Cortisol test method

[Lydia8132]

Hello fellow Hypo's.

I would like to have a cortisol test, but aren't you supposed to do this at different times of the day.

It sounded like my Doctor was going to take 1 swab, have I got it wrong?

Thank you.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Lydia8132

The best adrenal test is the 24 hour saliva test, which I doubt you're going to get on the NHS. If you want to do it privately, choose one that tests both cortisol and DHEA, eg

Regenerus - who make the results available direct to you - thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/r...

Genova Diagnositics - who you have to use Thyroid UK as your "practioner" as Genova don't deal direct with the public, and results are sent to Thyroid UK who then email them to you thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/g... (you find the code for the test on the pdf link)

[Lydia8132 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Many thanks, it is an option I want to explore!

[humanbean]

A GP is most likely to arrange a blood test for cortisol. I've never heard of the NHS using swabs. Make sure to arrange the blood sample to be taken as early in the morning as possible, and by 9am at the latest.

[saffbaby123]

Hi there,

I recently went through the NHS endo to have a cortisol/synacthen test.

It was as early in the morning as possible, bloods taken then synacthen administered and bloods taken again 20-30 mins later to see how it was being used by the body.

It was quite a straightforward procedure at the local endo/diabetes clinic at the hospital.

Very impressed that my endo suggested I had it to rule out every other possibility first!

Congrats on it being sanctioned, I think it's hard to get anyone to listen to anything thyroid related within the NHS at the minute.

take care.

[Hidden]

The usual test by the GP is a early morning blood cortisol as this is when your cortisol levels will be at the highest. It also depends on what you are trying to test for, do you feel your cortisol levels are high or low? If high then a 24 hour urine to measure cortisol. If low then the early am cortisol blood test is a good starter. Your cortisol levels should be around 400 - 500nmol/Ls first thing in the morning. The reference range will say something like 180-600 but this is the range for throughout the day rather than at 8-9am, so don't let the GP try to tell you it's normal if it's under 350 at 9am!!!

[Mamapea1 in reply to Hidden]

Apologies Lydia, for hijacking your post🙏, but I wondered if I could just ask Pauline a question re my 9am cortisol serum test from last year, as she obviously understands all this, and I am a bit confused.😳

My result was 283 (133 - 537) and although I fasted, I can't walk at all in the mornings, so had spent a few hours hobbling around the house in order to 'get myself going', so I could get there! I don't know if this is relevant.

[Hypothyroid for 25 years, on Levo (and ill for most of it), dx with ME, etc., now on T3 only and better, but still not right, haven't as yet, had saliva test]. Would you say mine was low, under the circumstances? I did become MUCH worse after a long period of emotional/physical stress.😔

GP says it's 'fine', but she says that about everything!

I would value your opinion. Many thanks. x

[Hidden in reply to Mamapea1]

Your cortisol result is ow at 9am it should be nearer 500nmol/Ls, the trouble is the reference range covers the whole day which is useless as cortisol levels throughout the day, the trouble s a lot go GP's don't take this on board! With your symptoms you certainly need further investigations by an Endo, they should give you a Synacthen test to see how your adrenal glands respond to the stimulus. ideally the base levels should be over 400 & then double in 30 mins. If your base level is lower & then doubles many of them will say that there isn;t a problem, all it means is that you don't have primary Adrenal Insufficiency but rather secondary where your adrenal glands aren't responding as well as they could from the pituitary gland. A low cortisol result should always have further testing done. If you ae on Facebook then join the UK Addisons info & support group for more advice.

[Mamapea1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your reply 💐. I thought it looked a bit low ~ it certainly feels like it, I'm always exhausted. I will make further enquiries as you suggest ~ I really appreciate your advice👍 x

[Portia1974 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hidden Just posted a new post with re this. Interested in your feedback if you get a chance? (Apologies in advance. It's longish!)