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Rising cortisol

Messages
57
I have had 3 cortisol tests over a 7 month period. All tests were done at the same time of day. Ref range is 6.2 - 19.4 In July, I was at a 6.5 and in October I was 19.3. In February I was at 27.2. I am having another test done tomorrow...this one will check midnight and am cortisol.
I have no idea what this rising cortisol means or could mean. Other markers for adrenal problems are normal (I can't remember what those are but my dr said the indicators for Cushing's and Addison's are not there). I am on thyroid blocking drugs for hyperthyroid...I don't know if that cld b a cause. Anyone have any knowledge of this?
 
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South

Senior Member
Messages
466
Location
Southeastern United States
The reading I've done on the opposite problem, low cortisol, often speculates on a close connection between the adrenals and the thyroid. But mostly the discussions seem to be that the adrenal problems may cause thyroid problems, much less often do I see speculation on the thyroid problems causing the adrenal problems.

All speculation, anyway - I don't know if anyone really knows. But the suspicion is there, that the two organs speak to each other.

Wish I had more info!
 

Beyond

Juice Me Up, Scotty!!!
Messages
1,122
Location
Murcia, Spain
Adrenal problems should be treated before thyroid. And cortisol saliva or urine is what you want, not blood. I drop this as an useful tidbit of information coming from someone that has spent countless hours reading stuff related and participating in forums.
 
Messages
57
I didn't have this issue until after I was diagnosed with Grave's disease. My adrenals had been tested twice when I already had Grave's. I had done treatment for a few months when my first cortisol test came back elevated (but still within range). I thought it may be a fluke. The new one just came back even higher so now I know something is going on. My question is...what could cause it? I am doing a 24 hr test now and hopefully will get the results in a few days. This is all new to me. Supposedly adrenals affect thyroid, not vice versa, so having the thyroid prob first is odd.
 

drob31

Senior Member
Messages
1,487
I have the same issue. My cortisol levels were relatively low, then after I did a trial of thyroid hormone, now they're high.
 
Messages
57
Interesting. Mine cortisol got higher after lowering my thyroid..,although it (thyroid levels) was still higher than average.