Please can you help with adrenal results?

[Kandahar]

Just received these results and, from some background reading, it would appear that I may have a problem. Please can anyone give me a translation and/or advice? Lynn

[Hidden]

I don't think you've got too much to worry about with these results. What symptoms are you experiencing that concern you?

[marvalrus]

Doesn't look too bad. Little high on the morning and low at night. Have you had an 8am Cortisol serum test? Does it jive with this morning result? Do you sleep well? What kind of symptoms?

[radd]

Kandahar,

The levels of the hormone measured in saliva represent the ‘free’ fraction that is available for tissue uptake. Your cortisol results are relatively ok but DHEA is low. Both should be following a circadian rhythm and low DHEA can be the precursor to elevating cortisol levels, and so the first stage of adrenal fatigue. Your previous posts speak of extreme stress.

Dr Peatfield used to say the cortisol:DHEA ratio was of more importance than unbalanced levels as easier to treat and more reliable in predicting health outcomes than the level of each hormone alone.

Research is showing DHEA to be an active hormone in its own right and not just a supplier to others further down the line (ie oestrogens & androgens), and both cortisol & DHEA regulate neurotransmitter behaviours, ie low DHEA may be associated with depression, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed, etc, just as high cortisol might.

If these were my results I would be looking at ways to support the adrenals glands in order to prevent further compromise (ie glandulars, adaptogens, Vit C, salt, assessing life style & ways of better managing unavoidable stresses) because once cortisol becomes elevated it can impact on the way thyroid hormone meds are working.