High levels for me, although it's better after starting progesterone. I was 2x the limit in the morning and 1.5x the rest of the day.Yes, I am of that age...My doc was surprised that I wasn't fatigued...
I was waking up like I forgot to set my alarm clock. In a constant panic because I always felt like I was running late... Did a little research...and now curb my carbs with a corresponding protein, am aware of effects of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, etc.
The progesterone is supposed to be the only chemical that will trump the cortisol. I was sleeping like I was dead for 4 hours and then would awaken. I am now sleeping the whole night, but it's not as restful as I think it should be.

JG
As you know I have low cortisol levels at this time. My symptoms are physical and mental fatigue, trouble breathing when exercising aerobically, (hiking, swimming, etc), depression, nausea, anxiety. Just those......
Very similar if not exactly like being hypo.

I re-test every 4 months now with the saliva panel. My levels go up and down, some results are in healthy range, the next one could be crashed. I think that now they are pretty much crashed permanently.

Usually the first sign that my cortisol levels are low is that I startle VERY easily, meaning someone closing a door will make me jump internally and externally. Even just a few stressful days throw me off lately. I feel a little rattled the past few days and have been having hypoglycemic episodes. I'm pretty sure my adrenals are off again. My sleep is disrupted as well when my adrenals are off. Sleep is something I just don't ever get enough of and it's one of the most important components.

I have low cortisol. I didn't know this before I was diagnosed, but I have orthostatic hypotension(which is much better now that I'm on hydrocortisone), hypoglycemia, night sweats(I still have them but they are not as bad).

I take another saliva test next week to see how I'm doing.

Are you having adrenal issues?

Yes, forgot to mention what heleron said, noises of any kind startle me when I am hypoadrenal, even small noises like wind blowing on a window, a cupboard door slamming closed, a short horn beep, etc. Huge noises like jet engines or general airport noise of take offs and landings dont seem to phase me at all however, very odd.

Ok, found my numbers from my testing I did last Fall.

~~ Saliva Cortisol test ~~

6.7 (Range 3.7-9.5) Morning
1.8 (1.2-3.0) Noon
1.5 (0.6-1.9) Evening
1.0 (0.4-1.0) Night

-------------------------------

Thoughts on these numbers, anyone?? I just repeated this test, but haven't got results back yet from Dr.

I've been feeling Awful.

JG, your morning cortisol levels are def low but they could be much worse. Your noon and evening could use improvement. How much adrenal supps are you taking now?

dawnrose,

You have adrenal issues and, are on cortisol, and have hyperglycemia.
How do you and your doctor deal with that? How do you treat the hyperglycemia? Did the hpyerG appear when you started the cortisol replacement or did you have issues with that before?

I am so curious to see what my new test shows. Like I said I feel terrible.

I've only had one visit with an Integrative doc that I'm hoping she knows about adrenal fatigue. Her 'website' says she deals with adrenal issues. Hmmm!! Not sure what to think after just one visit... I don't trust doc's anymore. That said, at first visit she said to start on RLC Labs A-Drenal and to take it in the mornings. Haven't noticed any help from it. But she did this without testing me. I have read many adrenal fatigue articles and I have ALL the symptoms. I ordered my first saliva cortisol test myself.

JG

From the Stop The Thyroid Madness site:

24-HOUR CORTISOL SALIVA TEST: An at-home test to evaluate your circadian cortisol levels at key times during a 24 hour period.

Those will healthy adrenal function will have the following results:

8 am: at the literal top of the range

11 am-noon: in the upper quarter, and often about a quarter below the top

4-5 pm: mid-range

11 pm to midnight: at the very bottom.


http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/lab-values/

CD ~ Super helpful!! Thank you :)

Have a nice day!

I did the saliva test. My symptoms are the same as hypo; fatigue, weakness, anxiety.

I take 17.5 mg of slow release cortisol. 10 mgs AM and 7.5 mgs in the afternoon.

Jeepgirl,

I have HYPOglycemia. The symptoms have gotten better since the hydrocortisone but I still need to eat something every few hrs or I get shaky and start sweating.

dawnrose

Are you saying that with HYPOglycemia, your symptoms are helped by the cortisol? Cortisol causes hyperglycemia in many people so that could be the reason. Not particularly a regimen I would want to be on if there were other options however.