Low Cortisol

[Garrett Smith]

Your test doesn't show high cortisol at any time of day (at least the one you've done to this point).

Ian, I can help you with all of this (even getting the ASI done) if you'd like. If you have any issues, feel free to contact my office.

Feeling "beat up" doesn't match those numbers.

[Ian McLeish]

ok thanks Dr. G. I actually emailed you today. Not sure if you got it. I'm going to see if I can get this test at this place close to my house, if not I may have you do it. I will probably set up a phone consult w/you once I get these results back in the hopes of setting up a plan to get back to normal.....

[Garrett Smith]

Just PM'd you with the correct email.

[Steven Low]

It does sound like he's just beat up (although maybe they did the tests wrong). It's worth doing again though likely.

Regardless,

Drop all workouts for at least 2 weeks. Then maybe something like by the next 2 weeks after that.

The PS obviously. 300g at about 4-5 PM, 300 before sleep should work well.

As long as you are eating healthy and a bit about maintenance you shouldn't have any problem with recovery...

[Donald Lee]

Originally Posted by Steven Low

High cort in the morning, low in the evening... tends to be indicative of very bad overreaching/overtraining or whatever you want to call it.

High cortisol in the morning and low in the evening is normal. The opposite is bad.

[Steven Low]

Originally Posted by Donald Lee

High cortisol in the morning and low in the evening is normal. The opposite is bad.

Whoops, you're right. Just looked it up again. damnit my memory is going.

[Garrett Smith]

Normal cortisol in the AM and normal cortisol in the PM is normal. High or low at any time point during the day (assuming a non-exercise day) means that the adrenal axis is off.

Cortisol levels are higher in the AM and lower in the PM, this is true...but people can be high all day, low all day, or low AM & high PM...they're all not "normal".

[Ian McLeish]

So I'm wondering if my problem is not the low testosterone, but I'll have to wait for my blood tests from my dr on Tuesday. Anyway, i just ordered another adrenal stress index test from a diagno-techs provider. She said it would be here tomorrow.

I've been deloading this week and I guess I'll stick w/that until I know what my problem is for sure, but would i want to take this test on a day that i do not work out, or would it not matter? I'm only doing 20 min or so of real light lifting this week, like 50% of max for 5 reps...

[Garrett Smith]

Test on a day you DO NOT work out. Follow all instructions in the kit (like no coffee or caffeine of any kind).

[Ian McLeish]

Ok thanks. I don't consume caffeine so I'll be good there. you are allowed to drink water that day right?