Which cortisol test recommend : Having episodes... - Thyroid UK

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Which cortisol test recommend

3 years ago•9 Replies

Having episodes of craving carbs later in day, difficulty sleeping, fatigue and generally periods of feeling ‘yucky’ during the day. Having thyroid bloods checked (previously always within range taking NDT) and wondered whether to include cortisol test too. Did have low DHEA levels in 2009 and prescribed DHEA supplementation. Thanks.

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JAE69

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DHEA

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SeasideSusieRemembering3 years ago

24 hour Saliva test for cortisol plus DHEA. Regenerus or Genova Diagnostics. Details on ThyroidUK's main website here

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

I use Regenerus because they email you direct with your results, Genova send them to ThyroidUK who send them on to you when they've received your consent.

Put THYROIDUK in the "practioner" box if you order.

JAE69• in reply toSeasideSusie3 years ago

Thank you so much for a quick reply. Will follow this up.

PixieElv• in reply toJAE693 years ago

I’ve used them and found them to be good. The graph is useful as is the DHEA reading.They do take a couple of weeks to come back with the results though…

JAE69• in reply toPixieElv3 years ago

Thanks for your prompt reply. I’m travelling to Australia in two weeks, in view of requests the tests as well as a possible 2 week turnaround with results I may wait until I return to the UK in 3 months.

PixieElv• in reply toJAE693 years ago

I would recommend that as you have to freeze the samples on Enjoy Aus!

humanbean3 years ago

Having episodes of craving carbs later in day

Two suggestions...

There are only three macronutrients in the diet - fat, protein and carbs.

1) If you are craving carbs this could be a sign of insulin resistance.

2) But is there a possibility that you are not eating enough fat and protein and are under-nourished?

JAE69• in reply tohumanbean3 years ago

I eat a good Mediterranean diet, avoid processed foods, eat fish x2 weekly 3 vegetarian meals and chicken, small amounts of pork& beef much less often. Avoid high in sugar & fat biscuits. Make own whole meal bread. So I’m just wondering is it insulin resistance. Am I right in thinking this maybe indicate a link to diabetes? Would this link into adrenal fatigue. Will doing the cortisol test indicate if this could be the case? If my cortisol test result be normal. Do I then rule out adrenal/ insulin resistance? My knowledge is a bit limited in this field. Thanks for your help humanbean.

humanbean• in reply toJAE693 years ago

So I’m just wondering is it insulin resistance.

Am I right in thinking this maybe indicate a link to diabetes?

It could be insulin resistance (IR) - if you have it. IR is a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insul...

IR can be reversed. You'll find lots of info on the subject on the Diet Doctor website, but I'm a member and am not sure if non-members can read their articles.

dietdoctor.com/search?s=ins...

Jason Fung is worth searching for on the subject of IR

youtube.com/watch?v=Wb_INGa...

as is Professor Tim Noakes who wrote all the following essays - it's a lot of reading...

crossfit.com/essentials/its...

Would this link into adrenal fatigue?

I've never investigated if there is a connection between IR and adrenal fatigue, so can't help on this question. I did a search that suggested there might be a relationship but I haven't read the article :

marcellepick.com/adrenal-fa...

Will doing the cortisol test indicate if this could be the case?

If my cortisol test result be normal.

Do I then rule out adrenal/ insulin resistance?

A 4 - part cortisol saliva test will tell you if you are producing sufficient cortisol throughout the day. A cortisol blood test (which is the one doctor's tend to do) done at around 8am - 9am will tell you if your peak cortisol level is at a healthy level. Cortisol has a circadian rhythm.

I wouldn't assume that insulin resistance or diabetes type 2 could be ruled out if your cortisol levels are good.