High Cortisol

[tm007]

Just had my cortisol blood results back - Fasted AM test

Have been struggling to lose weight on a deficit so I thought I would get this checked out

Here is the result:

Cortisol - 653.32 nmol/l with the reference range been 133.00 - 537.00

So its outside the high end of the reference range

Libido is also low and constantly feeling lethargic. SLeep is also pretty poor, 5-6 hours and waking up 2-3 times

What can I do to lower cortisol?

Doctors comment on the result was:

Your blood cortisol level was mildly raised. This can be due to exercise and stress. We advise you to consider a 24 hour urine cortisol to assess its significance. Measurement of urine cortisol requires collecting all urine for a 24-hour period, and provides information about the total cortisol production by your adrenal gland.

 

[Phidias]

Unfortunately, as crazy as it sounds, many (the vast majority of them actually) doctors still don't believe there can be such a thing as adrenal fatigue and, as such, won't treat you accordingly...

In your case precisely, I don't know, and it might indeed be a temporary condition just necessitating a bit of rest, but you can already take a few steps to somehow reset your adrenals:

- lay off the stimulants such as caffeine, ephedrine, kratom, etc...

- avoid simple sugars or any type of high carbs diet;

- don't overdo cardio.


High cortisol is also often linked to a depressed thyroid... you should get it checked to.

 

[tm007]

Thanks for the reply

My free t3 tested low a few weeks back

Tsh and t4 were in range, free t3 was slightly low

 

[ironceltic12]

I would get a 24 hr saliva test.

 

[tm007]

Any more input on this?

 

[OutToLunch]

This seems like par for the course when dieting and cardio is combined during a cut

 

[Smack]

I've gone through ACTUAL adrenal fatigue and it is not fun.

If I were you I would get a "diurnal cortisol kit" from Canary labs. You spit in tubes and send it in and shows your cortisol levels at 4 points through out the day... Probably 120 bucks but well worth it considering your labs.

You need thyroid labs. TSH is useless... Go to your doctor asap and ask for a complete thyroid panel and also "Reverse T3".

You need FREE T3 and Reverse T3 definitely... With high cortisol those are most important.

Also ask for an "Iron Panel".

Thyroid and cortisol/adrenal issues go hand in hand.

Google search "Stop the thyroid madness" if you'd like more to read. Very good, no bullshit site.

Got any questions feel free to ask. Last thing I would want is anyone to go through the adrenal/thyroid issues I had.