Adrenal cortisol & DHEA results

[CornishChick]

I recently did another saliva test to see if my cortisol/DHEA is affecting my insomnia. I feel so much better during the day, since starting Low dose Naltrexone (LDN), but would like to fix my chronic insomnia.

My cortisol levels seem to have decreased slightly since my last text approx 19 months ago, with the exception of the afternoon test, which spiked. I was a little stressed whilst doing this test, and wonder if that has resulted in the spike. If anything, I’d have expected that to dip slightly, as I will have a lull mid afternoon if I’ve had a particularly bad night.

I feel almost back to normal, although I am always tired in an evening, and am asleep within seconds of my head hitting the pillow, only to be wide awake by 1am! I usually have an immaculate sleep hygiene routine and have tried all the usual tips of a protein snack before bed, L-tryptophan, slow release melatonin etc. The only thing which helps me ‘sleep’ is antihistamine, although I read any assisted sleep is classed more as sedation than proper sleep.

I have started taking pregnenalone again for my very low DHEA. I should also mention that I do now get unexplained bad headaches, for which I am about to have some tests.

My 9am cortisol bloods were around 220 19 months ago and up to around 300 recently.

I appreciate any advice from those of you with knowledge in this area. Many thanks in advance for your help.

[MtnClimber]

Have you tried magnesium glycinate at bedtime? Has a relaxation effect and may also eventually help with headaches. I use Pure Encapsulations 120 mg. You could start with one and work up to three as long as it doesn't give you loose stools the next day. Could take warm Epsom salts baths before bed, too, but you may have already tried that. Maybe some white, pink or brown noise?? If you don't have a machine, there are some 8 and 10 hour videos on YouTube. It does sound hormonal, though. I read the other day that taking Zinc in the evenings can help balance hormones. Does the doctor think you could benefit from progesterone? It's relaxing, too, and if you apply it during you bedtime routine, perhaps it might help balance your hormones and help you stay asleep. Best of luck to you!

[CornishChick in reply to MtnClimber]

Thank you for replying. I take Life Extension Magnesium Citrate at bedtime. The Epsom Salts don’t work for me and it’s not easy for me to bathe in an evening with two insomniac youngsters!

I’m not sure I’ve been tested for progesterone. I’m mid 40’s and regular as clockwork. Both my Mum and Granny did not have the menopause until they were very old, not sure how that affects levels. I’ve had this insomnia for around 15 years, I believe initially triggered by a stressful

event.

It is like I get a rush of adrenaline around 1am, which I read can be due to low cortisol, but am thinking mine isn’t abnormally low?

I can certainly try zinc, thank you for the suggestion.

[CornishChick]

Is anyone able to provide any advice on my results please?

[CornishChick]

I’m wondering if my post has been accidentally missed. I was hoping for some help in interpreting off the very knowledgeable SeasideSusie and humanbean .

Or if anyone else knows about these tests and how to interpret them, I’d be very grateful. They cost so much and are useless without an interpretation!

Thank you very much in advance 😊

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to CornishChick]

Afraid I know nothing much about DHEA and Cortisol tests. Certainly not as much as you do.

My own poor sleep resolved when I started levothyroxine (which I have always taken at bed time). Just like you, I would fall asleep easily enough, then wake and be unable to get back to sleep for hours - or at all.

As my cortisol and DHEA were never tested, I have no idea whether they changed.

[Marz]

I think lots of people use phones and when I tried to enlarge the pic it was blurred 🤔

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Marz]

On a PC, I had to take the picture and blow it up to about 300% to stand a chance of reading it - and still not sure I can read the ranges correctly.

[CornishChick in reply to helvella]

Ok many thanks, I’ll try and enlarge it. Not sure how I did it differently this time, my last test results seemed easy enough to read. I’ll try again! Thanks again.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to CornishChick]

Trouble is, no matter what you do before posting, the HU system might well reduce resolution as you re-post it.

Best approach is often to crop anything unnecessary - e.g. the second page and possibly a sliver from each side.