Atch Test results.. can anyone help please?

[Yennn]

Hey everyone! Hope all is good!

I just got off the phone to my endo doc

He said my baseline for cortisol was normal at 251

However when the synthetic was injected the cortisol didn’t rise as much as doc hoped..

Result was 390, he had hoped it would rise minimum 430.

He’s suggested starting me on 10mg of Hydrocortisone.

Can anyone tell me a reason why the cortisol didn’t rise, I asked the doctor over the phone does it mean addisions disease. His replies was no as the other result were normal.

What does this mean then?

And is taking 10mg HC the right action?

If anyone had any input

Many thanks in advance

💓

[Hidden]

You had a Synacthen test where the base level cortisol is given & then you are injected with synthetic ACTH. The idea is for the cortisol level to double it's numbers. What time did you have the test done? If it was done around 9am then the base cortisol is low. If you are on Facebook then join the Addison's info & support group for a lot more help. Also look n the Addisons web site for more info. It may not be Addisons, which is where the adrenal glands stop producing enough cortisol but it cold b secondary adrenal insufficiency where the pituitary gland is not sending enough ACTH to the adrenal glands to stimulate them, the treatment is the same for both conditions. Hydorcortisone Is given to help, but 10mgs is a very small dose, HC only lasts in the body for between 4-6 hours so it needs to be taken at least 3 times a day to help.

[Yennn in reply to Hidden]

Hey Pauline! Thank you soo much for your reply. My test was done 9am. If 251 is low how can I address this with my endo as he said it was normal. I have been in an on going battle with gps doctors specialist for past year and half😑

This is the first test to come back abnormal. Also if you have any info on how I can questions the 10mg dose of HC. I would be forever grateful for your help. I will request to join that fb Page.

I did question the doctor if these results indicted Addison to his reply he said he can reassure me this is not the case due to other results being within normal range. Seems to be everything with nhs is a battle. I have another test to redo this Friday. With kindest love for your help. X

[Hidden in reply to Yennn]

Unfortunately many Endo's have very little experience of adrenal/pituitary issues so you need to find one that does. You can either ring the Pituitary foundation or the Addisons Society for which ones they recommend. Where in the country are you? t's your right under the 2012 heath & Social Act to ask for a 2nd opinion. If you post in the FB group you will get some help there, but your result is low & points to secondary adrenal insufficiency. He does seem to think that your cortisol level is abnormal or why would he have given you hydrocortisone!!! x

[Yennn in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your recommendations.

The endo doc

Knows something is wrong with my cortisol level.

I think his confusion is due to baseline cortisol prior to test was normal but reaction to atch test didn’t rise as well as he suspected. Therefore he doesn’t think it’s addison disease but secondary insufficient Adrenal.

He went on to talking about only taking HC when I have infection or virus. I have no long found out after doin an armin lab test in Germany I tested positive to lyme. Borrelia b, which means I am constantly dealing with infections. The nhs do not accept this test or acknowledge chronic Lyme disease so I’m unsure whether to take10 my HC daily or if I come down with a virus. Such a shame an endocrinologist isn’t an actual specialist in their field. Thanks for your help, I’m learning a lot.

[Yennn in reply to Hidden]

I forgot to say I’m based in Scotland glasgow x

[Hidden in reply to Yennn]

I think there are some Lyme disease groups on FB people with Lymes often seem to have adrenal issues as well.