Hi,

I've been doing Atkins for 4 months or so because I have PCOS and I felt a ketogenic diet would correct my insulin imbalances faster. I have had good results with these symptoms so far. However, I've been noticing a few less pleasant symptoms lately:
-some hair shedding (apparently common on Atkins, but still...)
-shaky hands in the morning, even though my BG tests fine.
-weight loss stalled for last 2+ months.
Otherwise I feel fine.

I am wondering if I am raising my cortisol levels thorough my diet to a level that is working against me. Do my symptoms seem related to cortisol or another hormone? Could this be why many Atkin's stallers report better weight loss after increasing carbs - lowering cortisol or adrenaline? Could someone please post the causes of high cortisol for me since my book is loaned out?

Currently I am trying to eat more frequent smaller meals, gradually raise my carbs somewhat, try, try to dump the caffeine (this is hard). I get plenty of rest and don't have much stress in my life. I am wondering if by now my restrictive diet has over-corrected some of my BG and insulin issues, and maybe it is time to start tweaking some things before other hormones get out of whack as a consequence! Unfortunately I can't really afford to be tested right now, so I have to rely on listening to my body.

TIA!

Go to wcollier journal and search cortisol. Lots of good info there. She's correcting hormone imbalances through diet and supplements. Good Luck!!