Anhedonia... that blaaaaah feeling.

[Foggy-Hollow]

Huberman has a handful of dopamine episodes. There’s: Improving Baseline, Craving & pursuit, Controlling for motivation and focus, addiction/rises and falls, leveraging for procrastination.

Any particular one in mind?

 

[miss-sanne]

Huberman has a handful of dopamine episodes. There’s: Improving Baseline, Craving & pursuit, Controlling for motivation and focus, addiction/rises and falls, leveraging for procrastination.

Any particular one in mind?

This one is great, but there are several, as you already know.

Controlling Your Dopamine For Motivation, Focus & Satisfaction​

This episode serves as a sort of “Dopamine Masterclass.” Dr. Huberman discusses the immensely powerful chemical that we all make in our brain and body: dopamine. He describes what it does and the neural circuits involved. He explains dopamine peaks and baselines and the cell biology of dopamine depletion. Dr. Huberman includes 14 tools for how to control your dopamine release for the sake of motivation, focus, avoiding and combating addiction and depression. He explains why dopamine stacking with chemicals and behaviors inevitably leads to states of underwhelm and poor performance. He explains how to achieve sustained increases in baseline dopamine, compounds that injure and protect dopamine neurons, including caffeine, from specific sources. Dr. Huberman describes non-prescription supplements for increasing dopamine—both their benefits and risks—and the synergy of pro-dopamine supplements with those that increase acetylcholine.

 

[desinr-gal]

Huberman has a handful of dopamine episodes. There’s: Improving Baseline, Craving & pursuit, Controlling for motivation and focus, addiction/rises and falls, leveraging for procrastination.

Any particular one in mind?

Wow I didnt realize, I just watched the Controlling for motivation and focus.

 

[Foggy-Hollow]

2 for 2, sounds like that's the one I need to listen to! 🙂

 

[desinr-gal]

It’s been a couple weeks, how are things going?

NAD+ helps with energy but not necessarily the blahs. I’ve learned though that if I try to laugh (say at my husband’s dad joke) the feeling follows - as if I have to pay more attention to the feeling and then it’s really there (just a bit muted). Whereas before if I heard the joke while reading I wouldn’t have to think to laugh.

It’s not like my “garden variety” adhedonia that I’ve had before which is weird. That one if I wasn’t going to laugh it wasn’t there, period.

Need some other ideas to try to balance this. I am still very low dose, backed off to 1mg last week. Got the mood light out yesterday, I’ve been to the gym 3 of 4 previous days. usually that is enough to perk me up and I’m fine for the moment but due for a shot.

NAC was recommended somewhere. Thanks for any other input.

I’m beginning to think either this isn’t going to pan out or I need to wait for April, better weather/season. 😢

sorry that's happening. Do you take Vit D3? that helps I also make tea with Lemon Balm which is supposed to help with mood as well. and of course HRT as drop in hormones does that to me.
I have found that Music, especially the kinds I used to dance to back in the day really help boost happy mood and especially if I listen to them while exercising.
Good luck!

 

[miss-sanne]

2 for 2, sounds like that's the one I need to listen to! 🙂

I was researching a bit, because why don't I feel anhedone on Reta ?? I'm at 7 mg, so not a low dose. I started feeling 'flat' at Tirz 8-10 mg.
It's suggested that the glukagon part counteracts the GLP-GIP effect on mood. Maybe.
Well, nobody really knows yet.
Just a thought. 🙂
(Also Reta hits receptors differently, can also be a reason)

 

[Foggy-Hollow]

I was researching a bit, because why don't I feel anhedone on Reta ?? I'm at 7 mg, so not a low dose. I started feeling 'flat' at Tirz 8-10 mg.
It's suggested that the glukagon part counteracts the GLP-GIP effect on mood. Maybe.
Well, nobody really knows yet.
Just a thought. 🙂
(Also Reta hits receptors differently, can also be a reason)

Yeah some quick digging shows that the glucagon-serotonin connection is there but indirect (as in a chain of events). they tend to move in the same direction.

