Synacthen test

[Linseyd76]

Hi all, just wonder if anyone who has had a synacthen test has had a positive result? If so do you find out when they have done the test? My 13 year old so is due to have the test on the 20th November and I would like results straight away. Any advice pls 🙂

[lc1973]

I have had the test, it was not positive for me and reading this forum it seems that it is rare to test positive, therefore i dont have addisons disease by definition of this test result but i have low morning cortisol which having read further and researching might suggest adrenal fatigue which is not recognised or treated by NHS GP's to my knowledge. I also have hashimotos.

I was not told there and then whether the test was positive or not infact it was some weeks later but maybe thats just the experience i received, others may comment longer or shorter test result period.

Hope you/your sons gets the answer he is looking for.

[Linseyd76 in reply to lc1973]

Thanks. My son was diagnosed with hashimotos in September and has started treatment, his specialist suggested the synacthen test. Am hoping he doesn't get a positive result. Although since started on 50mcg of thyroxine he has become even more tired and last week has started complaining of joint and muscle pain in his legs. It seems to be one thing after another at the minute.

[lc1973 in reply to Linseyd76]

Hi Linseyd76

I was diagnosed in 2011 or was it 2010 and its been a long journey and one which i am still learning and travelling like many others on this most helpful site.

i think for me the adrenal problem has been there all along and that the thyroid problem has popped along since, and i have read that they say to treat the adrenals before the thyroid so its good news that your son is getting the acth test early on in his diagnosis, i also hope that you do not get a positive result but sometimes we need answers as to why we feel so awful and its not obvious but people here are very knowledgeable by sharing their own personal experiences. I still get the achy problems and feel dreadful quite a lot of the time and i'm on 200mcg levothyroxine, it may be that your son may benefit an increase in medication as 25mcg i think he is on a starting dose but im not medically trained to tell you this but i expect your sons doctor will be doing more blood tests soon to determine if an increase is required?

[Babette in reply to Linseyd76]

I had a short synacthen test and also negative. I had to wait a few weeks for the results but the hospital sent me a copy of the letter they sent to my GP (as they always do).

I'm not a doctor so only speaking from my own experience - and everyone is different - but I had headaches and pain that I put down to thyroid / other problems. It seemed to be levothyroxine or the fillers. If the pain began when he started to take his medication it might be worth trying a different brand.

[MikeR]

Ring the Endo or Doctor. Ask for the results with ranges and get them to send them in the post. You are entittled to know the result.

Hashimotos: No dairy, no refined sugar, Gluten free. That's going to be very hard for a young lad.

I wish him well.

[Hidden]

I'm going to be discussing having the test with my GP tomorrow as results of cortisol tests show low morning cortisol. I will try to remember to ask how quickly results come through and let you know what he says.

[Sci-fi_girl]

I had a slightly abnormal short Synacthen test and had to have a retest, then an Insulin Stress Test. If I remember correctly the consultant's secretary contacted me within 5-7 days.

[Angel_of_the_North]

I "failed" it, years ago. I didn't get the results, they just said, "Something's not right" and sent me for brain scan, ECG and insulin stress test (very nasty - I was off work for two days after it even though it came back "normal"). Never got any treatment.

Symptoms were dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, stomach and low back pain and horrendous headaches (with bradycardia).

[Linseyd76]

Thanks everyone can't wait to get it done for him so he can put his mind at rest!