high cortisol levels

cenright0
cenright0 Posts: 80 Member
edited December 1 in Health and Weight Loss
Anyone else have high cortisol levels? I got all my blood work done yesterday and my cortisol level came back high. Dr wants to repeat the test next and go from there. Anyone have success getting it down?

Replies

  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    cenright0 wrote: »
    Anyone else have high cortisol levels? I got all my blood work done yesterday and my cortisol level came back high. Dr wants to repeat the test next and go from there. Anyone have success getting it down?

    Sleep? Stress? Exercise? Recent illness or allergies?
    Those are the major modifiers of cortisol than you can address prior to the next test.
    Eat well (not too much, nor too little), don't exercise 48 hrs before, sleep well.

    The test is intended to evaluate cortisol issues, not transient lifestyle events.
  • CorneliusPhoton
    CorneliusPhoton Posts: 965 Member
    edited May 2016
    It's a stress hormone, and not something that you really control through diet. You should try to reduce your stress levels (always a good thing) and definitely see your doctor again for the retest. Meditation, exercise, both good for reducing stress. Good luck!
    http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cortisol-14668
  • MissusMoon
    MissusMoon Posts: 1,900 Member
    The only time I've had an elevated reading was when my sleep patterns were absolutely tortured. Are you getting enough sleep on a regular basis?
  • cenright0
    cenright0 Posts: 80 Member
    edited May 2016
    Yes, I sleep really well. Sleep has NEVER been a problem for me. Im not overly stressed and Ive eaten the best I ever have since mid Feb. Im confused. I am 49 and on the brink of menopause and wondering if hormonal changes could play in. I have been more anxious the last year than normal. Hmmm.
  • lyttlewon
    lyttlewon Posts: 1,118 Member
    cenright0 wrote: »
    Yes, I sleep really well. Sleep has NEVER been a problem for me. Im not overly stressed and Ive eaten the best I ever have since mid Feb. Im confused. I am 49 and on the brink of menopause and wondering if hormonal changes could play in. I have been more anxious the last year than normal. Hmmm.

    If you are anxious then you are stressed.
  • MelaniaTrump
    MelaniaTrump Posts: 2,694 Member
    edited May 2016

    The cortisol level may show problems with the adrenal glands or pituitary gland.
    Ask for a reason why he/she is doing "stuff".
    or read https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cortisol/tab/test/
    Glad your cholesterol numbers were ok.
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    edited May 2016
    JanetYellen wrote: »
    What bothers me is why would a doctor check for this.
    The cortisol level may show problems with the adrenal glands or pituitary gland.
    Ask for a reason why he/she is doing "stuff".
    or read https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cortisol/tab/test/

    It's usually an adrenal gland test.
    The pituitary (while it might be related) is usually tested with a BMP or fT4/TSH.

    OP had general blood work, this came out high.
  • cenright0
    cenright0 Posts: 80 Member
    edited May 2016
    The reason my Dr ordered the test is that I have been testing my blood sugar (Im not diagnosed diabetic) just out of curiosity and to get a handle on how certain foods make me feel and satiety and I came to her with my fasting BS levels. They seemed high to me, I was concerned. She agreed my numbers were on the high side (average was 114). She thought possibly it was due to the dawn effect or dawn phenomenon. She ordered several test along with my BS. She checked my A1c and it came back normal.
  • mitch16
    mitch16 Posts: 2,113 Member
    CorneliusPhoton wrote: »
    It's a stress hormone, and not something that you really control through diet. You should try to reduce your stress levels (always a good thing) and definitely see your doctor again for the retest. Meditation, exercise, both good for reducing stress. Good luck!
    http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cortisol-14668

    Yes, not controlled through diet, but has impact on weight homeostasis--cortisol stimulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism for fast energy, and stimulates insulin release and maintenance of blood sugar levels. The end result of these actions can be an increase in appetite...
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