Can someone please help, I had a short synacthen test (SST) done at the start of the year but although my results showed an appropriate adrenal response I drank caffeine and ate something sugary before and during the test. Would this have influenced the results at all and would it be a good idea to repeat the short synacthen test or get morning cortisol checked?
Basal cortisol - 622 mmol/L
30 minute cortisol - 915 mmol/L
60 minute cortisol - 985 mmol/L
I have the results of a saliva test too but I know my doctor will not accept these:
Cortisol Levels
Sample 1 (post awakening) - 14.8 (12-22)
Sample 2 (+ 4-5 hours) - 3.9 (5.0-9.0)
Sample 3 (+ 4-5 hours) - 8.9 (3.0-7.0)
Sample 4 (prior to sleep) - 2.0 (1.0-3.0)
Total daily cortisol - 29.6 (21-41)
DHEA Levels
Sample 2 (am) - 0.16 (Low)
Sample 3 (pm) - 0.18 (Low)
DHEA Mean - 0.17 (0.40-1.47)
DHEA: Cortisol ratio - 0.57 (2.0-6.0)
Adrenal Stress Stage - "Resistance Stage 3 - Maladaptation: This generally reflects the "pre-exhaustion or pre-adrenal fatigue" states. Usually DHEA levels fall before cortisol levels are reduced. This is often as a result of an inability to balance chronic stressors or poor adaptation to intensive acute stressors. This pattern would indicate a state of long-term stressors depleting adrenal reserves. Stress analysis and adrenal support and restorative measures are exceedingly important. A recheck in 1 month is also strongly recommended."
Deviations from the normal cortisol rhythm - "The noon cortisol is below the normal range. Noon cortisol levels may be a good indication of adaptive adrenal gland function since they represent the adrenal glands' response to the demands of the first few hours of the day. Low noon cortisol levels suggest a degree of adrenal hypofunction with decreased adaptive response.
The afternoon cortisol level is above the normal range. This may be indicative of the blood glucose counter regulation process or stress. Action: Keep blood sugar levels stable."
Deviations in DHEA production - "Decreased DHEA levels may be seen in thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, obesity, reduced immunity, rheumatological diseases, and excess cortisol production or with administration of pharmacological doses of glucocorticosteroids. Low levels are indicative of a lowered capacity to endure physiological or psychological stress/trauma/injury and may present with abnormal immune response with increased incidence of autoimmune disease."
Any ideas please?
Other test results:
Free T3 - 4.6 (3.9-6.7)
Free T4 - 13.4 (12-22)
TSH - 7.4 (0.2-4.2)
TPOab - 199 (<34)
(Levothyroxine 75mcg)