synacthen test

Hi everyone,

Just wondered if anyone would like to share their experience of this test as my daughter is having one shortly.

Thankyou

Mellers

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Hi mellers,

I haven't had this test myself, but I can give you some basic information about what they do.

The short synacthen test is a test to measure how good your adrenal glands are at producing the hormone cortisol. There are various reasons why the adrenal glands can stop producing enough cortisol - treatment with steroids can be one reason, as can other conditions like Addison's disease. If your adrenals are not producing cortisol, and you are not getting steroids from any other source, this can cause various symptoms like malaise, fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhoea, headache, joint and muscle pains and memory and mood problems, as well as low blood pressure, low blood sugar and electrolyte disturbances like high potassium. In the worst cases, if lack of cortisol is not treated, it can be life-threatening - this is why those of us on long-term steroids are warned not to stop them abruptly. The good news is that if there is a problem, it can usually be relatively easily treated.

The test itself is usually done in the out-patients department or day case unit of the hospital. It is done with the patient lying down - this is to reduce stress on the body which can alter the results. A cannula is put in, and an injection is given, of a substance that is supposed to stimulate cortisol production if the adrenals are working normally. Cortisol levels are then measured - usually at 30 minutes and 60 minutes after the injection. The results are analysed by a doctor to give an idea of whether the adrenals are responding appropriately.

There shouldn't really be any side effects from the test. Your daughter might feel a bit tired afterwards. She'll probably be given some food and kept in the department for an hour or so to check all is well before being allowed home.

I do hope it all goes alright

Em H