SA and cortisol levels

[drummergirl410]

I went to my endocronologist a week ago today. I see him twice a year and he orders labs both times. I already have some documented hormone difficencies. My pituitary gland is small and not developed right, a condition called hypopituitarism. I am on Birth control to replace the estrogen and growth hormone. This time the growth hormone was in normal ranges, thank goodness, so I don't have to increase the amount I inject. I have hypothyrold also but the meds had that in check as well. The only thing amiss was my cortisol level. I was told that it was "borderline" but not whether it was borderline low or borderline high. This hasn't happened before. However, some people with my condition, known as septo optic dysplasia, have or develop abnormal cortisol levels. I was not on APAP while the labs were drawn, but started it three days later. I informed the endocronologist of my new SA diagnosis during the appointment. I had also gained ten pounds since my last appointment, something that didn't please him.

My ponderance is if the SA could have thrown my cortisol off kilter. Or perhaps it's just another complication because of my condition. I also wonder how much my condition had a role in the SA, if any.

I go for a more indepth lab on the cortisol level on Wednesday morning. It will be interesting to see if there is a difference in the levels. I will have only had about a week on APAP when it's done, so I'm really not sure if it will make a huge difference. I've also modified my eating habbits now for about a week, keeping breads, potatoes, rice, and pasta out and eating more fruits and veggies. I also increased my water intake as well to the daily req. of 64 ounces.

I've also read that the cortisol is called the "stress hormone". I have been under a considerable amount of it lately because of other family illnesses, one of which might be terminal. Added to that was the process of getting the sleep studies and the APAP started.

Seems as if I get one fire put out and another one starts!

[RiverDave]

drummergirl,

It's been a while since I took endocrinology, but the pituitary gland is stimulated by another part of the brain to release a hormone called ACTH which, in turn, causes the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. If your pituitary is underdeveloped, you cortisol levels may just be reflecting that. Note that the preceding sentence was only an opinion

Cortisol is a stress hormone, but it is fairly fast acting and the body tends to get rid of it quickly. That being said long-term, constant stress can lead to higher cortisol levels.

Good luck[/b]

[Treesap]

High stress levels were killing me before CPAP therapy. It's amazing how much calmer I am at work. Things that used to grind on me don't anymore, and I feel much better overall.

I never got my cortisol levels checked at any time. However, I do have more belly fat which I understand is a symptom of high cortisol levels.

There are so many things related to it though. I believe I have polycystic overy syndrome. I tried getting pregnant for quite some time, and it never happened. My sister has only gotten pregnant through Invitro fertilization. My sister has classic symptoms of PCOS as well.

It's hard to put the pieces together when so many symptoms can be so many things.

[RosemaryB]

Because an increase in cortisol is frequently caused by stress, I'd suspect cpap therapy would help it decrease significantly. If it's gotten lower, it could affect it as you relaxed more with the therapy.

[jskinner]

My ponderance is if the SA could have thrown my cortisol off kilter.

Yes my cortisol was high before I got diagnosed with SA. Your body is under a lot of stress trying to keep you breathing each night.

[drummergirl410]

Thanks, all for your input! I think the SA probably had something to do with it. That would help to further explein the weight gain I experienced. I'm interested to see the outcome of the labs and if the doctor calles for any more meds, etc.

[Wistful]

High levels of cortisol can absolutely be caused by the stress of sleep deprivation caused by OSA, I imagine you are predisposed because of your pituitary issues.

I was recently tested for cortisol and was found to have levels that were too Low, despite symptoms of high levels. The concern is that I may have burnt out my adrenals due to a life time of undiagnosed OSA and Depression. I have an appointment in Oct with an endo. They are testing me ahead of time for hypoglycemia and will, I assume, test for adrenal insufficiency once I have met with the Dr.

Be well.
W