Short Synacthen Test

[TrayDee]

Hi Everybody, I'm a UK newbie and this is my first post. I hope to get some advice and gain some knowledge about possible adrenal problems. A couple of years ago I had a hysterectomy (age 42) and recovered well. A year later my GP told me that I was hypothyroid. Apparently have been for quite a while but they forgot to notify me. I've been on thyroxine for a year now (up to 50mcg) but recently some T3 was added because I wasn't feeling any better due to fatigue. I am suffering 'crashes' due to fatigue. I've had 2 short Synacthen tests, the results being  - 1st: Baseline 395 / 30 mins 544 / 60 mins 6??.  2nd: Baseline 360 / 30 mins 534 / 60 mins 626.  I also had 2 x 9am Cortisol tests.  1st  239.  2nd  269.  GP said that everything seems fine and hasn't offered any treatment. I don't know how to interpret these tests for myself and would appreciate any advice / opinions.  Thank you.

[rumpled]

Do try to get ranges... bummer on the time!

[TrayDee]

Thanks for your reply rumpled, much appreciated. They didn't give me the ranges, I'll try and find out. Re: an 8am cortisol test, no chance here, lol, the earliest is 9am.

[rumpled]

Without ranges it is really hard to tell much.

All I can say is that you always went up on the stim tests. Usually they want you to double the baseline on the stim or meet a *magic* number in the doc's head.

In general, cortisol tests should be done at 8am, fasting. I would also say that sodium and potassium testing is useful. It is a salt-wasting disease so you have to know certain levels.