Hi folks! Following my recent request to be seen by the local endocrinology dept at the hospital ( healthunlocked.com/thyroidu... ) I have some progress!
As per the letter they sent, I am going to my GP for a 9am cortisol test this week; they have also been asked to check for coeliac and sleep apnoea. If all results come back without issue they say I might be suitable for a trial of T3 (in 6 months)!
It's not much yet, but it also feels huge - and my GP wanted to 'spare me the unsatisfactory experience of the referral'! Fingers crossed this will be a positive step towards improvement
Can I ask - I know there are 'secret guidelines' for thyroid function tests, I haven't been told I need to do anything to prepare for the cortisol test. Is it best to eat or not eat? Should I take levo/supplements as normal?
Many thanks, and a happy new year to you all - I hope it brings you good news too!
M
Written by
malohant
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
As you are on AIP diet ....this is presumably gluten free?
So zero point testing for coeliac.....you would need to be eating high gluten at every meal for 6 weeks before coeliac test......if you know gluten is a problem there’s no point doing that
Vast majority of Hashimoto’s patients are gluten intolerant, not coeliac
Can I ask - I know there are 'secret guidelines' for thyroid function tests, I haven't been told I need to do anything to prepare for the cortisol test. Is it best to eat or not eat? Should I take levo/supplements as normal?
Food and drink other than water
Eating raises blood sugar, and blood sugar affects cortisol. Because of that I would suggest fasting overnight and until after the blood has been taken. Caffeine affects cortisol as well so should be avoided - just drink water.
Thyroid hormones
Take as normal.
Supplements you have chosen to take which are entirely optional
I would suggest that you don't take optional supplements for 24 hours before the blood draw, mainly because the effect on cortisol could vary from one supplement to another and it just muddies the water.
Prescribed drugs
I think you should take prescribed drugs as normal.
Some drugs do affect cortisol as these two lists show :
What neither list tells you is whether the listed drugs and supplements raise cortisol or lower it, but it would be worth doing the research to find out the effect of anything you are prescribed, just so you know.
I've never done what it suggests on that link but some people have mentioned finding it helpful.
No you don't have to withhold anything for a 9am cortisol test, make sure you get a copy of it as GP;s don't always understand the results as they rarely see it. I'm admin for a Cushing's support group so am advising members regarding the 9am cortisol on a daily basis. If you want to fast that's your choice but you don't need to.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Cortisol test help please
Cortisol Testing in the UK.
Cortisol testing and hypo symptoms
Repeat Cortisol test timings 
Help with insight into cortisol test
