Short synacthen test

[Weenumpty]

Hi, just had a call from hospital to say my morning cortisol was too low so I'm going in on Tuesday for short synacthen test. Just wondering if I'll know immediately if there are any problems?

[AnnaMagnani]

The results come back on the same day. How long they take to get back to you will depend on the set up in the hospital.

However what generally happens in the NHS is that bad news travels fast - if it's bad they will ring up and want to act on it. If it's good, it's not a priority and they tell you in planned follow up.

[Weenumpty]

Thank you, yeah I thought it would probably just be down to individual hospital when you get results

[TenancyTroublesAgain]

How'd it go?

[Weenumpty]

It was fine thanks, had a bit of nausea when she injected me but that passed quickly. I actually felt quite well after it, almost a bit wired! But then about 4 hours after I was really sick and nearly fainted, my partner caught me!

So I'm not sure if that's normal or not, the nurse didn't mention any kind of reaction.

She's phoning today with results so I'm really glad I won't be waiting long at all.

[Sunshineworshipper]

I hope your results were okay. I had a short synacthen before due to low cortisol. I never got the results for two weeks. All were okay.

[Weenumpty]

Just got results today- normal. My cortisol level went up a lot which is good but it's still very low to begin with. Nurse said the dr will probably discharge me now but I'm none the wiser and still got symptoms. Obviously glad it's not Addison's but it's frustrating that I am no closer to an answer.

[Floralnomad]

When I had my synachten test I was under the impression that if it worked ie my cortisol went up then the next investigation would be into the pituitary gland as that is what sends the messages to your adrenals to produce the cortisol . The synachten test bypasses the pituitary gland by injecting the stuff . If your cortisol is low do not allow them to just discharge you without investigating the pituitary gland . As it was in my case the synachten test had zero effect and I have got Addison’s ( as has my mum ) .