My adrenal test results from the saliva test are in and they are apparently low. But that is all I know, which is driving me nuts!
Last Thursday my doctor's office called and left a message saying that my test results were in and that they'd call back after the long weekend, on Monday. I thought that was a little odd at the time, since I usually have to call and bug them for test results. But, because of the wedding, I put it out of my mind all weekend.
Well, today they called me again and the nurse said my adrenal test results were in and that my levels were low, and my doctor wanted me to come in to discuss this. I already had an appointment for this so I didn't need to schedule one. But it's not until July 17, so, of course, I wanted more information before that. I asked if she could give me any of the numbers and she did give me something (but let me preface this by saying she did not really put this in context whatsoever) - she told me my level was 6 and the normal range was 12 to 25.
She didn't specify which result that was for (the saliva test tested my levels four times in one day) and couldn't give me any other information. She said I had to discuss the rest with my doctor.
Does anyone have any insight into what that may mean? I have googled it all afternoon and apparently there isn't much information out there. Well, a lot of results pop up, but nothing has been able to help me at all. Nothing talks about specific results, what is considered normal, or how low is very low.
My result does sound pretty low. Six...when the normal range is 12 to 25? I don't know. I'm not worried though. Actually, I like that something has shown up as being wrong that we can, hopefully, treat. It's kind of like proof that I'm not just lazy! I have an actual reason for feeling fatigued, dizzy, and just generally out of it. I insisted on being tested for this and, thankfully, my doctor listens to his patients and agreed to do it.
Then I think about how SO many things are wrong with me! What is with that? Endometriosis, high prolactin, PCOS, hypothyroid, and now low adrenal function (or whatever it's called...I don't even know!). Obviously, they must be connected, unless I am the unluckiest person when it comes to problems that can cause infertility!
I would love to hear what you think about this. Does this result mean anything to anyone? My appointment is so far away and I hate not knowing, so I'd appreciate any advice you can give me!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Adrenal test results
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I don't know the result meanings since it seems to be combined and not broken down to the four different results, but it seems pretty low if you should be between 12-25!
ReplyDeleteGood news! One more thing to check off! How frustrating is all of this! I really hope whatever the treatment you feel better!
I think I posted the exact same post, exact same words, when I got my results- lol!! I remember writing, "Oh, good, I'm not just lazy!" and also listing all my issues (which are pretty much right on par with yours!) and saying, "wth else could be wrong with me??"
ReplyDeleteIt's like a back-handed compliment, getting yet another diagnosis, isn't it?
BUT the good news is there's something to FIX! Hormones are SO crucial, and so temperamental, so that the tiniest thing off with them can lead to a cascade of issues and mess with our fertility. I am going to go dig up my test results so I can type out for you what the lab wrote about low #s, and also the range that it should be at different times of the day (I also had a saliva test, as well as a blood test). The lab sheet really did a good job of explaining it all...
will you be calling Dr Hilgers for his Hydrocort treatment? They've already seen a bunch of pgs occuring from it! He may want you to take the questionnaire first, though, which can take time to get in the mail, so call soon!
OK, I'll be back after I find my lab results...
OK, it has disappeared into a black hole somewhere in my disorganized house.
ReplyDeleteI did find the paperwork Dr H sent me called "The Adrenal Gland and Infertility" which he wrote to give patients some background about his knowledge of the adrenal hormones and cortisol treatment. And I do remember that my results were 12.5 or 11.5, which Dr H said was "normal, but below average." It was based on this AND my answers to the questionnaire questions which had him diagnose me with "moderate adrenal fatigue."
I really think you can benefit from his treatment- give them a call!
I'd like to see your results broken down by time with ranges BUT I'm guessing they are giving you your cortisol burden, they take the days cortisol and balance it out. Mine has different ranges but I would guess that is what they are talking about.
ReplyDeleteLet me show you what mine looked like:
7-8 am 11 Depressed 13-24
11-12 3 Depressed 5-10
4-5 1 Depressed 3-8
11-mid 2 Normal 1-4
Dhea 2 Depressed 3-10
cortisol Burden 17 23-42
just so you can get an idea.
This being low will really make you feel awful! the hydrocort is a wonder with bringing your energy back!
Also some good adrenal support measures are
B complex
Vit C
sea salt
my naturopath is treating me for low adrenal function. i've been taking a supplement since last december and since then i've felt so much better. my napro doc also put me on low dose naltrexone which helps with adrenal function.
ReplyDeletei'm glad that you got the results. now you can work on a plan with your doctor!
I'm afraid I don't know anything about low adrenal function, but I sure hope some of the things that are wrong with me (similar set to yours) are connected, as you say. Sometimes, I just feel like a big walking disease!
ReplyDeleteI don't know anything about adrenal testing so I can't help there. I'm glad that you have more answers and something to fix, even though it's crappy to feel that there's lots of stuff wrong with you. I hope that this is a big piece of the puzzle in making you feel well.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to continue discovering things going wrong with your body, but on the other hand hypothyroid can be a side effect of adrenal fatigue - repairing adrenals can help your thyroid function properly! So it's almost a 2 birds with one stone thing. And since the thyroid has such a huge effect on our hormones, it'll hopefully be the impetus behind getting everything back in order!
ReplyDeletei have low adrenal function and low thyroid function (according to saliva test, but not blood tests). so i am on all natural supplements for both. i've been on them for several months and i am not sure i have noticed a difference in anything. and unfortunately, i don't remember my numbers. but i have been inconsistent with taking them (until recently) and haven't been caring that much about the whole thing. so i'm probably not too helpful.
ReplyDeleteI did read in a book I bought about PCOS that being treated for low adrenal function can help with ovulation.
ReplyDeleteI really don't know what the results mean but I am glad you're getting some answers. Maybe this will help you feel better with your energy levels. You never know. This may be the missing link to it all. Right? I mean I am just hoping that things will go smoothly for you from here on out. Praying for you,
ReplyDeleteAmber
I don't know the answer to your question, but did PPVI evaluate you for Adrenal Insufficiency or Rx Hydrocort? My cortisol blood test was normal but since I have low androgen and testosterone hormones, and at least one documented luteinized unruptured follicle, Dr. H thinks it *could* be related to insufficient adrenals and I'm on Hydrocort for it. You might be a good candidate for this study. LOL...if you want to do another one of his studies! :)
ReplyDeleteMrs. Mike - No, he never tested me for that. I was one patient who really fell through the cracks with them!! I'm definitely interested in that treatment though.. and while I've heard from others that my doctor apparently doesn't think those treatments work, I'm definitely going to get his opinion on it and look into it more.
ReplyDeleteHi. Don't be scared. Your adrenals are just sleeping. There is medicine you can take to wake them up. If those piggie toes on the top of this blog are your babies no wonder you are tired. Raising children is a full time job.
ReplyDeleteAdrenals can repair. The body knows how. Go to a natural food store. Talk with the people. Tell them you need supplements. They will know what to give you! GNC is good too. This will help you. Also get tested for Lyme disease. It can be a reason for all of this. Anything related to lyme testing is good too. Ear a good diet. Lots of protein. Greens. Yoga good luck!