Cortisol Test Results

[Larkenn]

I just got my cortisol test results back from my doctor.  My level was 6.6 (range of 5 - 23).  She says that this is a normal result.  This seems extremely low to me even though it is in the lower end of the normal range.  I've read in a number of posts that anything under 10 or 11 should be investigated further.  My doc just seems unwilling to help or refer me to an endo for further tests.  I have lots of weird symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, problems focusing on anything, yellow vision, dropping blood sugar, numbness and tingling in legs & hands, cold hands and feet, intolerance to cold, severe intolerance to heat, hives, dry skin, stomach problems - nausea, pains, bloating, constipation & diarrhea, difficulty breathing, fast heart rate, inability to exercise, unrefreshed sleep, foggy brain, anxiety, cant tolerate any stress or change, ringing in ears, the list goes on..........

She says that my thyroid is normal but now I don't believe any of the results she gives me.  I got my cortisol from another doctor on the day and he said that it was normal but he had his computer screen facing me so I took note of the number.  Thank god i did it was only after doing my own research that I found out how low 6.6 really is.  I would have just taken her advice at face value.  Now I'm considering asking for print outs of all my results so i can check the numbers.  Who knows what else is borderline.  The words "near enough to normal" and "it is within normal levels" have been used in the past to describe my results.  I'm not thinking some other results must be slightly to low or high.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Eskimo33]

Interesting that this test you have to fast. Cause I was at Rochester Mayo and they did not have me fast at all.

[Eskimo33]

Mine was 6.6 also today

[gimel]

Very much like hypothyroidism,  just being in the so-called "normal" range does not assure adequacy.    The "normal" range is based on all the tests done by the lab.  They have no idea which tests came from patients  who suffer with low cortisol.  They establish arbitrary range limits representing the majority of results.  So results in the lower part of the range along with symptoms typical of low cortisol, are  strong indicators of the problem.

An evaluation for symptoms, coupled with a diurnal saliva cortisol tests which you can order on line, is the best approach to diagnosis.

Make sure you give the doctor a copy of a list of typical symptoms marked up to show which ones you have.  You should be aware, however,  that as long as the doctor's  test for morning serum cortisol is anywhere within range, it is difficult to get a  diagnosis of  hypocortisolism and get a prescription for replacement hydrocortisone.  If you are successful with that, please come back and let us know.

[stella5349]

You are way too low. As Kitty said the next step would be a ACTH  and I would also move forward with an additional  24 hour saliva cortisol test.

[Larkenn]

Thanks for your comments.

This is an AM test - done at 8.20AM to be precise.  I was fasting for the test from the night before.

[kitty9309]

If that is an AM result, you should have an ACTH Stimulation Test.

[stella5349]

I'd like to as what time you took this test at? All cortisol tests should be done - in the morning - fasting -  and NO coffee until test is done.

average blood serum testing should be ranged as - 19-23 am   7-12 afternoon  4-6 evening.