Hi all, I’ve attached an image of my Crotisol + DHEA results that I received yesterday. Looks like I have low cortisol at 3 out of 4 times during the day. Could you please have a look at these and advise how to sort it out?
From what I quickly read about it last night, adaptogen herbs may not be enough to sort out low cortisol at 3 out of 4 times. Either Adrenal cortex or hydrocortisone cream should be used. I looked at Thorne’s adrenal cortex, but is it made of American cows? Im a bit worried about the antibiotics and steroids they supposedly feed to their cattle… If I did go for Thorne’s adrenal cortex, when do I take it? And how much?
Aslo, does anybody know whats the difference between “optimal range” and “reference interval”?
I must admit that Im hopeful again. This low cortisol may be the reason why Im always so exhausted. Thank you so much for any advise.
In case you cant see it on the image, here are the numbers:
Morning 7.7 nmol/L (optimal range 18-35)
Noon 3.9 (6-12)
Evening 1.7 (2-5)
Night 1.4 (1-4)
DHEA 164 pg/ml (reference interval 106-300)
Written by
moniacho
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Mine is very similar to yours although my DHEA is lower.
I can't advise because I don't know enough myself, but taking adaptogens (recommended by a practioner) for 2 years lowered my top of range cortisol to their current levels so I would suggest that's not what you need.
I have been recommended Adrenavive ll. It's an adrenal cortex from New Zealand cows, and it's the lowest strength you can get from that range
I started with half a capsule, it's easy enough to open them and take out half the powder which I mixed with orange juice.
"Aslo, does anybody know whats the difference between “optimal range” and “reference interval”?"
Well, that's exactly what we say about thyroid results and nutrient levels. There is a reference range (interval) in which your results should lie, then there is the optimal range where you are going to feel best.
For example, TSH range is often 0.2-4.2 and a GP will be satisfied of your result is anywhere within that range. But you will always seen on here
"The aim of a treated hypo patient generally is for TSH to be 1 or below with FT4 and FT3 in the upper part of their respective reference ranges if that is where you feel best".
Hi SeasideSusie , thank you for taking the time to respond.
Wow, that’s interesting. Just last night I was reading through old posts looking for some information regarding cortisol issues. I found your posts about your top of range cortisol, so I thought your problem is opposite to mine. I guess much can change in 2 years, but at least we know that the adaprogens work (at least to lower the cortisol). Do you remember which one were you taking?
Adrenavive II sounds good, Im happy its from New Zeland. A bit more expensive than Thorne’s but its worth it for the peace of mind. May I ask if you just started now with half the capsule or have you been taking this dose for a while? Is it just once a day? Do you take it in the morning?
Are you going to measure your temperature to find the right dose? I read about it somewhere last night, I think it was another forum for people with thyroid and adrenal issues. I didn’t quite understand the whole protocol though, will read it again (during day this time).
With respect to reference intervals and optimal ranges: my results were below optimal but still within the reference range. Does it mean that the problem is not that serious yet (for example to see a GP)?
And finally, are you worried about low DHEA? Is there any way to increase it? Or maybe its going to fall into place when adrenals feel better?
Like I said, I don't fully understand it all. The practioner I used told me that the adaptogens would raise DHEA and balance things. Well, it didn't raise my DHEA, originally it was 0.50 (0.25-2.22) and is now 109 (106-300). I used Adreset by Nutri Advanced, it contains 3 adaptogenic herbs - Cordyceps, Asian Ginseng and Rhodiola Root. I really should have retested adrenals at some point, but I gave up with the practioner and it just went out of my head and I carried on taking Adreset. I was very suprised to see that my top of range cortisol had lowered to virtually bottom of range.
I am not advising, I'm still learning myself, but the Adrenavive ll has been recommended to me and I have bought one pot (90 capsules) and will retest when I've finished that and see what difference it has made. One capsule a day is the recommended serving.
I only started Adrenavive last week, I took half a capsule each morning (it says before food) for 4 days. No adverse effect so increased to one full capsule and everything is fine. I'm not going to take my temperature, mine is never 'normal' anyway, and I CBA with any more faffing than I already do! I will just retest in 3 months and see what's happened.
With respect to reference intervals and optimal ranges: my results were below optimal but still within the reference range. Does it mean that the problem is not that serious yet (for example to see a GP)?
To be honest, I doubt very much whether a GP would recognise or accept this test, if you had dire results you may get a referral for a cortisol test at the hospital. As they are within range, albeit not in the optimal range, it shows they need a bit of support.
And finally, are you worried about low DHEA? Is there any way to increase it? Or maybe its going to fall into place when adrenals feel better?
I don't know. I certainly wouldn't take DHEA without guidance. It's something I will look at again when I retest and if it's still low then I will have to do some research.
I don't know if there is anyone on this forum who has a good understanding of adrenal results, and both yours and mine certainly aren't bad enough to be covered by anything Dr Myhill mentions drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Common_...
Before you start taking anything for your cortisol levels, I think you should ask your doctor for an early morning cortisol blood test. Your results are low enough that you need to be tested for adrenal insufficiency (Addison's Disease).
[Do NOT mention adrenal fatigue to a doctor. They don't believe in it, and only care about people with adrenal levels that are rock bottom (Addison's Disease) or sky high (Cushing's Disease). They think adrenal fatigue is a myth and will often dismiss patients who mention it.]
The blood test for morning cortisol isn't a terribly good one, but it is all the NHS does as a first step, and you have to go through it to have a hope of getting a diagnosis that will get you proper help (if you do actually have Addison's).
Hi humanbean . That’s a very good advice. I actually did have a blood cortisol done through my GP as part of some big panel of tests, probably 2months ago or so. I don’t remember the result exactly, I can check at home later. I do remember that it was within range though, although the range was very wide. I think saliva is just more precise than blood and shows the real issue. According to NHS/GP my cortisol level is perfect.
Yes, sadly, any test result for anything which is in range, anywhere in the range, is perfect as far as doctors are concerned.
It would be interesting to see the result and the reference range, and it would also be interesting to find out what time of day you had the test done. Because that is very relevant too.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Low cortisol/adrenal insufficiency
Cortisol results and low thyroid - help
cortisol results interpretation
Test results - low cortisol and DHEA. 
Cortisol Test Results
