Posted by Pfinstegg on March 21, 2005, at 23:40:59
In reply to Re: Acupuncture??? » Pfinstegg, posted by Sarah T. on March 21, 2005, at 18:47:16
The DST test is used at the 1 mg. dosage to detect HPA axis overactivity, which does lead to anxiety, depression and loss of hippocampal neurons. To detect Cushing's Disease, it is often used at higher dosages- 2,8 even 25 mg.. A positive finding of DST non-suppression at these higher doses is strongly correlated with Cushing's disease. But, as you probably know, Cushing's Disease itself can arise from several sources- a pituitary tumor, one in the adrenals, or an "ectopic" one- adrenal tissue is some other part of the body. These tumors are very often, although not always, benign. The fact that you have DST suppression- presumably at the 1 mg. dose, really rules out Cushing's Disease. Do you have a lot of anxiety/depression, and/or a lot of present life stresses? I think if I were in your position, I would do a morning and evening salivary cortisol, and and would also just watch the 24-hour cortisols. They are above normal, but not to the point of any clear-cut diagnosis. The hair loss pattern isn't typical for Cushing's. Could it be caused by any medication you are taking?
It really sounds like everything is pretty normal except for the slightly elevated urinary cortisols. I do think it's good to continue your search to make sure they eventually fall into the normal range. Would a different endocrine consult help? Over the last few years there have been a lot of suggestions on the medication and alternative boards for ways to do this- Phosphadatyserine comes to mind, but I know there are a number of other measures. Each might help a little.
poster:Pfinstegg
thread:472644
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050225/msgs/473853.html