Concern with Cortisol saliva test - Hydrocortisone amount- Weight - Time and Alternative

Dear Doctor

I live in Australia, I have finally obtained a sex hormone, thyroid DHEA and Cortisol saliva test.

Following a violent marriage, the exit, intense fatigue and then excessive physical exercises, in the month of exercise mid 2008, I turned in a balloon: face, bum, thighs, and sleep for 3 to 5 days.

I put on 7 kilos in 4 months. I was 43, now 45 year old woman of only 148 cm. I went from 45 kilos to 52.... a lot for my height.

I am now 51 kilos and a bit, feel firmer since I walk a bit, but kept the bulge in the bum and thighs and in the last 4 months I have noticed development of belly fat, which I did not have before.
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My question: the saliva test was may be unfortunately done too soon as I was affected by intense pain and pain killers (pain I assume aggravated by hormone issues) following a mastoidectomy early Feb: high pain/jaw joint for 1 month - poor eating - refused to take steroid/hydrocortisone 25 mg - facial nerve not touched but affected as eye/face dropped with slow recovery)


Saliva tests results are:

"AM Cortisol level is below mean range and suggestive of adrenal insufficiency. .... If all 4 cortisol readings are also low, suspect adrenal fatigue.....
Result 20.6, Range 6 - 42

Midday Cortisol level is elevated (due supplementation, adrenal stress, inflammation, medication of fasting) {PS: I think medication/ inflammation).
Result: 15.4, Range 0 - 11

Late afternoon: adequate and within range.
Result: 5.3, range 2- 11

Evening: normal and within range ;
Result: 3.3; Range 1-8
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Cortisol daily (I note: affected by midday result), Total: 44.6; Range 11-76
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DHEAs: below mean range..."suggest 25 mg DHEA" . Result/morning: 4.1 (range 2.5 - 25)

DHEAS/CORTISOL AM: 0.20 (range 0.20 - 0.60)

(testo/androgens - thyroid: ok)

I was concerned with Growth hormone but I can't afford therapy.
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The report says that Ad Fatigue only if AM and Evening are elevated or all markers are low

To me, apart from a very low DHEA, the cortisol are not that bad. Yet the doctor (MD working in holistic centre)said Adrenal fatigue, in 5 mns I was in and out with a prescription for DHEA 15 mg (30 caps + 1) and Hydrocortisone 5 mg (30caps + 1 repeat) and an appt in 6 weeks.
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Now: I am concerned with Hydrocortisone at any dosage. There is no way I want to risk more weight gain. He did not mention the timing of the therapy)

1. Is there so a need for Hydrocortisone, how about pregnonolone (dose??) instead - I am not menopausal -

2. If there is a need for this, how about Licorice root and extract to reduce cortisol replacement?
I am now able to walk, like 45 mns 4 times a week.


3. How about 7-Keto DHEA instead of DHEA. Is also the 25 mg too much considering my low height?



I am greatly thankful for your support