Short Synacthen test results

[Jenny583]

Hello again,

I got the results of the short synacthen test today.

@ 0 was 360 nmol/l, @ 30 minutes 495 nmol/l & @ 60 minutes 645 nmol/l.

I had extreme, & I mean extreme levels of stress & shock just the day before, & no opportunity of stopping HRT patch before test. Would these factors make the great result suspect I wonder?

Anyway, I have more serious things to think about now, so I'm really not bothered.

Just thought i'd post results before pituitary test @ end of October.

Thanks for this forum. Jenny.

[Hidden]

Your base level cortisol is lower than the "normal" but it's not that abnormal, that's if it was done around 9am? It could be your "normal" you responded well, near enough doubling the result at 60mins, this means that your adrenal responded well to the artificial ACTH. Did they do an ACTH blood test at the same time? This needs to be put on ice straightaway.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I also meant to say that both the contraceptive pill & HRT can skew the results maybe giving an elevated result.

[Jenny583 in reply to Hidden]

I told them that when they told me to come in for the test, but they never heard of it. So I guess I'll have to experiment going by symptoms as usual.

[Jenny583 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks PaulineS,

I was concerned because I had very high stress that day, (just being in hospital), also running up stairs, (AND I have CPTSD),no support for that - ever. Also dreadful shock & stress day before, (ongoing too), so I know that this formality test is to rule out addisons only, but I don't now know if I should order dried adrenal gland? along with my metavive, but don't wish to make things worse.

( I can't seem to function with just the self treated T3, so I'm going to take both, I have no TSH btw.

They don't do ACTH here in Jersey! as far as I know.

Thanks.

[Hidden in reply to Jenny583]

The SST rules out Addison's, .which is primary adrenal insufficiency, but you can still have secondary adrenal insufficiency where the issue is with the pituitary gland, which is why it is important to have the ACTH done as well to rule that out. I have secondary adrenal insufficiency due to a pituitary tumour. I have to say that I'm not a fan of any adrenal supplements as they seem to be given by functional doctor's for adrenal fatigue which isn't recognised by doctors. I worry that you can actually cause more issues & may stop the adrenal glands working meaning that you would then need steroids for life. This isn't a great option as it is a life threatening condition, if I stop my steroids would die within a few days!

[Jenny583 in reply to Hidden]

Than you PaulineS.

I hope they are looking after you over there in UK. Pituitary tumour sounds scary!

I was advised by 2nd opinion GP for blood test because my symptoms were - as he remarked "looking like hypothyroidism". I then demanded for the umpteenth time to see an endocrinologist, who agreed to test me many months hence for pituitary tests. The SST was the 1st of those.

I get out of bed occasionally by self medicating low dose T3, as Jersey is a 3rd world country when it comes to medical, & everything else.

I rely totally on this forum - for keeping going. Iv'e just discovered that I had a head injury when I was 8 YO, though no details or investigation of subsequent headaches. I could use this written claim by Dr's as ammo to press for a scan - if necessary.

But like I say, 3rd world countries don't do expensive things like ACTH.

[Hidden in reply to Jenny583]

Sadly I've heard this problem before about the Channel Isles. Hopefully the fact that you had a head injury could point towards a pituitary issue, may cause them to investigate you further.