Val, How long should I wait?

[Guest guest]

Hi Val,

I picked up a Genova Diagnostics Adrenocortex Stress Profile saliva

kit today. The directions recommend being off corisone and DHEA

for " 3 months. " (I've been using 1% hydrocortisone cream for a rash

and taking a DHEA supplement.)

In the messages here, the recommendation is that 2 weeks is enough

time to be off both before taking the saliva test. What do you

suggest in my case?

I'm certain that my cortisol levels are low, but my NP says the test

has to reflect low levels before she will prescribe HC. Is that the

case with self treatment for HC as well?

I have been on 2 grains of NT for a month. Do I just stay at that

dose until I know what direction to proceed with the cortisol?

I do periodic 8-hour post dose blood tests for TSH/FT3/FT4. In other

words, the entire dose of NT at 6am, then a blood test at 2pm. Any

thoughts on that?

My recent in 01/08:

TSH, 3rd generation 5.40 (.40-4.50)

FT3 253 (230-420)

FT4.9 (.8-1.8)

Ferritin now up to 50.

Thanks! Don't know what we'd do without your help!!!!

Cheryl