High Cortisol Level - what next steps will my GP likely take?

[Helena877]

I’m due to see my GP on Friday to discuss a high level of cortisol shown in my blood test (my private GP carried this out).

I’m wondering what are the likely next steps my GP will do.... saliva test?, scan of the pituitary gland?

[humanbean]

Your doctor might refer you to an endocrinologist for investigation of possible Cushing's Disease or Syndrome. The NHS has little belief in saliva tests, however they do use saliva testing for testing cortisol levels at night time when investigating Cushing's. Cortisol ought to be low then, but if it isn't then this is an important clue.

You need to investigate Cushing's Disease, Cushing's Syndrome, and Pseudo Cushing's. Some links :

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cushi...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cushi...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cushi...

nhs.uk/conditions/cushings-...

pituitary.org.uk/informatio...

The last link above is probably the best.

If you have any testing done for Cushing's then you need to know about the kind of testing, preparation for testing, timing of tests etc that might be done. The Endocrine Bible is an excellent reference for all the tests an endocrinology department might do for every condition they deal with :

imperialendo.co.uk/Bible201...

[sandywandy1]

When I had a high blood cortisol test a 24 hour urine test was requested. (This came back normal).

[Angel_of_the_North]

Generally they do a CT scan or an MRI, and an insulin stress test, and go on until something comes back normal so they can ignore you. However, if you do have high enough levels for Cushings, you get an endo referral. See pituitary.org.uk/informatio...

[Ansteynomad]

Don't get your hopes up. I had high cortisol for years. I was told it wasn't important.

[Helena877]

Thank you everyone who has commented.

Dr has agreed to do further testing. He said he needed to speak to the lab as to what tests are available. Mentioned something about a HEA test also? Asked if he meant DHEA and he said not.

Did ask WHY private Dr not doing further testing. They do not like it when you pick and choose private/NHS testing.