Low cortisol but within normal nhs range

[minus]

I have had 2 blood cortisol tests at 9am 1st one was 133 nmol/L and the 2nd one was 233 nmol/L . I asked to have a short synacten test to see if my pituitary is failing ( hypopituitarism) , as one of my big symptoms is low motivation, tiredness, hypothyroidism and zero libido for years despite being on hrt for 12 months now.

Just had a phonecall yesterday to say the endocrinologist has refused referral saying my results are all in normal range no need for further testing.

Could I ask for a trial of testosterone gel if he refuses the short synacten test? As that might help revive my interest in sex. It's horrible not being able to have a normal orgasm anymore.

[radd]

minus,

Your results are appalling low. With results that low I would be emphasising how ill I felt and asking for a second opinion. Point out that morning serum tests are supposed to be highest cortisol levels of the day and indicate risk of levels decreasing further throughout each daily cycle.

If you want testosterone adding to your HRT regime, the key word is ‘libido’. This allows reason for the prescription.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

What are your most recent thyroid and vitamin results

Getting thyroid levels correct can improve cortisol

Please add results and ranges and say what dose levothyroxine/T3 and vitamin supplements you are taking

Do you have Hashimoto’s

Are you on gluten and/or dairy free diet

[minus in reply to SlowDragon]

I've just received a European order of T3 and started adding 25mg T3 to 100mg levo as my last TSH results were TSH 6 way out of what they should be, normally about 2.2 or 2.5 TSH.

I read on here about mcpammy improving her cortisol with T3. Would adrenal glandular also help and private message me if you know good brands that help.

I'm very overweight about 3 stones more than I should be , zero libido since hypothyroidism, recently found out perimenopausal, about 12 months ago.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to minus]

NEVER start on more than 1/4 of a tablet (6.25mcg) T3

What was most recent Ft4 result and ranges

ALWAYS test thyroid early morning, fasting, and last dose Levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Which brand of Levothyroxine are you taking

Do you always get same brand

[TiggerMe]

Whoa, adding 25mcg of T3 when your cortisol is so low is likely to cause you more problems...have you actually added it in gradually? 25mcg is a big dose!

With a TSH of 6 you needed to increase your T4 before adding in the T3...

What were your free levels with a TSH of 6?

Edit... found this from your previous post

I've now asked to have short sycathen test. As I also thought it was a low result. My thyroid levels are out again tsh 6.7 and free t4 12 result.

radd profile imageradd in reply to minus

1 month ago

A TSH of 6.7 looks far too high and FT4 of 12 far too low but you will invite more responses if you can include the ranges for your test results. These are the numbers in brackets that enable members to see exactly where number lie.

Looking back I see you have previously been taking ashwagandha to lower your high evening cortisol?

Radd has told you the magic word to gain access to testosterone