Is my cortisol level low?

Hi everybody,
I am a girl from Hungary, and I would like to ask for your help.

My story begun nearly 3 years ago, when I first experienced anxiety flash, I guess a panic attack. From that time on, I have them unfortunately regulary. In the first times it lasted around 1 hour, but now they last days! I cannot stop them. I do not take any medicine, but the last two attacks was so hard, that it did not stop for 3 days, I took a calm pill, and it ended.

I am not that kind of person to believe that there is no cure for anxiety. My life changed a lot, in contrast to others, I have no fear when entering huge places with a lot of people - I rather enjoy it. My panic attacks comes usually at afternoon and even more at night, when I am going to sleep. (I fear of having one and that generates more anxiety I guess.)

For this reason (as I do not want to take calm pills and antidepressant tablets all my life) I started my research. I found out that maybe the problem is with my adrenals. Unfortunately I am a very nervous person, but it wasnt always like that. Now for the smallest stress situation - like calling somebody or holding a presentation to 3 people - I get very anxious, that it annoys me very much. (My heart beats so fast, and I can't calm down). Researcing on the internet, I found a very kind hungarian women, who showed me hope, and advised to start continue my research with a saliva cortisol test. I took it, and also took a blood test, because of the hormones.

The test is ready, and I would like to share my result with you, maybe you will be able to analyse it.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/109/cortisol.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/543/cortisol2.jpg/

I also have some problems with my other hormones (I have estrogen dominance), but firstly I would like to see clear with my cortisol test results. What about if I would take Isocort? Wouldn't it be a problem, that my morning cortisol is higher, than should be? And would it really help my anxiety attacks to disappera, and also for my other hormones to normalize?

I am very grateful in advance for your help, I feel strong enough to continue the research, and I accept all your comments regarding my health status.

THANKS!

Hi Neo3, I am sorry you have not received any answers to your questions. I am not familiar with anxiety & panic attacks. I do take antidepressants for my depression & they have helped me immensely & I do know I will probably take them for a long time. I suggest you post in the anxiety & panic disorders forum, here on Healing Well. You will receive many replies there. I hope you get the answers you are looking for. Hugs, Denise

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Fibromyalgia-dx'd: 2006, ME/CFS-dx'd: 2006, Holt-Oram Syndrome dx'd 1975, reduced lung capacity dx'd 2009, nasal allergies, food allergies, depression (lifetime problem) IBS, neuropathy in hips

I have 4 children & 7 grandchildren.

As apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time for it. Prov. 25:11

jewelrylady thank you very much for your response!
I try to search the root of my anxiety in adrenal fatigue, and it seems okay - as the results may be low. I made some further research, and the numbers should be in the upper 75% of the reference given. So it seems I have low cortisol, and this hormon imbalance made an impact on my ostrogen-progesteron balance, so I am estrogen dominant, and that causes anxiety. That's my theory.

I advise you to take a cortisol saliva test, maybe you have something similar, and you can get rid of your pills! I wish you a success story!

Thank you for the update Neo3, I am glad you are getting answers to your questions. I have heard of the adrenal issue for CFS before, from one of my dr.'s, they were trying to get my insurance to pay for test for "adrenal fatigue", but it hasn't happened yet. As far the hormones I can tell you yes, definitely they play a role in everything, I have been in surgical menopause since 2009 and endured a year off hormones because of a breast lump, so keep up the questions until you find an answer or answers that suit you. Keep in Touch

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Crainiotomy Lg. Meningioma Dec.02, Bi-Polar 2004, SMI 06, Gluten/Wheat/Dairy Intolerance, IBS 06, Migraines w/pseudo-seizures 07, Dev. Septum Sur. Sept.07, 2nd Men./Tumor Gamma Knife Rad. Dec.08, Radical Hysterectomy Sept.09 w/instant Menopause, Fibromyalgia 09, Disability since 09, EBV/CFS 11,Vomiting/Multiple Ulcers, Vertigo 12, Chronic Fatigue Moderator 2013.No meds list I ran out of space.