Re: Re: GH Levels survey-Lynn-24 hr.cortisol?

[Guest guest]

Hi K,

The name of the test ordered for me is called Cortisol, Free, 24-Hour Urine.

My endocrinologist ordered it for me at the local hospital. I think you can

probably

have this test done anywhere. The hospital here is no major hospital or

anything.

I am including info on the test I have in my files. It says the cost is 42

dollars.

Are you working with a dr. or trying to do this

on your own? I haven't received

any billing on it yet, nor have I heard back if I have a problem with

cortisol.

It's been quite a long time and I am worried that my dr. doesn't want to

give

me bad news until after the holidays. How is that for paranoia? I used

to obsess about it but now I am trying to forget about it. However, it is

a big worry to wonder whether or not I have a tumor on my adrenals

or pituitary. I was just diagnosed with polycystic ovarian disease and

insulin

resistance. I asked my dr. if he automatically checks all with PCOS for

CUshing's.

He said no and I asked if he really expects me to have it. He said he can't

say

but it's kind of a gut feeling. He said he would be very remiss and not

doing his

job if he didn't check this out for me. It's difficult to distinguish

because many

of the symptoms overlap with FMS and Polycystic ovarian disease.

I did the sample on Dec. 12 in CT and the specimen was sent to CA to

the best endocrinology lab, according to my dr. He is such a sweet, smart

dr and I am glad to have him for my dr. I wish he were my fms dr.

I am trying to find out more about the gh test because he seems very

interested

in this.

What are the other ways to test growth hormone levels. you mentioned that

the one I had wasn't the preferred method. I am overwhelmed with medical

problems and have been researching PCOS and CUshing's and insulin

resistance and am worn out. First and foremost, I have also been

researching

breast cancer. My mother was diagnosed two months ago and is currently

undergoing chemotherapy. It's so difficult. I think I will collapse if my

test

comes back positive for Cushing's.

Sorry for going off on a tangent.

Hope this helps.

Lynn

From: http://www.healthcentral.com/mhc/top/003703.cfm

A test that measures the amount of cortisol in urine.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone released from the adrenal cortex in response

to

ACTH. Normally, cortisol levels rise and fall during the day (that is,

diurnal variation); highest levels are at about 6 to 8 A.M. and lowest

levels occur at about midnight.

Cortisol levels increase between meals, and increase the release of amino

acids from skeletal muscle and fatty acids from adipose tissue. The amino

acids are absorbed by the liver and converted to glucose, which is

subsequently secreted into the blood to be used for energy by certain

tissues such as brain cells and red blood cells. The fatty acids released

from the adipose tissue are used for energy by skeletal muscle, thus sparing

the available glucose for use by the brain.

Cortisol (or other glucocorticoids) in pharmacological doses reduces

inflammation and inhibits the immune response. Even at physiological

concentrations, cortisol probably has an effect on the immune system and the

inflammatory response, especially in people subject to chronic stress. This

is because stress, in general, stimulates an increased release of ACTH and

secondarily releases cortisol, so that cortisol levels are chronically

elevated.

Normally, cortisol and ACTH reciprocally regulate each other's concentration

in the blood, that is, cortisol levels decrease, which causes an increase in

ACTH secretion, which causes an increase in cortisol synthesis, which

inhibits the release of ACTH. Diseases of the pituitary and adrenal glands

upset this relationship.

Some fraction of plasma cortisol is also metabolized by the liver and other

tissues to inactive products such as 17-OHCS, which are excreted by the body

in the urine. Some free cortisol also appears in urine, which is

proportional to the concentration in the blood. Urine measurements may be

more reliable than serum since the amount accumulates over time and the

variability of secretion can be averaged out.

How the test is performed:

A 24-hour urine sample is needed.

The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue

drugs that may interfere with the test.

On day 1, urinate into the toilet upon arising in the morning.

Collect all subsequent urine (in a special container) for the next 24-hours.

On day 2, urinate into the container in the morning upon arising.

Cap the container.

Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.

Label the container with your name, the date, the time of completion, and

return it as instructed.

Why the test is performed:

The test is used to evaluate adrenocortical function.

Normal values:

The normal range is 10 to 100 mcg/24 h.

Note: mcg/24 h = micrograms per 24-hours

What abnormal results mean:

Increased levels of urine cortisol may indicate:

ACTH-secreting tumor

Cushing's syndrome pituitary tumor

Decreased levels of urine cortisol may indicate:

's disease hypopituitarism congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Cushing's syndrome caused by adrenal tumor pregnancy (increases urinary

cortisol)

Cost:

The estimated cost is $42.

Special considerations:

Interfering factors:

severe emotional or physical stress drugs that can affect test measurements

include oral contraceptives and spironolactone