Help interpreting Cortisol Results?

[Pamela0106]

I have Hashimoto's (Hypothyroidism as a result) and Coeliac Disease.

I take both Levothyroxine and T3. Despite being on both my fatigue is still horrifically bad and I seem to suffer major insomnia at night time.

Interested in your thoughts and helping me interpret the morning Cortisol result.

It's the second time I've had Cortisol tested.

First time was a morning blood test and it was "basal" (result was 260 on whatever the unit of measurement is for blood Cortisol).

Second time was 4 point Saliva Cortisol and the morning one has now come back below range as you can see in the pic.

My GP wasn't concerned with the blood results. I haven't shown her these ones yet. Wondered what you lot thought and if there's something I should be pushing or asking for at my next doctor's visit.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

I can't imagine GP will have any idea. May be email Louise at Thyroid UK for list of recommended thyroid specialists

As you have coeliac and Hashimoto's what are your levels of B12, folate, ferritin and vitamin D like

Magnesium and B12 often low with coeliac

glutenfreeworks.com/blog/20...

naturopathconnect.com/artic...

b12patch.com/blog/celiac-an...

verywell.com/do-you-know-yo...

[Pamela0106 in reply to SlowDragon]

Vit D is below range so supplementing like mad for that. I don't know the figure yet sorry.

The others were:

B12 - 187 (Range 180-900)

Folate - 3.8 (Range 2.1-14.0)

Ferritin - 96 (Range 10-65)

B12 and Folate both in range but low end.

Ferritin is way too high. But my Iron was normal at 20 (Range 11-29).

The only supplement I take is a probiotic and Selenium. I've stopped everything else weeks ago because I don't want them to interfere with blood results.

Infact, I just stopped Selenium too because I have a feeling it is making my hair fall worse and until I have I tested I don't want to presume I need it xx

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Pamela0106]

Ferritin can be high due to Hashimoto's (but in fact can be deceiving and isn't really high)

I will add SeasideSusie to this - her vitamin advice is brill

You probably need full evaluation for Pernicious Anaemia and intrinsic factor tested

What has GP done about low B12

Vitamin D - mouth spray by Better You may be good option as avoids gut

Magnesium essential to help vitamin D too

naturopathconnect.com/artic...

[Pamela0106 in reply to SlowDragon]

Doctor did nothing about B12. I was hit with the usual story "it's in range so normal". I can't believe they don't think it's far too low.

I got so annoyed I've done my own Pernicious Anaemia test. Waiting for the Medichecks result to come back still.

I take Vit D mouth spray at present.

Been holding off doing it with others until I get all bloods done (I don't want to skew it).

I'll have magnesium checked because I'm not sure what my levels for that might be.

Thank you for replying xx

[startagaingirl in reply to Pamela0106]

Hi - no point testing magnesium as the way body used it the test always shows in range, even with serious deficiencies. Better just to supplement.

[Skylane2 in reply to Pamela0106]

Don't stop selenium. That is what heals your thyroid gland.

[Pamela0106 in reply to Skylane2]

Not if you take too much it doesn't. Selenosis is not good.

[Skylane2 in reply to Pamela0106]

Pamela; My doctor wants me to take 200 mg each day. I think that is a normal amount for Hashimoto's

[Pamela0106 in reply to Skylane2]

If your doc has said it then that's different I guess. Perhaps he's checked it. All I know is my hair is falling worse than ever and I'm stopping Selenium because I think that's what's causing it x

[Skylane2 in reply to Pamela0106]

that could be. Everyone is different . I know it has helped heal my thyroid gland, but then I have 2 other autoimmune diseases (disorders) Mastocytosis and osteoarthritis. I'm mostly concerned with not breaking out in giant hives ( too many mast cells) That's why I'm on Paleo AIP and eat as fresh as possible

[amala57]

I'm no expert in cortisol. But mine came back low in first 3. Am noon and early evening. I take adrenavive 2 in morning and lunchtime. I also take 3000 vit c. It has helped a lot. 😊

[Pamela0106 in reply to amala57]

Thank you hun.

The Medichecks covering note suggests repeating the Saliva Cortisol again within the next 3 weeks. They mention Addison's Disease in the reply.

I really hope to god that's not what it is.

They obviously don't know that I already had blood Cortisol checked so I've already got 2 low tests. Arghh!

I am reluctant to take it to my doc because they just do not listen or do anything.

[amala57 in reply to Pamela0106]

I ended up in a&e with acute adrenal fatigue. Endo refused to see me.

Cortisol will remain low until you treat it. Iron, b12 important. But FTPO recommend high vitamin c and adrenal cortex. Can get Thornes adrenal cortex from amazon but they don't garantee that it's bse free so I buy from Country life. It's helped a lot. I now sleep and heart rate has come down. It won't go away on its own. Check out FTPO adrenal fb page. So helpful. X

[Pamela0106 in reply to amala57]

Thanks so much hun. I absolutely will check that all out xx

[SlowDragon Administrator]

See this reply by SeasideSusie re low B12

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Vitamin C daily will help adrenals. Also adrenal cocktail

Dr Lam website is all about adrenal fatigue

drlam.com

Post your results on PAs health Unlocked - they are B12 experts

[Skylane2 in reply to SlowDragon]

Also B5 (pantothenic acid)

[Pop_pop20]

I can relate to your situation my morning cortisol was also low in the morning. What was your day and sleep pattern like before the test? I would watch you are not taking anything which can effect your cortisol production. My test also suggested Addison's, however I believe this is a rather uncommon condition now. I believe you can check for antibodies if Addison's is suspected as it is also an autoimmune condition.

I have started taking Adrenavive II, which is easily sourced from their website. Produced in the UK.

From what little knowledge I have gained - your results show that your adrenals are struggling. In the morning is when your cortisol should be at its highest. Your levels are rock bottom. Your further tests show that your adrenals are trying to play catch up due to the lack of production in the morning.

My GP refused to look at my cortisol saliva tests so I really hope you have more luck. If you don't I believe southhampton university hospital do a saliva cortisol tests on the NHS.

Take care x

[Pamela0106 in reply to Pop_pop20]

Thank you. That's really helpful.

I fear my doc won't listen too but I will try x