The whole thing is strange! It’s inconsistent , some people have said they feel better, some flattened. So I agree, I don’t think anyone really knows.

Does reta slow the gut as much as the other two? Medications are anecdotally less effective with slow gut movement.

@desinr-gal —I will have to try the lemon balm, that’s a new one. 🙂

I am always struggling to get enough protein. Tryptophan gets pulled into the equation as a precursor to serotonin. Not sure if all protein . Has tryp? My brain is all over today.

 

[miss-sanne]

Only way is to see if it's better.
What medications are we talking about ? Yes it's slows the gut, but I don't know how much compared to the others.
I want to try Semax peptide, for focus, concentration etc. Maybe try Pinealon or Selank, but it seems they can make you sleepy, and I don't need to be more sleepy. ;-)

 

[desinr-gal]

Only way is to see if it's better.
What medications are we talking about ? Yes it's slows the gut, but I don't know how much compared to the others.
I want to try Semax peptide, for focus, concentration etc. Maybe try Pinealon or Selank, but it seems they can make you sleepy, and I don't need to be more sleepy. ;-)

I like semax, in small doses. I accidentally started way too high and couldnt sleep. It does help my brain wake up. I'm not too sure about staying on task though..
Selank was making me too sleepy, even combined with semax.
I too am curious about pinealon.

 

[miss-sanne]

I like semax, in small doses. I accidentally started way too high and couldnt sleep. It does help my brain wake up. I'm not too sure about staying on task though..
Selank was making me too sleepy, even combined with semax.
I too am curious about pinealon.

yes i was just reading up on those 3 peptides. What dose did you start on ?
I read 100-300 micg ?
I also read about cortexin.

 

[desinr-gal]

yes i was just reading up on those 3 peptides. What dose did you start on ?
I read 100-300 micg ?
I also read about cortexin.

I started with 300, but later realized I had reconned with a much smaller amount of bac..which kept me up all night.
my latest vial of 10mg I reconned with 3ml. I started at 4 units (around .1) now Im up to 6. which is slightly less than .25. No dramatic effects just steady build in brain energy.
I won 3 games of Mahjong yesterday so it seems to be working. lol
But I am also taking Alpha GPC, and a blend with that plus bacopa, ginko, and lions mane.

 

[Foggy-Hollow]

Only way is to see if it's better.
What medications are we talking about ? Yes it's slows the gut, but I don't know how much compared to the others.

True (one way to see).

My case: Wellbutrin, thyroid, adhd meds. Most anecdotes I see have people increasing dose. Levothyroxine is absorbed just after the stomach and can’t survive the slowed journey through the acid. My other two are extended release so I suspect similar problems: just not designed for it.

 

[desinr-gal]

True (one way to see).

My case: Wellbutrin, thyroid, adhd meds. Most anecdotes I see have people increasing dose. Levothyroxine is absorbed just after the stomach and can’t survive the slowed journey through the acid. My other two are extended release so I suspect similar problems: just not designed for it.

I am on levothyroxine. I am sticking to lower doses of glps so far. I keep hearing about the supposed effects on the thyroid and meds for it. Some saying it exacerbates the T4 others saying the meds wont work. Its very confusing. I havent done any tests recently so I just dont know.
Testing has gotten $$ here for me.

 

[Foggy-Hollow]

I’m just titrating up on levo so don’t really have much of a baseline, had a partial thyroid removal in late August. So far the single bump has been good, started on 50 now I’m on 75 (I think).

I’ve heard the T4 bit too, once - but don’t remember where or how reliable. With Levo itself I’ve heard to allow twice the margin when on GLP-1s - full hour after taking levo before eating or drinking anything, for example. After a certain point it gets a little ridiculous - 4 hour calcium wait becomes 8… I’m going to end up like one lady on Reddit and take it at 2am to be done with the hour counting! 🙂

Yes, it’s new territory for sure, everyone is trying to figure out the effects -docs and lab rats alike.
I’m also micro dosing: I don’t need more side effects wrecking my life.

