WHAT KIND OF DOCTOR DO I NEED TO SEE

[kenneltech]

Four times in my life (I'm 56), I have gained a lot of weight really fast.  This is one of those times.  Doctor's never knew what was wrong, until I went to see an Endocrinologist.  She said that sometimes people put out tremendous amounts of cortisol when they are stressed.  More so than the average person.  She really believed that that was what the problem was.  I have hypothyroidism, and she did the 24 hour urine test for the cortisol.  My cortisol levels were extremely LOW!!!  I thought they were supposed to be HIGH with my problem?  She said normal was around 6,and mine is a 2.  I don't go see her until April, so I don't understand all of this.  She did say that I don't have a pituitary tumor.  Can't do an MRI because I have a bullet in my head.

Was told by another person on the Adrenal Forum that Endocrinologists miss a lot of things, and that I need a lot more testing, and that the 24 hour test is absolutely the worst test, a lot of people fail that test.  She said to go to an expert.  I thought an Endocrinologist WAS the expert!!!    What kind of doctor do I need to see?

Any help would be appreciated.

[stella5349]

I don't think the urine is faulty - but a saliva test can be more precise. Many doctors use blood and urine for some reason.

The type of doctor that may be good to look at is a doctor who specializes in hormones. Someone who looks at the body as a whole.

You may find a an MD or an endo - it all depends on the doctor.

What time of day did reflects your reading on the cortisol?

Cortisol depletes as the day goes by so first thing you should test near 20 - then depletes - You could be low - then spike later in the day, and that can cause your cortisol weight gain. Where is the weight mostly? stomach or all over?

[ChitChatNine]

Hi welcome to the thyroid community!

[AJWS6]

Hi,
I've learned that a person just needs to find, someone knowledgable in health disorders.  Someone that understands and can relate to a patient, a caring, kind, I will help you type of doctor, that will refer the patient to proper specialist, lab testing, etc.....  

My new pcp, has been super awesome !!!  He has done more for me, in 3 visits in 2 months, then Endo has in 1.5 years.  I thought my Endo was an expert too.    

According to a book I read, 24 hour cortisol urine testing, is strictly used for testing Addison's disease by most hosptials, not adreanal fatigue.  Only 4% of the population has Addison's disease, so the rest of the population has normal results, although they are suffering from adrenal fatigue.  

On the other hand, 24 hour saliva cotisol test produces much better results then urine test, but unfortunately most hospitals do not perform the test, such as mine.  So I ordered the test kit online.  

My suggestion is to, try and find a doctor, you feel comfortable with, someone that takes the time, to listen to you, takes care of you and provide proper evaluation and treatment.  

Good luck !!!