roxie60
Senior Member
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I did more research last night, found some articles I'll post here later related to adrenals, cortisol, thyroid. One actually seemed to support her conclusion (the only one I found) so I want to post it to see what ya'all think of it, it was from a nursing site I believe. There was a range (by the way this Endo was reluctant to give me actual lab values and ranges which aggravates me, she wanted to just give me her interpretation - I'm now concerned about giving my company her contact info since she thinks there is nothing wrong with adrenals) for the STIM test, at 30 and 60 mins the result had to be >18, both of mine were, I think that is how she is interpreting the results saying "no problem here" let's move along"
Here is a good high level explanation of Cortisol, adrenals and thyroid function in the body. I have posted one paragraph I read:
http://www.jockdoctors.com/page.asp?id=32&name=Cortisol DHEA
Can cortisol levels be tested? Yes, but the “normal” laboratory values are so broad that the test often misses people with subtle or moderate adrenal insufficiency. For example, the standard laboratory range for cortisol is 8-22. However, anything under 14 would be considered adrenal insuffiency, in spite of it being in the “normal” range. Because cortisol is so safe, sometimes the best “test” is simply beginning a trial of taking cortisol (based on your symptoms and physical exam, of course).
My lab starts the serum Cortisol at 3.0 - 23.0 as the range.
This article also had a comment about HRT and its affect on DHEA. Prior to the last DHEA test my DHEA was below range, since then I have been on HRT. So when I read the paragraph below I wonder is the opposite is also true that HRT can increase DHEA levels. My latest DHEA (still waiting on the one the Endo just did) were higher, back in range but on the lower side.
Estrogen
It is possible that DHEA may influence the level of estrogen in the body. For this reason, some women on estrogen replacement therapy may need to adjust their dosage. This should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Here is a good high level explanation of Cortisol, adrenals and thyroid function in the body. I have posted one paragraph I read:
http://www.jockdoctors.com/page.asp?id=32&name=Cortisol DHEA
Can cortisol levels be tested? Yes, but the “normal” laboratory values are so broad that the test often misses people with subtle or moderate adrenal insufficiency. For example, the standard laboratory range for cortisol is 8-22. However, anything under 14 would be considered adrenal insuffiency, in spite of it being in the “normal” range. Because cortisol is so safe, sometimes the best “test” is simply beginning a trial of taking cortisol (based on your symptoms and physical exam, of course).
My lab starts the serum Cortisol at 3.0 - 23.0 as the range.
This article also had a comment about HRT and its affect on DHEA. Prior to the last DHEA test my DHEA was below range, since then I have been on HRT. So when I read the paragraph below I wonder is the opposite is also true that HRT can increase DHEA levels. My latest DHEA (still waiting on the one the Endo just did) were higher, back in range but on the lower side.
Estrogen
It is possible that DHEA may influence the level of estrogen in the body. For this reason, some women on estrogen replacement therapy may need to adjust their dosage. This should be discussed with your healthcare provider.