Split dose my Tirz staring with the latest one to see if the smoothing of levels will help my adhedonia. Since it seems to be worst on day 4-5ish, I’m hoping it’s a levels problem and smoothing will be clutch.

Yes labs can get expensive. I’m due, for my HRT provider.

 

[miss-sanne]

I’m just titrating up on levo so don’t really have much of a baseline, had a partial thyroid removal in late August. So far the single bump has been good, started on 50 now I’m on 75 (I think).

I’ve heard the T4 bit too, once - but don’t remember where or how reliable. With Levo itself I’ve heard to allow twice the margin when on GLP-1s - full hour after taking levo before eating or drinking anything, for example. After a certain point it gets a little ridiculous - 4 hour calcium wait becomes 8… I’m going to end up like one lady on Reddit and take it at 2am to be done with the hour counting! 🙂

Yes, it’s new territory for sure, everyone is trying to figure out the effects -docs and lab rats alike.
I’m also micro dosing: I don’t need more side effects wrecking my life.

Split dose my Tirz staring with the latest one to see if the smoothing of levels will help my adhedonia. Since it seems to be worst on day 4-5ish, I’m hoping it’s a levels problem and smoothing will be clutch.

Yes labs can get expensive. I’m due, for my HRT provider.

Sounds like a good idea with a full hour.
Or in the night yes, I take iron supplement, and usually when I'm up for peeing.
What about your adhd meds, do they need to be adjusted maybe ?
Great to try split dosing.
What about your HRT.

 

[miss-sanne]

I am on levothyroxine. I am sticking to lower doses of glps so far. I keep hearing about the supposed effects on the thyroid and meds for it. Some saying it exacerbates the T4 others saying the meds wont work. Its very confusing. I havent done any tests recently so I just dont know.
Testing has gotten $$ here for me.

Don't you get tests with your GP ? I test my patients when needed.
but then again, this is Denmark, = free healthcare.

 

[Foggy-Hollow]

Thank you for your thoughtfulness miss-sanne. <3

For HRT I use a telehealth provider that has a location in Florida and has licensed prescribers for most states. They will order tests via third party labs that are located in my city, much like how a pre-employment drug screen is done. They keep an eye on my cholesterol since I am on a low dose of testosterone. I don’t remember what else they monitor offhand. I like that they test and they work with HRT regularly.

I had thyroid/parathyroid surgery late August. When I started the thyroid med, I could tell my estrogen levels dipped. Now that I have a higher dose things are generally better but I am indeed due for a labs and an appointment. My thyroid med was adjusted 4 weeks ago so I should wait but I am low on progesterone so will be meeting sooner.
.
ADHD meds … probably need to be bumped if I’m really going to run with tirz. I’m reluctant but I think it’s probably needed.

 

[miss-sanne]

Thank you for your thoughtfulness miss-sanne. <3

For HRT I use a telehealth provider that has a location in Florida and has licensed prescribers for most states. They will order tests via third party labs that are located in my city, much like how a pre-employment drug screen is done. They keep an eye on my cholesterol since I am on a low dose of testosterone. I don’t remember what else they monitor offhand. I like that they test and they work with HRT regularly.

I had thyroid/parathyroid surgery late August. When I started the thyroid med, I could tell my estrogen levels dipped. Now that I have a higher dose things are generally better but I am indeed due for a labs and an appointment. My thyroid med was adjusted 4 weeks ago so I should wait but I am low on progesterone so will be meeting sooner.
.
ADHD meds … probably need to be bumped if I’m really going to run with tirz. I’m reluctant but I think it’s probably needed.

If it's been 4 weeks since adjusting, it's time for bloodtest soon. Bloodtest is after 5-6 weeks, or at least thats what I do with my patients.
Who monitors your ADHD treatment ? What do you use ?

