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Cortisol level interpretation
About three months ago I was seen at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for extreme fatigue. They found that my cortisol was low, a 5.8 with a reference range of 7-20 (the blood was taken at 10am). I was told to follow up with my regular doctor in three months, which I just did, to have another cortisol test. My doctor said if it came back low again I would be referred to an endocrinologist. This time it came back a 4.8, even lower than last time. Blood was drawn at 8:30am. However, I just got a letter from my doctor saying my cortisol looks like it’s back within normal range, with the reference range listed at 4.8-20. Can someone maybe explain to me how the reference range changed? This isn’t me being sarcastic, I genuinely want to know how the reference range could change like that. I know cortisol levels vary throughout the day but I was told they are supposed to be highest that early in the morning or something like that. I’m too afraid to ask my doctor about it because I have gone through so many doctors now trying to figure out what is wrong and I don’t want my doctor to think I’m a hypochondriac or something so I figured I would ask here. Thank you in advance to anyone who can give me any info on this!
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@beanie300, I would be as confused as you are. This reference from the University of Rochester Medical Center confirms your understanding about reference levels and time a day fluctuations.
- Cortisol https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=cortisol_serum
I encourage you to ask your doctor about the interpretation of the results. Also inquire whether the results will be forwarded to your doctor at Mayo Clinic.
I am having the same issue. I recently had a tumor removed from or attached to my pituitary gland. My cortisol levels have ranged from 20 (pre-surgery) to 15 (post-surgery) and in between. My doctor says I have adrenal insufficiency but when I get test results results back they show me in the normal range. I don't know what or whom to believe. Is there an acceptable level of cortisol? All of my tests have been done in the early morning. I have also been told that I need to get a medical alert bracelet for this condition.
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1 ReactionWow 🤯 I am so shocked to see this is happening to someone else!!! What if you are the EXACT low number they still say within normal range!!!!& symptoms don’t even matter to them anymore and they go home and have a NORMAL life!!!! Ughhhh
@dbrfactor welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Sorry that you are “shocked” to see that someone has experienced something similar to you. Actually that is one of the purposes for Mayo Clinic Connect. We share our stories to let others know that they aren’t alone in the things they are going through. This way we can support and encourage each other. Please not this discussion originated in 2019 (nearly 5 - 6 years ago). The comments before yours are from that time also. The discussion has gone dormant since then until your comment. Hopefully other members will notice your comment and this discussion will soon be revived. If you don’t mind sharing are you currently being treated for adrenal problems and cortisol numbers that are off?
“Please note (not not) this discussion……”