Elevated Cortisol - Hormone Problems Message Board

PRODGIRL · 12-21-2005, 08:03 PM

So, I was just told by my MD that my Cortisol is elevated which is what is most likely contributing to my weight gain and exhaustion. She needs to refer me to an Endocrinologist for further testing.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

annemv · 12-29-2005, 05:27 AM

It appears that your doctor is suspecting cushings.
Do you have other symptoms?
Do you know the endo that you are going to see? That is very important!!
I am in the process of getting diagnosed with this myself and it can be a very long haul.
Let me know if I can help.
Anne
ps put cushings in your browswer and you will find a great site!!

PRODGIRL · 01-11-2006, 09:24 PM

Hi Anne,

Have you learned anything further about Cushing's?

I am hoping you can help me shed some light while I wait until I see the endocrinologist on 1/30.

My MD ran many blood panels on me and one came back with an 'elevated cortisol' - she thinks my Cortisol could be Cushing's Syndrome...She did talk with the endocrinologist and he told her to have me take the dexamethasone prior to my next panel.

However, my MD has said this is out side her realm of experience and really can't help me out any further.

My readings are:
12/16/05 - Fasting
Low: 31.5
High: 3.1
Normal Range 22.4 ug/dl

1/3/06 - Fasting with dexamethasone
Low: 1.3
High: 3.1
Normal Range 22.4 ug/dl

Thanks~
Heather

lucky charms · 01-20-2006, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annemv

It appears that your doctor is suspecting cushings.
Do you have other symptoms?
Do you know the endo that you are going to see? That is very important!!
I am in the process of getting diagnosed with this myself and it can be a very long haul.
Let me know if I can help.
Anne
ps put cushings in your browswer and you will find a great site!!

Im curious about this as well, How elevated does the cortisol levels have to be before it can be considered cushings..Reason why I ask my blood test showed pm elevated cortisol levels and salvia test showed am and pm elevation..Sorry i dont mean to hijack a thread but this is interesting. my drs look at as oh well you are stressed. take care

annemv · 01-21-2006, 07:57 AM

Cushing is very complicated.
I always thought that I had some type of adrenal insufficiency, since my cortisol and acth are low in the morning. But at the same time I had more cushing symptoms. I also have a pit tumor and am secondary hypothyroid and am in the process of getting diagnised with growth hormone deficiency.

and to think I just thought I had a little thyroid problem.
Anyway, I went to lots of docs who said there is nothing wrong with me.
I had a saliva test show low am, low pm, and not too high but higher midnight. My urine and blood cortisol and acth's were all over the place.
After a few years of this I finally decided to go see a specialist in Los Angeles.
I wish that I would have spent the money and h=gne to him right away!
He believes that I have cyclical cushings. He thinks the tumor may release too much stuff in periods. Which explains my syptoms. It does seem to me know that I am getting more regular cushing symptoms.
My problem cold also be GH deficiency or both.
So, for now I do 24 hr urines and midnight saliva tests.
This can be a lond tedious process.
But, at the same time you both already have elevated cortisol.
I would not take it lightly!!!
Like Me, the docs are MUCH worse at this than thyroid.
So if I were you girls I would go to a specialist, a real specialist.
I would also insist on an MRI of brain with and with out contrast, dynamic if possible.
If nothing shows there tehn ask for a scan of the adrenals.
I really don't know that much about cushings, but it does seem to be progressive, not everyone has all the symptoms(bruising, stretch marks).
Good Luck to you both and please find a good doctor!!!