Low Cortisol and Short Synacthen Test

[CTPY]

I have just come back from having this test done - I have Hashimoto’s and this year has been just the worst year of my life - my son was critically ill with asthma, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and along with the usual life stress, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer... I thought all was going ok and trying to get back on an even keel when my endo rested my 9am cortisol at 182 nmol and now I am worried about the next adrenal potential autoimmune issue.

I am normally a strong person but husband and family just don’t understand and live in my body which feels as if it’s falling apart. I just wanted to off load to you lovely people. Does anybody know how common this adrenal testing is along with Hashimoto’s ? I feel I am just bracing myself for the next thing. I used to run, cycle, live life to the full and now just feel I have got a brick wall.

Thank you so much for even reading this.

Cat

[humanbean]

Is your endo going to test you for Addison's Disease (severely low or non-existent cortisol), or do any testing of any kind to find the causes of your low cortisol level? Your cortisol level does seem to be very low and shouldn't be ignored.

For information on testing done by endocrinology departments for various conditions this link is invaluable :

imperialendo.co.uk/Bible201...

Search for the word "cortisol" and "Addison" to find all the tests which may be relevant to you.

[CTPY in reply to humanbean]

Thank you Humanbean - that is helpful - I know he is testing for adrenal insufficiency which is probably worst case scenario, Addison’s.

[Barrister]

I was diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency in November but I was extremely ill for 5 months before diagnosis. If your SST shows that you have AI then you will be notified very quickly -⎌I had mine done on a Thursday morning and was called by the secretary the following morning with an appoint,met to see the Endo that afternoon and started medication that same day.

Clemmie

[SlowDragon Administrator]

It's fairly common to be tested for adrenal issues with Hashimoto's.

Important to get your vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin levels tested. I see from previous post you take fair amount of supplements and are already on strictly gluten free diet

What's you most recent TSH, FT4 and FT3 results

[CTPY in reply to SlowDragon]

Hello and thank you for replying to my post.

My last TSH was 1.5 and Vit D and all other folate B12 etc was within range. Consultant won’t test FT4 or FT3 again if TSH was ok. Also I felt fine really just a bit knackered so he ran Vit D and Cortisol and the Cortisol came back low.

Thank you again for your input.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to CTPY]

Vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin need to be optimal, not just in range

Just testing TSH is inadequate, especially if you are poor converter, have low vitamin levels or Hashimoto's

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting.

If on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, and if on T3 don't take in 12 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)