Hello,
I would like to know about these tests.
What things are looked at in these tests (ex. DHEA, Cortisol, etc.)? Is it any different for the 24 Hour URINE?
Are these both done at a hospital? Do you sleep overnight?
What do you have to say to get your doctor to order these?
Would you have to have each written on individual lab sheets, or can they be on one lab sheet, but performed on different days?
Thank you sooooo much.
Here's some info I came across:
Request that your physician order a 24-hour blood serum cortisol test. Blood samples are taken at four specific times during a 24 hour period, and evaluated for cortisol and other adrenal hormone levels. This test can be invasive and often inconvenient, but equally as accurate as the saliva test.
Test your adrenal gland function by performing an adrenocorticotropic, or ACTH, stimulation test. This evaluates the ability of the adrenal gland to respond and produce cortisol when prompted. A blood sample is drawn to measure cortisol level. Then you are given an intramuscular injection of an adrenal gland stimulator called ACTH. Blood samples are drawn 30 minutes and 60 minutes after injection to measure the response of the adrenal gland. Insufficient output of cortisol produced by the adrenal glands after ACTH injection indicates Addison's Disease, also known as adrenal insufficiency.