Cortisol Level High?

[Gsp177]

My morning 7-9am Cortisol Level is 692 nmol/L reference range 170-540.

I'm assuming this reading is suggesting I should have further tests.

How high before they class it as Cushings?

[Heloise]

stopthethyroidmadness.com/l...

First test on this list will give you some insight.

[shaws Administrator]

If it's high this is another link from STTM

stopthethyroidmadness.com/s...

[Ctb567]

They'll probably want to have a look at any medication you are on and retest in 3 months or so because Cortisol can be influenced by a lot of things. I had a Cortisol reading like yours and I found out it was because my nasal spray had corticosteroids in it which raises Cortisol, after I stopped taking that it went back down again. I would first check all your medication for this and have some further tests done

[suzannai]

I too had a high cortisol above 700 in January but it is best to check in the am as it will be most accurate. Next step is to retest and also to test urine. If this remains high they will do a dexamethasone suppression test to see if it is stress/alcohol/drug related or due to something else. Essentially you do the test in the am, then that night you take a pill which suppresses cortisol and then you retest the next morning. If the test suppresses and is lower day two likely it is due to stress and not something else. Other things if this is not the case would be some imaging studies.

[suzannai]

That said high cortisol can affect thyroid function by blocking receptors aswell as lowering progesterone which will have an effect too

[Gsp177]

Many thanks everyone, interesting it can effect thyroid function.

I saw my GP today, she wasn't overly concerned of my high cortisol level. She put it down to probably stress. She said she sometimes sees people with cortisol readings over 1,000.

What frustrates me is they seem to have a convenient answer for everything yet not act on the result.

It's probably worth mentioning I was looking through some photos the other day. One of when I was 15 I looked athletic then one of 5 years later my face was so bloated and had put on so much weight. My face looked round, cushings? I was so horrified seeing that photo that I crash dieted and lost 5 1/2 stone in 6 months.

I've got my second appointment with the Endo in August, interesting to see what he makes of it.

I must say 2 years ago when my cortisol level was tested it was within range.

I hold all my weight around the middle, plus years ago when I put that weight on I had stretch marks on my sides. After I lost that weight it slowly crept back on although my composition changed as I started going to the gym, but had to stop due to putting on too much muscle and fatigue, yet I couldn't lose any body fat whatever I tried. I'm now heavier than I was back then, but as mentioned I carry a lot of muscle now, but still have the weight around my middle. thing that gets is my job is a physical job.

[Daffers123]

My morning cortisol came up high like yours, and also my night time cortisol was high. Dropped like a stone during the day though. My endo woudn't pay any attention to it (not interested in saliva cortisol tests) and said nothing to worry about. My DHEA was pretty low as well. However I have a phone consultation booked with Dr P whose opinion I respect greatly, and I will see what he says and will post again as it might apply to you too.

My endo is really good but they just exist in their little med school bubbles where tests are concerned.

[Gsp177]

That would be greatly appreciated, hope your consultation goes well.