Cortisol Blood Test

[sklitch]

I've had a quick search and can't see anything to help so...

I've just seen an Endo and he has recommended a sleep apnoea test before he will consider changing my thyroid meds. Fine.

But I noticed he tested my cortisol. The test was done at 9.30am (non-fasting) and came back as 319 (no refernece range, assuming nmol/L). I've had a look around the webs and this seems to be borderline low? Is this correct and what should my course of action be now? I've been taking ashwagandha and L-threonine. Would these give a false reading or are they helping and without them would my level be even lower?

TIA

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

sklitch

I don't know anything about blood cortisol tests but I do know that ashwagandha, although an adaptogenic herb and meanr to balance cortisol, can actually lower cortisol.

[greygoose]

As it's a blood test, it should have its own range. And that is what you should judge it by. Ranges vary from lab to lab.

[bantam12]

I've just had cortisol done and mine says above 300 is considered normal.

[Hidden]

Your cortisol test was done at the right time of day, at that time of day cortisol should be around 400-500 so yours is only slightly on the low side. Cortisol varies throughout the day so a reference range would be for the whole day so unless you know what "normal" is for that time of day then the reference range is useless. It's suggested that if it is under 400nmol/Ls then an Endo does an short synacthen test to see how the adrenal glands are responding if you are experiencing other symptoms, which would be weight loss, dizziness, fainting, profound fatigue. For a lot of people this is considered to be within their normal range. However to do any tests for the adrenal or pituitary glands you would need to be off the oral contraceptive or HRT & the ashwagandha for 6 weeks.