Which Cortisol Test ?

[FunkyC]

Hi there

I’m hashimotos on NDT and currently under a private thyroid doc from the thyroid UK list who has asked for a 4 x Saliva test and sent the blue horizons link. I’ve read in some posts that those tests aren’t possibly the best route to take. Are recommendations allowed for which other ones are ?

Also any tips to what to avoid prior re: food /Thyroid med doses /and will transdermal HRT gel effect results ?

Thanks in advance

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

FunkyC

Best adrenal test is the one that measures both cortisol and DHEA. Blue Horizon doesn't, nor does Medichecks. It's important to measure DHEA as well as this indicates the stage of adrenal fatigue if present.

The following 2 labs do both tests nd you can order them with ThyroidUK as your practioner

Regenerus Labs - thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

Genova Diagnostics - thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

Personally I use Regenerus because they email you when your results are read. With Genova they send them to ThyroidUK who then send them on to you once they have received your consent so it takes a bit longer.

[FunkyC in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks so much ! What is the turn around on the Regenerus ? I’ve just read the guideline for that one , which are quite full on, I’m

Dyslexic so reading and instructions aren’t my forte ! I take my NDT sublingually would that be deemed as a sublingual hormone ?

Also looks like I’ll have to stop my oestrogen gel prior … and as I have periods mid cycle ?

apologies for all the questions I find it all quite overwhelming

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to FunkyC]

I have had a Regenerus result in a week quite recently, although previously it could take 2-3 weeks.

Essential medications you continue as normal so you take your NDT as you normally would.

By "Hormones" they mean oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA.

As you use oestrogen gel your last dose prior to collection should be 12-24 hours before collection of first sample. So if your did your first sample at 7.30am on a Sunday (say) then your last dose of oestrogen gel should be sometime between 7.30am and 7.30pm on the Saturday.

For menstruating females you count first day of your period as day 1 then if you have a 28 day cycle you test any day between day 19-23.

No supplements to be taken on the day until after collecting the last sample.

No caffeine containing food or drink on the day of collection.

No anti-aging creams to be used on the day of collection.

[FunkyC in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you very much for your detailed and clear instructions-vey helpful and much appreciated 😊