Re: Cortisol Levels - Saliva vs. Blood tests

[Guest guest]

Hi Joanne,

I've not ever received any positive input from an endocrinologist. I

ended up seeing a clinical immunologist. (they do a residency in

internal medicine or pediatrics with a fellowship in

allergy/clinical immunology). My positive experience with this doc

is not just due to his educational background, but also the fact

that he is openminded/compassionate and a geek (a very good thing).

There are fewer and fewer clinical immuologists trained every year,

but you might find one willing to listen. Mine supprorts me in

regards to chelation/heavy metal intoxication as well. I did the

saliva test whith AM and NOON levels normal and 6pm above reference

range and by 12M dropped way below normal. At Andy C's suggestion,

I did a ACTH exercise stress test (as described in Amalgam Illness)

with the cooperation of my local doc. It showed my adrenals do not

respond to stress at all, the theory being they don't receive the

proper signals from the hypothalamus/pituitary. I started on HC

therapy which did improve my ability to function, but even more

important the HC allowed me to chelate. Many of my hormone levels

remain below the reference range, but so far the only ones I

supplement are thyroid (low dose armour), HC, and progesterone.

Gladioli

>

> My cortisol blood tests have tested normal (mid range) when done,

once this month and once three years ago before my amalgams came

out. However, saliva testing tells a completely different story.

Saliva testing of cortisol starts very low normal in the am, and

drops completely below range by evening. My day starts with energy

levels similar to what I observe in others in the evening & I really

don't function well at all by 11 am.

>

> I've just tried seeing another doctor about adrenal function.

He tested blood levels of cortisol & concluded my adrenal function

is fine. I've been taking adrenal supplements, living low stress to

the extent possible, etc., for years. My DHEA levels have

consistently been low & out of range & I've supplemented DHEA for 3-

4 years.

>

> Is it reasonable to pursue any form of cortisol supplementation

when blood levels appear normal but saliva testing is not? I've

researched this to death and almost across the board show symptoms

of poor adrenal function. Thyroid medication (Cytomel - T3) does

not resolve the extreme fatigue & other symptoms. My regular doctor

has wanted to refer me to an endocrinologist, but can't recommend

one who'd acknowledge mercury toxicity & saliva testing. She's also

not comfortable with prescribing cortisol herself.

>

> Joanne

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Don't pick lemons.

> See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos.

>

>