Blood test results show high cortisol?

[Layla123]

Hi I have just learnt that recent blood tests I have done show I have high cortisol levels at like 800? The doctor said we wouldnt need to do my endoscopy next week if this test showed it was abnormal. but i was wondering what having a high level of cortisol means? and why I dont need the endoscopy now? my doctor is currently away but I rung up for the test results myself so I would know if I needed the endoscopy next week

 

[David]

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

Are you on prednisone?

Were you getting an endoscopy due to specific symptoms?

 

[Layla123]

No I wasnt on prednisone and the endoscopy is now going ahead I still dont know what the cortisol has to do with it though. I am having the endoscopy because i get nausea when i eat and feel sick all the time. that and the new medicine im on movicol isnt quite working enough and neither are my anti nausea pills

Thanks for the reply

 

[xmdmom]

Cortisol is a stress hormone. The most common reason for an increased value is physical and psychological stress. Different units are used in different labs so it's hard to know how high 800 is. It's useful to compare values to the lab's normal range, and for cortisol, the timing of the blood draw is important (early morning or late in the day or night)

 

[StarGirrrrl]

I too have high Cortisol, and went to an Endocrinologist. He did a test which successfully switched off the gland producing cortisol, so in my case he (and I) are satisifed it is a physical stress response to my unknown inflammatory disease.

Even my 9am readings are a couple hundred high!

 

[Layla123]

cool thanks guys yea it probably is stress I'd say I am a very stress prone person haha