Short Synacthen test

[Miki80]

So I'm thrilled an Endo is finally taking me seriously and booked for this test in Feb HOWEVER it's my understanding this is for low cortisol (Addisons usually) and I have 4 high highs through the saliva test.

Have I got my hopes up for nothing?

Will it be a waste of time?

Thanks

[Hidden]

This is the link for what the Endocrine bible says (Imperial College hospital) about the short synathcen test. imperialendo.co.uk/SST%20pa... If you have tested for high cortisol levels it doesn't sound to be an appropriate test! If you are interested there is a group for people testing for Cushings on Facebook called Cushing's UK

[Miki80 in reply to Hidden]

That's where I'm going The Imperial College. All I can think is it's because they don't believe in the saliva test, they say I have no classic signs of high cortisol and my calcium was slightly high?

[Hidden in reply to Miki80]

I guess at it's said to be a centre of excellence!!!!

[Mantras131]

My endo recently sent me for synathcen test and I am seeing him on the 12th. I have Hashis and he said that he wanted to rule out certain things. He didn't say what and it was near the end of the appointment. I was slightly in shock as he had suggested I try T3 without me prompting. Will ask more when I see him and feed back.

[behappy1]

Its a quick and painless test. I have them done every 4-6 months at hospital to monitor my adrenals. It's usually done as an investigation to rule out adrenal insufficiency or Addison's disease both of which involve low cortisol. Apart from the saliva tests which were high, Are you in any way symptomatic of low cortisol ?

[Miki80 in reply to behappy1]

Hi yes I would say I more match low cortisol symptoms- always suspected this was the case so you can imagine my shock when 4 high highs. I'm a constant ball of nervous anxiety anyway and this just makes me worse. What if I'm taking Adaptogens to lower cortisol that's already low??

[behappy1 in reply to Miki80]

The short synacthen will test your reserve, to see if your adrenals can respond and cortisol rise adequately enough to cope. Before my diagnosis I was easily stressed out, and felt shattered. Hope you get to the bottom of things. X