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Is Adrenal Fatigue And Adrenal Cortisol Insuffiency The Same?
Question: I had a saliva test for adrenal gland function in 2011. This was with naturopathic doctor. Results came back : low cortisol DHEA, zone 7= adrenal fatigue. I took herbal supplements for a year and seemed to feel better, more energy, less muscle and joint pain. I discontinued the supplements and now have symptoms again.
Is adrenal fatigue and adrenal cortisol insuffiency the same thing? Should I get my blood tested?
I also had a heart ablation in 2000 because of A- fib.
Also thyroidectomy in 1994 because of Graves' disease. I am 63 yrs old, female.
I have an appt. with my M.D. Family doctor next week.
Is adrenal fatigue and adrenal cortisol insuffiency the same thing? Should I get my blood tested?
I also had a heart ablation in 2000 because of A- fib.
Also thyroidectomy in 1994 because of Graves' disease. I am 63 yrs old, female.
I have an appt. with my M.D. Family doctor next week.
Brief Answer:
Adrenal function and cortisol
Detailed Answer:
Good day.
Saliva test is to find out cortisol excess, not to find deficiency. If you need to check for adrenal fatigue, we need to do an 8 am serum cortisol and a Cosyntropin stimulation test. Adrenal gland has many hormones other than cortisol. So adrenal fatigue not necessarily mean cortisol deficiency alone.
Noted that you had thyroidectomy. What's your latest thyroid function like? How much levothyrixine are you taking? ?
Regards
Binu
Adrenal function and cortisol
Detailed Answer:
Good day.
Saliva test is to find out cortisol excess, not to find deficiency. If you need to check for adrenal fatigue, we need to do an 8 am serum cortisol and a Cosyntropin stimulation test. Adrenal gland has many hormones other than cortisol. So adrenal fatigue not necessarily mean cortisol deficiency alone.
Noted that you had thyroidectomy. What's your latest thyroid function like? How much levothyrixine are you taking? ?
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Last thyroid test was in January 2014. Everything was in normal limits at that time.
I am currently taking Levothyroxine Sodium 75 mcg po tab - Sandoz.
What is an 8am serum cortisol test?
What is a Cosyntropin simulation test?
I am currently taking Levothyroxine Sodium 75 mcg po tab - Sandoz.
What is an 8am serum cortisol test?
What is a Cosyntropin simulation test?
Brief Answer:
Adrenal stimulation tests
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Sorry for the delay in reply.
8 AM cortisol test and Cosyntropin tests are to detect adrenal insufficiency ( cortisol insufficiency).They both are blood tests. Cosyntropin test ( also called as short synacthene test) is by injecting synacthene ( synthetic ACTH) and then checking the serum cortisol later. This is to test the capability of adrenal gland by stimulating it.
Regards
Binu
Adrenal stimulation tests
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Sorry for the delay in reply.
8 AM cortisol test and Cosyntropin tests are to detect adrenal insufficiency ( cortisol insufficiency).They both are blood tests. Cosyntropin test ( also called as short synacthene test) is by injecting synacthene ( synthetic ACTH) and then checking the serum cortisol later. This is to test the capability of adrenal gland by stimulating it.
Regards
Binu
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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