Cortisol Test Results

[bbmum]

My Medichecks Cortisol results on 4th May were

CORTISOL (SALIVA) WAKING *3.180 nmol/L 6.00 - 21.00

CORTISOL (SALIVA) 12:00 3.570 nmol/L 1.50 - 7.60

CORTISOL (SALIVA) 16:00 1.910 nmol/L 0.00 - 5.49

CORTISOL (SALIVA) BEFORE BED <1.5 nmol/L 0.00 - 1.99

My doctor said he knew nothing about cortisol tests and he would refer me but unable to give a time scale.

In desperation then I have been taking 2 x Thorne Adrenal Cortex and 2 X Ashwagndha and on really good days (doing nothing at all) I am just OK. Now I can think a little I would like to know if recovery is a time thing or with my results should I push for more testing.

Also how long would I need to be clear of the above to be sure of an accurate test.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Any

[greygoose]

When do you take the adrenal cortex?

The ashwagandha will possibly lower your cortisol, so if I were you, I wouldn't take it.

[bbmum in reply to greygoose]

I take the adrenal cortex immediately on waking approx 7am and 11am. I find without the ashwagandha I only sleep 2-3 hrs per night, I get 6 hrs if I take in the evening.

[greygoose in reply to bbmum]

OK Are you also taking thyroid hormone replacement? Because that should be taken at least two hours away from these.

[bbmum in reply to greygoose]

Yes I take NDT at 5am.

[bbmum in reply to bbmum]

A bit more background, I had RAI approx. 7 years ago. 2 years on levo and 5 on NDT. I had flu January 2017 which started off what I can only describe as Hyper symptoms. I didnt take any NDT for 3 months and slowly reintroduced, was on 5 before, could only tolerate 3 after for the following 12 months. This January Flu again, Intolerance of NDT and loads of other symptoms, the worst being high pulse (10 paces would send it racing to 127 resting was 98) and severe back ache. 2 doctors and an A&E visit I was told I had caused extra adrenalin because I hadnt taken my thyroid medication. Explaining that symptoms increased dramatically If I did take the slightest amount fell on deaf ears.

[greygoose in reply to bbmum]

That's strange, because I had to give up NDT after having flu. I just got worse and worse on it. So, I went onto T3 only for several years, and I have just managed to add in 25 mcg T4. After six weeks, I tried to increase it, and reduce T3 a little, but that just didn't work. So, what on earth can it be about flu that causes that reaction?

Not to sure about the A&E explanation, though.

So, how is the adrenal cortex and ashwagandha working out for you? Is it helping? I don't think you'd have to be off them long before taking a test, because there's no hormone involved. But, as your cortisol is so low, your endo, when you see him, might want to test you for Addison's. You might need more than just an adrenal cortex to raise your cortisol.

[bbmum in reply to greygoose]

The ironic thing is I paid privately for the flu jab.....never again springs to mind. The meds seem to be holding the worst of the symptoms at bay but the last 2 days I have noticed a slight shakiness, just returned from the kitchen and my pulse is 107, while I still feel week I no longer feel as if I'm dying. I will make an appointment with a private Endo tomorrow, hoping its only a crash, but better be safe and get tested.

[greygoose in reply to bbmum]

Yes, better safe than sorry.

[bbmum in reply to greygoose]

I am sensitive to medication and have always been afraid to take just t3. How did you find the change over from NDT? Did it take long to get to an optimal dose? My doctor gave me levo to try get some medication into me but I can only tolerate 50mcg, any more gave was worse than the NDT.

[Howard39 in reply to bbmum]

Hi

Did you not have your dhea tested?

Your cortisol is low but you’ve only half a picture without the dhea.

I have very high cortisol and take ashwaganda with holy basil to reduce mine, which helps.

I too had issues following flu- which turned out to be glandular fever. If your antibodies are high it can cause an autoimmune system issue.

Mine is under control now but it took ages and I had to go right back to basics

Diet - I am coeliac and increased fat and reduced carbs. Ketogenic works well for me.

Vitamins absorbtion

Then I swapped off thyroxine onto ndt- and swapped my adrenal med too.( I had no dhea)

I feel tons better than I did.

I have sent you a link.

Best wishes

[bbmum in reply to Howard39]

Thank you for your reply Howard39, i'll get reading now.