Adrenal Saliva Cortisol High at Night and High in the Morning

@doxyjune, I am glad they are repeating the test before jumping headlong into solving a problem that may not be there. Besides your thyroid, do you have any other symptoms going on? I would guess that NY has much higher office space costs and I don't think medicare and medicaid reimburses based on location, so I could see why there may be a shortage of docs in your area. You also live in an area where the distinction between incomes is as large as anywhere in the US and there may be a lot of docs there who have gone to the "concierge" medical route. People often talk about how medicine is better in dutch countries and one of the primary reasons is that their docs do not go to med school to become millionaires as they earn an above avg. salary, but nothing exorbitant. OK, off the soapbox.

@gman007 Long Island may be different than being in NYC. I have only been there one time but it was a pretty normal type of area. I guess it's much different if you get out to the far reaches where all the celebrities have homes.
I agree totally with the way doctors are these days. I don't think typical PCPs are extremely wealthy but surgeons are. I really resent the current system too where the doctors wash their hands of you if you go into the hospital, you only see hospitalists. If you are sick in the hospital, who do you want to see? The doctor who knows you or some hospitalist who is a total stranger. The PCPs basically have 9 - 5 jobs now and I think as such they don't have the caring or connection to their patients that most patients expect.
I know that some PCPs will call their patients when they are in the hospital just to check in on them but mine did not and I was hospitalized locally three times while waiting for my transplant and two times in Boston while waiting, and then of course when I had my transplant. I did not hear anything from my PCP. I assumed that he must not know so after I got home from the transplant I called him to let him know I had it and he told me he knew the day I was transplanted!
I believe that concierge doctors are not employed by hospitals, they are your doctor even if you go into the hospital. Unfortunately there is only one up here and he has stopped taking new patients. Of course maybe the upfront charge to be one of his patients would be prohibitive anyway.
JK

I am sure it would be more in NYC, but my PCP who decided to become a concierge practice wanted $1500 up front. Since I am doubly insured, my out of pocket for docs and hospitals is far less than that.

Hi, @doxyjune -- wondering what happened with your repeat of the midnight saliva sample? How were your levels?

Hi, @doxyjune -- how are your adrenals doing lately? Thinking of you.

Hi Lisa, the follow up at 12 - midnight showed they are back in the normal range. The endo said the first AM reading was not important to review. (She said the AM reading is only important if your adrenals are low) So as of now, I guess things are ok. I am taking a few herbal supplements at night including magnolia bark, neuro-serine and a few others to help lower the cortisol and they seem to be helping me sleep better. In another few months I might pay the $130 for a 4 time reading and compare from a few months ago. Thank you for following up.

@doxyjune -- that is good news that your adrenals are back in the normal range. That is interesting insight on the AM readings.

Sounds like your supplements are allowing for better sleep. Do you note any other effects from them?