kkc, Author at CSRF - Cushing's Support & Research Foundation

Author Archives: kkc

Petrosal Sinus Sampling Test and Pain

Question: I had a petrosal sinus sampling test and during the procedure, I had sharp ear pain in both ears. How common is it to have pain during a petrosl sinus sampling test? If it’s fairly common, can pain medication be given before the start of the procedure? Answer: Temporary ear pain may occur during… Continue Reading

Overnight Dexamethasone Test While Taking Female Hormones

Question: Can women on female hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills obtain meaningful results from an overnight dexamethasone suppression test? Answer: It is well accepted that high levels of female hormones cause changes in the blood that can create a falsely high cortisol measurement. In cases of true hormone replacement therapy, the levels of… Continue Reading

Normal values of cortisol and ACTH

Question: What are the normal values for a serum cortisol, a 24-hour urine, and ACTH? Also, what is the generally accepted cortisol cut off point for an overnight low dose dexamethasone suppression test? Does the absolute number for these tests vary between labs? Answer: Normally, cortisol is secreted in short bursts and blood levels are… Continue Reading

Normal 24hr Urine Test With Cushing’s Symptoms

Question: I have symptoms of Cushing’s but my 24-hour urinary cortisol measurement is normal. Is it possible to have a normal test and still have Cushing’s? Answer: The 24h urine free cortisol test is an extremely sensitive and specific test for the presence of Cushing’s. When the level is high, it is likely that the… Continue Reading

Low Cortisol Levels in Cyclic Cushing’s

Question: Is it possible for someone with Cyclic Cushing’s to have too little cortisol at times? Answer: Patients with cyclic Cushing’s syndrome may not return to normal levels during the off period. Levels may indeed be low or there may be a reversal of the normal circadian rhythm such that low levels are seen in… Continue Reading