what is the purpose of the Cortisol Stim Test?

[micaela27]

my most recent lab work came back with my Anti-TPO at 414 and my TGAb at 33.  my TSH was within normal at 2.83 (though it was a bit high at 7.85 a month ago during another set of bloodwork) and my T3 and T4 were also within normal range.  i just met with an endocrinologist for the first time today and he ordered a Cortisin (i could be spelling this incorrectly) Stim Test but didn't do a good job of explaining what it is, why it's necessary, or what info it will yield.  can someone help me out here?  because my TSH and t3/t4 were normal, he said he wouldn't put me on any meds right now, but would monitor my TSH in about 2 months to see if i've changed.  so... i suppose my question is twofold:  1) what am i looking at here, test-results-wise, and 2) what is the purpose of this Cortisol test?

and not to add confusion, but i was alse recently diagnosed with a mild form of gastroparesis, which is a condition where the stomach doesn't empty its contents in a timely manner and it results in an early feeling of fullness and decreased ability to eat food as a result (basically, you have to eat like someone who's had gastric bypass surgery, bit-by-bit, to avoid overfullness and vomiting).  i have had a spotless medical history up to this point and this condition came out of absolutely NOWHERE and my doctors are stumped.  as a result of much testing, i stumbled upon these thyroid antibody problems.  is there ANY way the two of these things could be interconnected?

[samb180b]

headaches, dizzyness, weight loss, confusion, inability to concentrate, nausea, fatugue.

basically it ruins your life

[pinkbabie]

For anyone out there who has been diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency can you tell me what your symptoms are?

[Nyxie63]

The cortisol stim test is to test your adrenal system for production of cortisol, a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that converts proteins into energy and reduces inflammation, among other things.  

Symptoms can include weight gain/loss, fatigue, sensitivity to light/night blindness, changes in your vision, vitiligo (spots of no pigment on the skin), headaches, dark circles under the eyes, insomnia/waking unrested, and a whole slew of other symptoms.  

While long-term untreated or undertreated thyroid problems can cause adrenal problems, adrenal problems (high cortisol) can cause thyroid problems.  The entire endocrine system is connected and each is reliant on the other parts.

Hope this helps. :)