in iodine-sensitive mice, increasing T4. Embedded quote notes emodin also inhibits 11β-HSD1 enzyme, reducing local cortisol and improving metabolic markers in obese mice; available as supplement Lapodin (author claims no affiliation).
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-09-12 original
Phosphatidylserine, a neuronal membrane phospholipid, declines with age and directly regulates cortisol response to stress. 600mg daily reduced cortisol 30% post-exercise vs placebo. Chronic elevated cortisol drives multiple age-related health problems. Specific product recommendations with pricing provided.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-12 original
Skin-to-skin contact halves cortisol in NICU preterm infants while increasing melatonin, providing strong evidence that contact ameliorates NICU-related stress. Embedded quote from Ray Peat on healthier pregnancy factors including sunlight, nutrition, thyroid optimization, and hormonal support.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-12 original
Critical examination of Ray Peat's work showing his nuanced understanding of hormones and biochemistry, criticizing how his ideas are oversimplified and memefied on social media. Peat understood cortisol, histamine, and serotonin's regulatory roles but critiqued pharmaceutical marketing narratives, particularly serotonin as 'happiness hormone.'
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-14 original
Laughter-inducing interventions may improve health outcomes in patients with somatic or mental health problems through improved mood, well-being, or reduced anxiety, depression, stress, pain, and fatigue; 45 studies reviewed with largely positive outcomes and rare adverse events.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-14 original
Magnesium deficiency increases aggressive behavior (muricidal behavior) in rats; various magnesium salts suppress this behavior, with magnesium pidolate showing greatest efficacy in experimental model.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-14 original
Laughter modulates stress hormones including cortisol, growth hormone, and dopac. Embedded quote discusses laughter interventions in 45 studies with positive outcomes for mood, well-being, anxiety, depression, stress, pain and fatigue.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-09-15 original
The author claims a "gut hair axis" in which gut microbiome disruption drives hair loss. Claimed pathways are reduced biotin production, systemic inflammation and endotoxin from leaky gut, and low serotonin raising cortisol and causing telogen effluvium. The post blames antibiotics and the Western diet. It recommends fermented foods, prebiotic fiber, and L. reuteri probiotics, with stated timelines and costs.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-17 original
Hypothyroidism increases susceptibility to various infections (SIBO, candida, shingles, TB, pneumonia) due to insufficient energy production; thymic atrophy from low thyroid hormone, estrogen, and cortisol reduces T-cell production.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-17 original
Multiple overlooked factors contribute to insulin resistance beyond diet and exercise, including carrageenan, thyroid hormones, minerals, stress, endotoxin, light exposure, vitamins, sleep, and movement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-18 original
Chronic stress downregulates thyroid axis adaptively; stress-lowering approaches like yoga can improve thyroid hormones and correct TSH feedback. Quotation attributed to author discussing stress-induced thyroid suppression as hibernation-like adaptation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-18 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a study (PMID 31563038) stating that acute psychosocial stress elicits a significant increase in TSH. The quote says this is relevant to stress-related illnesses with hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis abnormalities.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-18 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a study (PMID 29540811) reporting that T3, T4, fT3 and fT4 were decreased in a chronic stress group. The authors of the quoted study interpret this as thyroid dysfunction induced by long-term combined stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-18 own thread
lowmegatron reports a randomized trial in hypothyroid women in which yoga was followed by T3 up 17%, T4 up 7% and TSH down 26%. He also quotes a review saying four studies indicated yoga improved hypothyroidism by lowering TSH and levothyroxine doses and raising T3 and T4. The quoted context is a Ray Peat quote that stress hormones lower thyroid hormone conversion, so TSH alone cannot diagnose.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-20 original
L-theanine reduces stress, cortisol, depression and anxiety while improving sleep, with cited evidence of reduction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores and improvement in anxiety and sleep parameters.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-21 original
Low blood sugar causes two distinct symptom clusters: neurogenic symptoms from sympathoadrenal activation (anxiety, tremors, palpitations, hunger, sweating, paresthesias) and neuroglycopenic symptoms from nervous system glucose deficiency (confusion, fatigue, seizure, coma, death). Quoted post details hypothyroidism as cause of hypoglycemia and related symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-22 original
Magnesium improves insulin resistance, HbA1C, fasting blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and lowers cortisol; high cortisol worsens T2D.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-22 original
Chocolate lowers cortisol and stress via salsolinol, which inhibits ACTH release by reducing noradrenaline; caution advised on heavy metal contamination in cocoa sources.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-22 own thread
lowmegatron describes a mouse experiment in which the 5-HT1A 'brake' receptor was knocked down. He says serotonin neurons then stay overactive and the mice show fatigue, pain sensitivity and anxiety like those seen after high-dose SSRI treatment. The quote also reports significantly lower plasma corticosterone in the knockdown mice.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-09-23 original
Rhodiola rosea, a Soviet-era classified military adaptogen, reduces fatigue by 20%, improves cognitive function under stress, and outperforms placebo in depression trials via salidroside and rosavin modulating HPA axis and neurotransmitters; 200-400mg extract standardized to 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside recommended.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-09-23 own thread
1immortals1 asks readers to follow for more deep dives into research on traditional remedies. The parent post, about rhodiola rosea, is context only and is not attributed to this reply.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-09-27 original
jamesbondwisdom claims gotu kola is the only herb with clinical evidence of raising collagen synthesis in human tissue by up to 200%. The post attributes this to triterpenoid saponins and says it strengthens capillaries, speeds wound healing by 32%, reduces cortisol and supports cognition. It says this benefits hair follicles and stress-related shedding. It recommends 500-1,000mg of extract daily plus topical use, with visible results at 3-4 months, and contrasts the herb with collagen supplements.
Source summary and thread relationship