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Sleep and Stress test results came back (cortisone, cortisol, melatonin). Trouble reading them.

T

thatsjustdelightful

Messages
7
Brief history:

Since I was a kid I've had trouble sleeping, anxiety and was always sensitive to the cold. As the years progressed I got more symptoms and the ones I already have slowly got worse. Now I also suffer from PCOS, depression, Tachycardia and am always tired. I told this to my PCP years ago but they brushed it off. For the PCOS, I am now taking birth control which seems to help with heavy bleeding.

Over 5 years ago I asked my PCP to check my cortisol levels and they did and said everything was normal. I think it was a blood test that was taken. I didn't really believe it was accurate, so decided to try magnolia bark which is good at balancing stress levels and that seemed to help with my daytime fatigue a bit. It was one of the few supplements that helped out of the many I've taken.

A week ago I decided to get a Cortisol Urine test done by EverlyWell and the results came back. I have issues understanding what they mean. I know those with Addison's disease have low cortisol and those with Cushings have high levels, but in my case I have both high in low levels depending of the time of day. I've set an appointment with a new PCP that I've been seeing over the past year. Hopefully she takes the results seriously.

I've posted the results here. If anyone can give me any insight on it I'd greatly appreciate it.

Also, does anyone know what the most accurate way to test cortisol is? I wouldn't be surprised if my PCP says a blood test is more accurate and tries to brush it off. I plan on asking to be referred to a specialist.
 

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T

thatsjustdelightful

Messages
7
There are also results for melatonin and creatinine in the pic. I didn't mention those in my first post, but realized they are probably equally as important in understanding.
 
C

Crux

Senior Member
Messages
1,441
Location
USA
Are these readings for the time of day ?

Many folks here have had low morning cortisol, but elevated evening.

Testing saliva cortisol 4 times a day may give you a more accurate result.
 
C

Carl

Senior Member
Messages
365
Location
United Kingdom
Blood histamine is an important component in sleep problems because it is elevated by the pathogens that cause ME.

Abnormal cortisol output would be expected in ME/Fibro IMO. High at night when it is meant to be low. It's all reversed in ME.

I had a short Synacthen test for Cortisol and was told it was normal. I know that my adrenal function is not fully functional and yet the test did not show anything. I don't think that the tests are reliable IMO.
 
T

thatsjustdelightful

Messages
7
Carl said:
Blood histamine is an important component in sleep problems because it is elevated by the pathogens that cause ME.

Abnormal cortisol output would be expected in ME/Fibro IMO. High at night when it is meant to be low. It's all reversed in ME.

I had a short Synacthen test for Cortisol and was told it was normal. I know that my adrenal function is not fully functional and yet the test did not show anything. I don't think that the tests are reliable IMO.
Click to expand...

Now that you mentioned histamine. I do suffer from histamine intolerance. I found this out through the elimination diet and re-introduced foods slowly. I noticed high carbs make me sleepy, foods that contain yeast are a no go unless I take certain supplements to remedy that. When I eat yeast, I get seborrheic dermatitis patches around my hairline without fail. I never really ate canned foods, but the few times I did I had bad headaches. I use to take antihistamines, but they don't do much.
 
T

thatsjustdelightful

Messages
7
Carl said:
Blood histamine is an important component in sleep problems because it is elevated by the pathogens that cause ME.

Abnormal cortisol output would be expected in ME/Fibro IMO. High at night when it is meant to be low. It's all reversed in ME.

I had a short Synacthen test for Cortisol and was told it was normal. I know that my adrenal function is not fully functional and yet the test did not show anything. I don't think that the tests are reliable IMO.
Click to expand...

What questions would you recommend I ask a specialist if I see one? Any other advice?
 
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