Will taking Ashwagandha affect Cortisol test results?

[Rebecks]

Hi Everyone, I'm due to have my cortisol levels tested. Will the ashwagandha supplement I'm taking affect the results? I would like to know what my adrenals are doing in their natural state without support, so if it will affect the results, how long should I stop taking it for it to clear out of my system? : )

[Hidden]

Sorry not able to advise on that, would the laboratory be able to assist you?

[Hidden]

I don't have the answer but a good question to ask might be how long you've been taking it.

[Rebecks in reply to Hidden]

Hi Irina1975, not long..I'm only on day 3 but it seems to be working : ))

[Hidden]

Glad to hear it. I want to start taking it also. Just putting it off a bit as I have started some new supplements and don't want to start too many new things together. Better to know what's doing what in my system. Thanks. BTW, how much are you taking and what brand? PM if you want. Thanks, irina1975

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Did you not test adrenals before starting Ashwaghanda? As Ashwaghanda generally lowers cortisol it's best to know what adrenal support you need before taking anything.

I did my adrenal test with Regenerus and asked about whether I should stop taking my adrenal supplement and their reply was

Your samples will record your current levels of Cortisol and DHEA as they stand with any supplementation you are taking.

I doubt 3 days of taking it will make much difference but that is just a guess, why don't you contact the company doing your test?

[Rebecks in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi SeasideSusie, thanks for your reply. Where thyroid & adrenal issues are concerned, I trust the opinions of fellow sufferers than those of health professionals!! Everything is so black & white to them whereas there's so much grey. It's help from these forums that has brought be back to health so I value the opinions & advice on here more than anything else :))

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Rebecks]

The advice from fellow sufferers on here is to test adrenals before taking any supplements. You need to know if you are treating high or low cortisol, or indeed if you need to supplement at all.

[Rebecks in reply to SeasideSusie]

My adrenals have been tested & results came back low. Ashwagandha can be used to raise cortisol or to lower it depending on where the imbalance is. My question is whether you need to stop taking it before re-testing, to get an accurate result.

I've just read that you should stop taking it 2 weeks before being tested.