Cortisol tests

[Rachel1958]

I'm feeling pretty upset as i've just been told in another group (Paul Robinson's one) that my cortisol test results are worthless, as I had recently changed my T3 dosage. He says that it takes 6-8 weeks for the body to adapt and therefore my results aren't accurate.

Firstly, has anyone else been told this? Is it true?

Secondly, shouldn't companies selling these tests put some sort of warning to this effect on them?

I'm feeling really upset that i have both wasted my money and have no idea of what is going on with my cortisol.

[Hidden]

I'm sorry you've had that experience, that doesn't sound very kind. Thyroid & cortisol do work together & can affect each other. It is still worth getting your cortisol checked by your GP. I've had high cortisol readings which in my case caused Cushing's disease from a pituitary tumour. High cortisol can be caused by being on long term steroids, from a benign pituitary or adrenal tumour. The fact that you have trouble sleeping at night is possibly due to your high cortisol levels. I am admin for a Facebook group called Cushing's UK where we support members who are investigating the condition, so I have quite a lot of experience of cortisol levels.

[Rachel1958 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.

Is that the 8am blood test?

I'd just like to know if there is any truth about when to take or not take the tests.

[Hidden in reply to Rachel1958]

The blood test should be done between 8-9.30am for a good reading. As I've replied to you before being on the pill or HRT will give a false high result. Perhaps wait a couple of weeks before you book a blood test, but I wonder how much this guy knows & unsderstands about cortisol? I don't know who he is though!

[Rachel1958 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.

Yes, i'm not on HRT or the pill.

Paul Robinson has written 3 books on hypothyroidism.

[Rachel1958 in reply to Rachel1958]

This was my original question to him, by the way:

"A general question which there may well be no answer to!

If my low blood pressure (i've always had it and have to be careful when standing up from sitting or lying down) has got much worse since being on T3, is it a sign i am either under or over medicated?"

It was actually fine at first, but when i loweree the dose, it went berserk!

[mischa in reply to Rachel1958]

Was your test a cortisol saliva test? If it was, I wouldn't say it was wasted. It will still give you an idea of where your levels are.

Paul Robinson is very knowledgeable on thyroid issues and is well respected but in this instance I don't think he is totally right.

I have had many cortisol saliva tests over the years whilst taking adrenal cortex. It simply gave me an idea of where my cortisol levels were.

[Rachel1958 in reply to mischa]

Yes it was a saliva one.

What he says makes no sense. Was he telling me it actually is how my cortisol was 6 weeks ago?! If you think about it...

Yes, he can be great and has helped me a lot. But sometimes...

[mischa in reply to Rachel1958]

I've just looked at your results and your second sample is very high but it could be lowered.

No a saliva test will show you how your cortisol is at the time of the sampling. I don't understand what he means.

Are you stressed out at all? That would raise cortisol output.

[Rachel1958 in reply to mischa]

At the time i wasn't at all well. Which is why i lowered the dose (long story, which i posted about a while ago).

Then i started getting dizzy on standing up from sitting (i have low blood pressure, but it got much worse).

So my original question to him was if low blood pressure could indicate under or over medication.

Then he got on to the cortisol!

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Rachel1958]

My low cortisol is usually better when my T3 is higher. so generally postural hypotension is more likely to be too little T3 than too much - BUT (there's always a but), if you have other overmedication signs (not including hand tremor as that can be related to low cortisol), I'd stick with the lower dose for a bit longer and look at supporting nutrients, blood sugar and hydration.

[Rachel1958 in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Thank you!

I have no over medication signs.

I think i'll stabilise on this dose for a while and then try raising again.