Hi !
To everyone with cushings and addisons what test actually diagnosed you? Was anyone diagnosed from simply a 8 am blood cortisol? And do you believe the blood or saliva tests to be more accurate?
Thanks!!!!
P.s. Has anyone ever noticed how many dogs are diagnosed with addisons and cushings? How can that be ?? Do animals have different testing?

Anne:

The last two docs I went to say the saliva tests are worthless. I don't know if that is true. When I was at the lab I asked if a lot of docs order the blood tests and the nurse said "yes"...and interestingly enough she also says they are commonly Endos.:) Hmmmn.

Its taken me a year to get the adrenals tested this way....its odd that so many docs will order...while others are so reluctant to. I actually think the adrenals should be monitored and supported for all folks on thryoid replacement...particularly if patient has no thryoid!:)

~S:)

Saliva testing can be good especially if it is done around midnight. But coupled with that you'd also need a 24 hour urine, some midnight blood draws (to establish a disruption of the diurnal rythm) and other assorted tests - all that is for Cushing's. Serum cortisol is useless and should only be used to monitor levels post-op.

As for Addison's you'd need an ACTH stim. Also a low serum cortisol is telling.

I had Cushing's and now have Addison's (due to removal of adrenal glands). Should you have questions, lay them on me.

Ooops - one more thing. It was a dex/crh test that nailed my diagnoses. Then I had an IPSS and next was surgery.

Cushie:

What I have been wondering that you might be able to help me with... is do the adrenals actually kick out lots of adrenaline when stressed...then over time get exhausted? If this is true...would it also be true that a doc could test someone, and find they are producing big time cortisol...but then come to the conclusion that the test reflects "no deficiency." Naturally in that case...the doc would think the person does not need adrenal support when in fact they do. Right?

My saliva showed that scenario, but the doc claimed it showed "no deficiency"
therefore, "no further testing or treatment was required".

This last test I had was morning cortisol ACTH blood test...and evening cortisol serum. Should get results this week. Do you take cortef now?

Do you think that should be sufficient for determining a need for adrenal support?

Sorry if my questions seem sort of redundant. I just want to get this right...from your expert standpoint. By the way....I'm very sorry to hear of your ordeal. That all couldn't have been fun....and getting it all diagnosed must have been a nightmare for you.

Regards,

~S:)