U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
Canada
A 41-year-old female asked:

Why are saliva and urine tests for cortisol only valid for high cortisol? why don't endocrinologists feel saliva testing is valid for low cortisol?

2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ed Friedlander
Dr. Ed Friedlanderanswered
Pathology 45 years experience
Because it's not: There is a "pop" school of independent medical thought that holds that people who feel somewhat unwell have "hypophyseal-pituitary-adrenal axis syndrome" / "adrenal fatigue" and will screen for this on a spot salivary cortisol & Rx some herbals or vitamins. The danger of this hokey diagnosis is that you'll miss a real explanation -- emotional or physical -- for your symptoms.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Thank
Dr. Milroy Samuel
Dr. Milroy Samuel agrees1 doctor agrees
1 comment
Dr. Ed Friedlander
Dr. Ed Friedlander commented
Pathology 45 years experience
Provided original answer
Any first-year medical student can explain -- cortisol in saliva is generally very low as there's little spillover if blood levels are near normal & most cortisol is bound; same applies with urine. Even Dr. Weil agrees http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA401226/Are-Saliva-Tests-Any-Good.html
Jun 16, 2014
Dr. Steven Ferguson
Dr. Steven Fergusonanswered
General Practice 36 years experience
Saliva test helpful: Saliva testing is very helpful throughout the whole spectrum for your cortisol levels. Certain laboratories have a greater reputation than others. Saliva testing is also very helpful in evaluating your hormones such as estradiol testosterone and progesterone. The lava testing tests the amount of free hormone in your body. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTJTeYEeSe0
1.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Thank

Related questions

A 48-year-old male asked:
Cortisol Which is the best way to measure cortisol if the objective is to measure the level of chronic stress. Blood, urine or saliva. ?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
A 48-year-old female asked:
My dr gave me a cortisol test to test for cushings. She was concerned with result as lab said abnormal she sent me to an Endocrinologist however he dismissed it and just kept saying one number had nothing to do with other. Can u please advise teaming of
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 33-year-old female asked:
Does it matter what day of my cycle I do tests from my endocrinologist? Is it ok to do blood tests on mon., 24h urine on wed. And dex. Sup. On friday?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 41-year-old female asked:
Cortisol saliva test very high, but DEXA suppression test normal. have had fatigue, low BP, weakness for years. which test to believe, and what now?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 33-year-old female asked:
Saliva cortisol test says low in mornings , normal day , elevated at night is this adrenal insufficiency ?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Last updated Nov 24, 2018

Found in:

Urine›Urinalysis

People also asked

Saliva cortisol is low. Urine cortisol slightly elevated but could have performed test wrong. hypoglycemia. Does hypoglycemia rule out high cortisol?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Expected high cortisol results since bipolar, told 3/13 saliva test (1.94 mcg/dl, 11pm) unreliable. 6/13 labs = 8am blood 5.9, dexameth. Supp. (1mg) 0.8, 24 hr free urine 7.1. Why low now if bipolar?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Which of the following accurately predicts problems with cortisol levels blood test, 24 hr urine or midnight saliva swab?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
I did a salivary cortisol test (4 times of day), and the waking sample was low. I always feel fatigued in morning, sometimes deathly-fatigued. Is this grounds for trip to endocrinologist?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
I have very high levels of DHEA (480) but borderline low cortisol (3.7). Endocrinologist says PCOS. I worry about adrenal fatigue. Should I worry?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
Talk to a doctor now
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.

Get the Free App for Members

Get the Free App for Doctors

Product

Company

HIPAACompliant
LegitScriptCertified
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
TermsPrivacyCookiesDMCA
Copyright 2022 HealthTap, Inc.