Results from my Adrenal Stress Profile - bit of advice needed

[Jan747]

My results are-

Daily cortisol 32.6 ( 21- 41) normal

DHEA mean 0.44 (0.40 - 1.47)

DHEA cortisol ratio 1.35 (2.0 - 6.0) low

It says I have normal response, however it looks like my DHEA is too low.

Please advise. Thanks

Jan

[PinkNinja]

I would say your adrenals are impaired to some degree and your DHEA definitely looks low.

A saliva cortisol test would give you a better idea of what is happening during the day. It may be that your cortisol is too low in the morning and too high at night, for example, so even though your daily cortisol is normal it might not be right at certain times.

I'm not really sure what to do about low DHEA. It is something I need to look into. I'm not sure if it responds to the usual adrenal fatigue measures.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Carolyn x

[Jan747 in reply to PinkNinja]

Carolyn,

This are my saliva cortisol test results, I just hadnt put the separate sample results as they appear normal.

1) 20 (12-22)

2) 5.3 (5.0-9.0)

3) 4.9 (3.0-7.0)

4) 2.4 (1.0-3.0)

The only slight low ish one is the mid day range.

These results are so much better than previous years when adrenals were really bad. I think i might add some DHEA for good measure.

Thanks

Jan

[PinkNinja in reply to Jan747]

You're right. They are not too bad at all. Morning is right near the top, which is great. Middle of the day is a little low, as you say, but the night time one is a little higher than idea although if it isn't stopping you sleeping it probably isn't a problem.

Be careful adding DHEA. It is prescription only so please get advice from a doctor if you can

Apparently bringing joy into your life is the best way to increase DHEA naturally, along with reducing stress, but we all know that's easier said than done! Exercise can help too, as well as deep breathing and meditation, apparently. I might give that a try

[Jan747 in reply to PinkNinja]

Might persuade my hubby in booking a nice relaxing holiday then, sure that will bring joy to my life.

Can I ask why you say DHEA is prescription only? I remember Dr P advising me to take DHEA a couple of years ago to support my adrenals. I bought them on line and didn't need a prescription.

[PinkNinja in reply to Jan747]

Did you buy it abroad? You can't buy it over here without a prescription. It is also an unlicensed drug.

If you are being advised by Dr P, he knows what he is doing so you should be fine

I am going to remove his full name from you comment, but most people around here know who Dr P is and if they don't it is fine for you to tell them by private message

Carolyn x

[Jan747 in reply to PinkNinja]

I bought it from Biovea in this country.

[PinkNinja in reply to Jan747]

That is confusing because DHEA is definitely prescription only in this country. I need to find out more. Don't let this put you off though. I'm just trying to find out why they can sell it in this country. If they aren't actually a British company, they may be able to legally sell it some how. They do have a different site for each country.

[jeanniex in reply to PinkNinja]

Hi Caroline

wondered if you could put up - the usual adrenal fatigue measure - you mention above. I'm a hypo patient and am positive I have adrenalproblems, wake up exhausted, can't sleep at night! Am seeing my GP next week so will try and get him to test but I'm not optimistic (

thanks

Jeannie x

[PinkNinja in reply to jeanniex]

I'm not quite sure what it is that you want me to post. I don't know the reference ranges, if that is what you are looking for, only that cortisol should be highest in the morning (top of the range), and lowest at night.

There is a link that may help you decide if you have adrenal fatigue here

drrind.com/therapies/metabo...

The only way to know for certain is to do a blood test or a saliva cortisol test, but the above link will help you to know if it is worth testing.

[sporty333]

yeah i should say those results are good! Lucky you :0) Sounds like you 'just' need to keep to a healthy diet, stressfreeish lifestyle and basic supplements.

Yeah i heard DHEA is a supplement, in the US anyway. Says so on Dr Myhills website anyway :0)

[Zabby]

I wouldn't supplement with DHEA if my levels were in the normal range, to be honest. I managed to get my DHEA levels from below normal to in range, and improve my DHEA:cortisol ratio just by eating every 4 hours and making an effort to get more sleep. Have you tried all that already?

[Jan747 in reply to Zabby]

To be honest I have been doing everything I can to keep stress free and healthy. I just feel as though I'm not 100%. I have had weak adrenals before and know how I felt then.

[Zabby in reply to Jan747]

Good luck whatever you decide. I'm just always really wary of taking hormones!