cortisol results

[TiredMummy]

Hi there,

I’ve been complaining of feeling nauseous in the mornings and hungover so I followed the suggestion on here of doing a cortisol blood test. The result was higher than I was expecting at 284 (166-507) so I’d imagine this is close enough to 300 to not cause concern. I did the test fasting at 8am. I’ve also discovered I feel much better on less T3 (particularly the mornings) so I’ve reduced it back down to 5mcg at the moment in two doses. I’m thinking of re-starting HRT as been off it now for over four months and the flushing at night is getting worse. I believe oestrogen can act as a type of steroid….? If so this might help. I also have some adrenal cortex supplements which I haven’t taken yet as considering whether to re-test my cortisol first…..

Any words of wisdom appreciated, thank you x

[Brightness14]

Why no take the 4 point Cortisol saliva test this is best for the answers you require.

[TiredMummy in reply to Brightness14]

My understanding is the saliva test is only good for diagnosing high cortisol though? I’m trying to address my low-ish morning cortisol. I’ve done saliva tests in the past and was thinking the blood test either points to retesting or starting adrenal supplementation…..I’m not sure of the benefit of the saliva test, doctors won’t use it and what difference will it make to my regime is what I’m pondering on… x

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to TiredMummy]

Saliva test is good for showing how your cortisol behaves throughout the day high or low and also gives 'free' levels rather than total as you have, the fact you find you don't tolerate T3 well in the morning suggests your 'free' cortisol is low

Your serum result looks much like mine did though my 'frees' were rock bottom, I wouldn't be surprised if your cortisol is higher in the evening which is why the T3 dose hits the spot!

I'd certainly add in a morning adrenal supplement and see how you feel, have you tried taking your morning dose of T3 during the night if you happen to get up at a vaguely regular time as this can help raise morning cortisol?

[TiredMummy in reply to TiggerMe]

Hi TiggerMe, I certainly tried taking my T3 at night and 3-4am and I totally bombed so not a good experience but then it was a higher amount of T3 so could have been the reason. Thanks for your explanation, I’m still mulling over the merit of doing a saliva test in my situation or just trying the adrenal cortex supplements….

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to TiredMummy]

Certainly your morning cortisol is low so no harm adding in the morning to experiment

[JumpJiving]

TiredMummy This is what the NICE guidelines say for your cortisol test result:

“150 nmol/L to 300 nmol/L

Recognise that the probability of adrenal insufficiency is uncertain.

Consider repeating the serum cortisol test.

If it remains at this level, seek endocrinology advice or referral.”

Follow the guideline. Please do not attempt to supplement with adrenal cortex etc.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to JumpJiving]

I'm afraid she is unlikely to receive any help from an Endo with results at this level as they are only interested in Addisons Disease as adrenal fatigue is just in our heads 🫤

[TiredMummy in reply to TiggerMe]

Sadly I agree. I’ve been down this road before….referred to an endo….got nowhere (years ago) and then again about 7 years ago….got nowhere. I’m thinking it’s better to just keep trying to help myself as my blood test will probably be similar and like jumpliving has pointed out before, doctors won’t act on saliva results. This is why this forum is so valuable to me, there is no right or wrong suggestions, they are all perfectly valid. We just reach out for support and consensus and then have to take one path or another. My bloods aren’t low enough and doctors won’t act on saliva. If my saliva is low (which it will be - although strictly speaking my understanding is saliva testing is only really for high cortisol in doctor land) then I won’t get treatment on a saliva test whatever it says so may as well start treating myself. I’ve shared a saliva test before with a doctor and he literally said “I wouldn’t have a clue what that means” and I don’t blame him either 🫣 So I’ll mull it over but will probably start trying to self treat. Thank you everyone for the support, thank god for this forum! xx

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to TiredMummy]

🤗 I wish we had definitive answers but like you say all we can do is suggest and support, I don't understand why saliva testing is suggested only for high cortisol it's really useful to monitor treatment for low cortisol too, as what you don't want to do is over treat low and go too high 😕

[TiredMummy in reply to TiggerMe]

Just to finish this dilemma off…I’ve just ordered both another cortisol blood test and a saliva test. I fully expect to still be self treating but confirms the blood result (as belts and braces advice is to re-test based on my result) and haven’t done a saliva test in years which may help shed light on how to self treat (guide of how much adrenal supplementation to take) and may also help with timings of taking T3. I’ll get these tests done next week, share the results and then I can just get on with it, backed with validated and recent data. That’s the plan anyhow! 😊 Thanks everyone xx

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to TiredMummy]

Good plan 🤗