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cortisol

Posted , 4 users are following.

jazzyanne
jazzyanne

Hi all am new here, am in the uk, i paid for a private cortisol test, am looking for advice it was taken at 9am the reading was 893 range 171-536 should i be worried thanks in advance x ive still too make apt with my gp x

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • andrew808
    andrew808 jazzyanne

    Posted

    893 is quite high i think , you need an entire day curve where blood is taken at different times of the day not just in the morning
  • deb3313
    deb3313 jazzyanne

    Posted

    Hi Jazzyanne and welcome smile

    If i was responding as my doctor i would tell you 893 isnt that bad lol.

    As me responding i would tell you ANY levels outside the normal range should be followed up with more testing.

    I can tell you that a 9am cortisol level is not used when diagnosing Cushing's.

    The main tests are a 24 hr UFC ( Urine free cortisol ), and at least 1 midnight saliva cortisol. If either of these tests are outside normal range they should follow it up with a Dexamethazone suppression test.

    Most doctors like to do a range of tests over a period of months ( for example 4 months of 24hr urine and midnight saliva each month ) before even entertaining a diagnosis.

    Its not unusual to get a high early morning cortisol level. But as i said above it should be followed up with further tests smile.

    When you see your GP ask to be referred to an Endocrinologist who will perform all the tests.

    Goodluck.

  • vicky61456
    vicky61456 jazzyanne

    Posted

    Hi and welcome.  I had a cortisol test which was over 800 but as the others have said you need a few tests arranged by your GP to really get a better picture.  The GP will then refer you to an endocrinologist to look after you hopefully.  We are all here for you. At least now you are on the way!
    • vicky61456
      vicky61456 jazzyanne

      Posted

      I had all of the tests which proved to be positive.  I then had an MRI scan to see where the tumour was.  It wasn't visible so I had an extra test which involved a camera in my groin going up to my brain which showed exactly where the tumour was.  I had the tumour removed in 2012.  The diaganosis is what takes the time mainly because we are so unique most G.P.'s have never met a patient with the symptoms before!
  • deb3313
    deb3313 jazzyanne

    Posted

    I was Pretty much the same as Vicki. My cortisol level was 1285 with a range of 119-618 as normal. I have four months of testing. Then had an MRI which showed nothing. So i Had the Camera test. Its called Inferior petrosal sinus sample. This showed Very high cortisol and ACTH on the left side of my pituitary gland. I had 95% of my pituitary gland removed in march 2014. Saw my GP yesterday and first thing she said is, Oh my look how much weight you have lost ! smile
  • deb3313
    deb3313 jazzyanne

    Posted

    I'm in Australia Jazzy.

    To tell the truth Vicky i really hadnt noticed any weight loss. When i got back from the docs i jumped on the scales and i had lost 14 kilos ( thats approx 30 pounds). Had to be happy with that especially as i wasnt trying to lose weight.

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