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Type 2 Question-plasma cortisol

E

Echob

Active Member
Hi
I went to docs last week for my 3 monthly hba1c , became concerned that result was taking rather a long time to come back
Only to find that they didn't do that test but did a plasma cortisol level (494nmol/l) spoke to doc who said my doc wasn't sure if she was going to refer me to endocrinology , I haven't a clue what this really means and trying not to google it as it normally has worse case scenario.
Echo
 
Thank you azure but think this may have people stumped for answers , I have found out it's something to do with glands (pituitary,adrenal etc ) though what I don't exactly know .
 
I have low plasma cortisol and go for further tests next week. Cortisol us produced by the adrenal glands and is a stress hormone. For me a big problem is light headedness when I stand after a long time sleeping due to low blood pressure. It's also linked in to Addison's disease. Believe it can be addressed by oral pills but can be linked on with Addison's disease. Really hope it doesn't turn out to be a major problem for you, my approach these days is I may as well know what's happening then can make informed choices.
 
@Echob I believe your numbers are towards the upper end of normal. High levels can also be linked to Cushing's syndrome as well as some probs wth pituitary and adrenal glands. So it may be of benefit to push for an appointment with an edecronologist.
 
My cortisol level was slightly elevated in August which in turn raises blood sugar. There is no medication they can give me to suppress it. In your case, the opposite, they can "sort" you out. Yes I agree with John, it would be a good idea to be referred to an endocrinologist.
 
I wonder what prompted the test in the first place?
Routine?

I was tested for Cushings by the endocrologist, yrs ago then again, just recently. Luckily both came back normal range.
Mine was tested by the 24hr urine collection, both times. My body shape is very similiar to cushing sufferers.
 
I don't know why they tested for it but I was seen by my previous gp (we moved away then moved back)I think she noticed my weight gain 4-5 stone. redness of face and my health issues (diabetes. high bp. High cholesterol. Migraines.ibs.) apart from migraines and ibs all the health issues have been this year . She seemed to be unsure what my gp was going to do but mentioned an endocrinologist and I've come to conclusion after speaking to pharmacist at work that it could be cushing syndrome as he said my levels were rather high. I just hate all the waiting and worrying that goes along with it .
 
I was wondering if you take steroids as I take prednisolone and have some signs of cushings moon face not so noticeable now and I have purple blotches/bruises on my arms and on my hands and thinned skin. If it is due to steroids then it won't go unless you are able to stop taking the steroids.
 
I have inhalers for asthma but only use them when really necessary such as when I have a cold/ chest infection I've had cold recently but just had antibiotics so don't think high levels of cortisol are caused by steroids. I do suffer from migraines and take Clonidene. Candesartan. Sumatriptan. Paracetamol/codeine. Domperidone (not all at same time (Clonidene and candesartan daily) others if I can't get on top of pain.
 
Echob said:
I have inhalers for asthma but only use them when really necessary such as when I have a cold/ chest infection I've had cold recently but just had antibiotics so don't think high levels of cortisol are caused by steroids. I do suffer from migraines and take Clonidene. Candesartan. Sumatriptan. Paracetamol/codeine. Domperidone (not all at same time (Clonidene and candesartan daily) others if I can't get on top of pain.
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I too have moon face . Redness of cheeks (I thought that was roseacea) I bruise really easily . Spots on my back. Very overweight. Bmi just under 30.wounds take an age to heal .
 
Echob said:
I too have moon face . Redness of cheeks (I thought that was roseacea) I bruise really easily . Spots on my back. Very overweight. Bmi just under 30.wounds take an age to heal .
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are you on a very low carb diet `? like under 20 grams of carbs a day ? if not maybe that would really much also in loosing weight

my bodymass used to be 40 and even higher, but now 5 month later it is only 32.. so I think you can do a lot of difference for you healt going really fanatic in counting calories and carbs the next half year..
 
Echob said:
I too have moon face . Redness of cheeks (I thought that was roseacea) I bruise really easily . Spots on my back. Very overweight. Bmi just under 30.wounds take an age to heal .
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Does sound very much like cushings so a consultation with an endo does seem to be needed.
 
I have cut back on carbs but don't calorie/carb count . Also cut back on other bad food such as crisps pastries and in 3 months have lost over a stone. Im trying for slow but steady (smaller portions, salad. Fish etc) in the hope it will stay off as don't want to yoyo diet . I'm thinking cushings syndrome and it's the unknown that worries me I have 2 teenagers (11 & 13 ) and don't want to put them uner undue stress.
 
To be honest some of the things you are cutting back on I would recommend cutting altogether at least for a while well a long while pastry is very high carb and crisps have added sugar salad and fish are ok most meats are very low or even zero carbs those that are not processed any way pasta,rice potatoes all high carb, portion control is a very good idea I bought smaller plates so the small portions looked bigger.

You have made a good start and every journey starts with one step. As for the cushings you may be worrying needlessly I would wait till you have had another talk with your GP and see if they feel you need to see an endo consultant or not..

As your numbers though high-ish where in the normal range.

Good luck and hope all goes well for you

My Grandson now twenty odd, when I became ill he was quite young about nine years old we live as an extended family, in fact he was and is a godsend.trust your children they may surprise you.:)
 
Thank you John e green. I know I need to try harder at my dieting have mainly cut out crisps etc but every so often a craving hits me and have stuff in for kids as don't want to deprive them . My daughter suffers from severe (age 11) anxiety and waiting for autism referral appointment. I will be speaking to doc tomorrow . Now I have to try and sort out staffing issues for tomorrow at work . Lol
 
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