I recently had a blood cortisol test. saliva testing is not an option where I live. The specimen was taken on the 30th of April at 7.40 am.
The reference range is 250-700
My result = 790 nmol/L
Reference interval applies to specimens taken 7-9AM
The Lab report states:
"High cortisol may be due to stress, illness, hydrocortisone therapy or Cushings Syndrome. If Cushings syndrome is suspected, consider overnight 1mg dexamethasone suppression test. A common cause of elevated cortisol in women is the use of exogenous oestrogen (eg CCP, HRT)"
I was using HRT but finished about 3-4 months ago. What is CCP?
I am on NDT increased 3 weeks ago from 45mg to 50mg. Now, I not only wake up at 2-3 am every morning, I find it difficult or impossible to get back to sleep. Furthermore, my mind is on hyperdrive and I am having 'hot flushes', sweaty palms and total body tingling while I lie awake at night. My usual basal temperature is 36.3, never going above 36.4centigrade.
Any comments, help and ideas would be appreciated!