Very Low Cortisol Levels?

[One]

Before starting HRT my testosterone was 320 ng/dL and my cortisol was 22.04 mcg/dL. Both were on the edge of normal range (testosterone was low, cortisol was high). After 3 weeks of 5G Androgel, I tested 841 ng/DL testosterone and 1.56 mcg/dL cortisol. Both of these values are outside of my lab's reference range (testosterone range is 241-827, cortisol range is 4.30-22.40). I am pleased with the testosterone increase, but am not sure how to interpret the cortisol change. Should I be concerned about this low a measure? Is the result likely to be a fluke that would not appear in a repeat test?

 

[deadguy]

Before starting HRT my testosterone was 320 ng/dL and my cortisol was 22.04 mcg/dL. Both were on the edge of normal range (testosterone was low, cortisol was high). After 3 weeks of 5G Androgel, I tested 841 ng/DL testosterone and 1.56 mcg/dL cortisol. Both of these values are outside of my lab's reference range (testosterone range is 241-827, cortisol range is 4.30-22.40). I am pleased with the testosterone increase, but am not sure how to interpret the cortisol change. Should I be concerned about this low a measure? Is the result likely to be a fluke that would not appear in a repeat test?

I'd be dancing in the streets with a decrease like that in cortisol. Exogenous test usually decreases cortisol levels by 60% IIRC, so yours has been suppressed quite a bit more. Be careful when coming off...get some Phosphetydal Serine to recover with and keep cortisol levels down when the gel is no longer being administered. All this is with me assuming the androgel has the same effects as injectable test.

 

[maddzz]

That range seems a little low. How old are you? The range for ages 30-50yrs at my lab is 270-1190. If your doctor wants to lower your androgel dose I would ask him to wait a couple months and then do a retest. Some peoples' test levels rise up high at first and then begin to fall and level out after a couple months on the gel. After only 3 weeks your natural test may not be fully suppressed yet.

 

[einstein1905]

AAS, having some affinity for cortisol receptors, should cause a responsive increase in cortisol levels. Someone please find the error in my logic/
Thanks

 

[SWALE]

Actually, I would not base any such decision on a single lab draw. Were you to run it again, it probably would come back just fine.

Cortisone is the only hormone our bodies cannot live without, BTW.

 

[MANWHORE]

AAS, having some affinity for cortisol receptors, should cause a responsive increase in cortisol levels. Someone please find the error in my logic/
Thanks

That's what i was thinking

 

[MANWHORE]

Actually, I would not base any such decision on a single lab draw. Were you to run it again, it probably would come back just fine.

Cortisone is the only hormone our bodies cannot live without, BTW.

Isn't insulin a hormon

 

[SWALE]

Yes, but acutely, if you are too low in your cortisol--you die.