ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY COMMUNITY
Is a morning cortisol level of 8.8 too low or normal?

Is a morning cortisol level of 8.8 too low or normal?

I have had many symptoms of Adrenal Insufficiency for about 7 months. I just had my cortisol level checked for the first time and it was 8.8 ug/dl at 8:25 AM. It is in the "normal" range (3.7 to 19.4 ug/dl before 10AM) and my doctor didn't seem concerned. Nevertheless, there are a lot of resources on the internet that seem to suggest this level is too low. Could someone help shed light on the topic? Is it too low or is it normal? I am new to this and it is confusing. Thank you for any help you can give!
Tags: cortisol
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657231_tn?1329145883
It is in the normal range. One test however is not sufficient for diagnosis of AI. And one would not (or should not ) be put on replacements without more testing and a stimulation test.

If you have symptoms, then the doctor should keep testing - and as well test ACTH, adrenal antibodies, renin, aldosterone, sodium, potassium etc. Are you seeing an endo?
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143746_tn?1301278422
Thank you. No, I'm not seeing an endo, but I might look for one. If someone has adrenal insufficiency and a cortisol level similar to mine, please let me know.
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622940_tn?1252518707
I don't know what lab did your testing, but I just had a metabolic work-up with LabCorp doing the testing and they show a normal range of 6.2 - 19.4 ug/dL for an AM test (when your cortisol level is supposed to be at its highest.
If you don't mine my asking, have you had your thyroid tested?  Hypothyroidism has many symptoms similar to adrenal insufficiency.  Whatever the case, it sounds like you need to have a complete metabolic panel & ACTH test.  Best of luc and please keep us posted.  Terri
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Avatar_m_tn
That cortisol AM range should be rechecked that range is so broad. I consider it in normal-low.
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143746_tn?1301278422
Thank you for your comments. My thyroid was tested and seems okay. It is looking like I might have primary hyperparathyroidism though. My calcium has been higher than the normal range for at least 8 months and my PTH is too high for my age and higher than the normally accepted range. My endocrinologist wants to make sure that I don't have adrenal insuficiency, though. She is running some more tests. It is crazy how so many of these conditions have the same symptoms.
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