 

[desinr-gal]

Thank you for your thoughtfulness miss-sanne. <3

For HRT I use a telehealth provider that has a location in Florida and has licensed prescribers for most states. They will order tests via third party labs that are located in my city, much like how a pre-employment drug screen is done. They keep an eye on my cholesterol since I am on a low dose of testosterone. I don’t remember what else they monitor offhand. I like that they test and they work with HRT regularly.

I had thyroid/parathyroid surgery late August. When I started the thyroid med, I could tell my estrogen levels dipped. Now that I have a higher dose things are generally better but I am indeed due for a labs and an appointment. My thyroid med was adjusted 4 weeks ago so I should wait but I am low on progesterone so will be meeting sooner.
.
ADHD meds … probably need to be bumped if I’m really going to run with tirz. I’m reluctant but I think it’s probably needed.

I am sorry you had to have surgery, that's always a trauma. I have many of the same concerns, I find splitting works well.. I too have adhd but never diagnosed or treated. That and age related brain fog, and memory loss are why I am researching Semax. I hope it all helps you.

I have been on Levo for so many years. It was stable but menopause seemed to mess everything up. Im on 88 now. It is good to take in the early am, 2 hours before anything else..but I havent been, doing that, which is probably why Im up to 88.
I am also doing HRT from Winona, no tests.. just feelz. urgg. I am interested in your experience with TRT.
This new period, on Tirz and Reta has gotten me: off alcohol, motivated to workout, lost almost 30lbs, and I feel so much better. So it all seems to be working, but I should do the tests to be sure.

 

[Foggy-Hollow]

If it's been 4 weeks since adjusting, it's time for bloodtest soon. Bloodtest is after 5-6 weeks, or at least thats what I do with my patients.
Who monitors your ADHD treatment ? What do you use ?

Adderall generic, extended, 20mg. My psychiatrist prescribes it.

Endocrinologist said check thyroid levels at 8 weeks after adjusting, I’m feeling improved so far. Maybe I can request Defy (HRT) to take a look now, anyway. Current weight indicates 88 might be better but I’m willing to trial 75. Is there a downside even if my TSH is right around 1?

I am sorry you had to have surgery, that's always a trauma. I have many of the same concerns, I find splitting works well.. I too have adhd but never diagnosed or treated. That and age related brain fog, and memory loss are why I am researching Semax. I hope it all helps you.

I have been on Levo for so many years. It was stable but menopause seemed to mess everything up. Im on 88 now. It is good to take in the early am, 2 hours before anything else..but I havent been, doing that, which is probably why Im up to 88.
I am also doing HRT from Winona, no tests.. just feelz. urgg. I am interested in your experience with TRT.
This new period, on Tirz and Reta has gotten me: off alcohol, motivated to workout, lost almost 30lbs, and I feel so much better. So it all seems to be working, but I should do the tests to be sure.

This surgery was a victory lap! I had been chasing feeling poorly for years, HRT folded in there and helped.

With Levo I was told that consistency is king, that levels are adjustable.

The brain fog of peri is real. And yes, everything goes sideways.

Winona was my first provider, small world! After about 1.5 years I was up to 3mg oral estrogen per day and still getting hot flashes, so I needed something else. It took care of 80-85% of the fog. I also wanted to start test, found Defy and have been happy with them. Test took care of another 10% or so, and I call that a win. My job requires thinking, analysis, project juggling, and I got a couple of “performance plans” over the time frame I struggled.

Defy let me finish my stock of progesterone from Winona. Currently on injections for the other two, but I’m pretty sure they will work with what you like. Defy works with LabCorp and Quest. My provider also had a couple other levels to check to investigate brain fog.

It sounds like reta and tirz have been good to you. 🙂 It isn’t easy to redefine ourselves but it’s kind of where life throws us: either go with the biological change or put in what it takes to make life better, even if it’s not the same. It can be a slog, but hopefully one that spirals up.

 

[Foggy-Hollow]

I have many of the same concerns, I find splitting works well.

The past two days have been good, I am hopeful. 🙂