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What is the proper way to test for cortisol?
Is it ok to just take a blood sample, randomly at like 2 pm and then when the result comes back the doc says its normal or if anything a little high? it was 16.2 at like 2pm, no reference range... I have no clue as to what this means. And what things affect cortisol levels anyways? do medications effect this? What about saliva cortisol, is there a difference? and should it be taken at like 3 separate times in the day to see how it is functioning?
I am just freaking tired all the time, I sleep for 12 hours , good sleep, and wake up to go to work. I get in my car and I get about 5 mins before I feel like I have to pull over to take a nap. What the heck could this be, I swear I have had everything tested with everything seemingly normal. the only abnormal things through all my testing was low albumin levels, High MPV, MCh, low ferritin but not out of range. Normal Iron, normal vitamin levels, TSH 1.0 (.4-4.5)Pretty good free T4 .8(.8-1.8)borderline low, so not thyroid right? the only thing I havent had checked are my hormone levels.. and god knows why nobody wants to test them cause I am hormonal! OBGYN says no need to check because I would be completely missing my periods if my hormones were off. It doesnt matter that they are irregular despite being perfect for 10 years. HELP ME>>>> I am obviously frustrated. OH and the fatigue is just one small thing I am experiencing. I have like every damn terrible symptom you can have.. I feel awful all the time, Im only 23!!! so fed up!
I am just freaking tired all the time, I sleep for 12 hours , good sleep, and wake up to go to work. I get in my car and I get about 5 mins before I feel like I have to pull over to take a nap. What the heck could this be, I swear I have had everything tested with everything seemingly normal. the only abnormal things through all my testing was low albumin levels, High MPV, MCh, low ferritin but not out of range. Normal Iron, normal vitamin levels, TSH 1.0 (.4-4.5)Pretty good free T4 .8(.8-1.8)borderline low, so not thyroid right? the only thing I havent had checked are my hormone levels.. and god knows why nobody wants to test them cause I am hormonal! OBGYN says no need to check because I would be completely missing my periods if my hormones were off. It doesnt matter that they are irregular despite being perfect for 10 years. HELP ME>>>> I am obviously frustrated. OH and the fatigue is just one small thing I am experiencing. I have like every damn terrible symptom you can have.. I feel awful all the time, Im only 23!!! so fed up!
'good free T4 .8(.8-1.8)'
- like rumpled said, this is not a good level.
You need to find a doc that will test Free T3. I was tired for a long time from docs who ignored FT3, would not test it.
- like rumpled said, this is not a good level.
You need to find a doc that will test Free T3. I was tired for a long time from docs who ignored FT3, would not test it.
Also, there is a saliva test that is taken throughout the day. I would recommend that you check into this type.
Nope. The proper way is to test cortisol is when there are reference ranges. My doc insists that I test off meds, fasting for 12 hours and at 8am.
If you were 16.2 at 2pm do you have a copy of the lab slip? Was there an 8am range? Some labs do have afternoon ranges but most docs will not test for that range unless they test all day long to see how your whole diurnal rhythm is... though usually 8am and midnight are the standard times to check.
Some medications effect cortisol - like birth control, pain meds etc. Usually that only effects the free type - urine and saliva.
Your thyroid check is completely dismal as that panel is horrid! You need at least a free T3 in there and some antibodies. Your T4 is at the bottom of the range too so that is not good. The lab is also using the old ranges - new are .3 to 3.0.
I had severe and I mean really severe hormonal issues and I had a period - it was off, but I had one. People differ.
Why won't they let you see an endo - the thyroid is nasty low.
If you were 16.2 at 2pm do you have a copy of the lab slip? Was there an 8am range? Some labs do have afternoon ranges but most docs will not test for that range unless they test all day long to see how your whole diurnal rhythm is... though usually 8am and midnight are the standard times to check.
Some medications effect cortisol - like birth control, pain meds etc. Usually that only effects the free type - urine and saliva.
Your thyroid check is completely dismal as that panel is horrid! You need at least a free T3 in there and some antibodies. Your T4 is at the bottom of the range too so that is not good. The lab is also using the old ranges - new are .3 to 3.0.
I had severe and I mean really severe hormonal issues and I had a period - it was off, but I had one. People differ.
Why won't they let you see an endo - the thyroid is nasty low.
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