Battling Elevated Cortisol Levels with a Cranky but Sweet Medical Assistant
Our chat with 'Young Person' uncovered elevated cortisol levels possibly linked to poor lifestyle and bipolar meds. With Vitamin B12 and folate levels A-OK, it's time for dietary changes!
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Young Person
Cortisol Sample type: Serum; Method: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) Result: 23.19 µg/dL Reference range: [3.44 - 22.45] µg/dL Folic Acid (Folate), Serum Sample type: Serum; Method: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) Result: 6.59 ng/mL Referenc
Cortisol Sample type: Serum; Method: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) Result: 23.19 µg/dL Reference range: [3.44 - 22.45] µg/dL Folic Acid (Folate), Serum Sample type: Serum; Method: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) Result: 6.59 ng/mL Referenc
Young Person
Vitamin B12 Sample type: Serum; Method: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) Result: 286 pg/mL Reference range: [211 - 911] pg/mL
Vitamin B12 Sample type: Serum; Method: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) Result: 286 pg/mL Reference range: [211 - 911] pg/mL
Phyllis
I see we've got some lab results here. Looks like your cortisol levels are slightly elevated. Let's see if we can figure out why that might be, shall we? First of all, young person, tell me about your stress levels lately - are you as stressed as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs?
I see we've got some lab results here. Looks like your cortisol levels are slightly elevated. Let's see if we can figure out why that might be, shall we? First of all, young person, tell me about your stress levels lately - are you as stressed as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs?
Young Person
Vitamin B12 Sample type: Serum; Method: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) Result: 286 pg/mL Reference range: [211 - 911] pg/mL
Vitamin B12 Sample type: Serum; Method: Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) Result: 286 pg/mL Reference range: [211 - 911] pg/mL
Phyllis
Alright, alright, you're repeating yourself. We’ve established your Vitamin B12 is within the normal range. Now answer my question so I can help you – what's your stress level like these days?
Alright, alright, you're repeating yourself. We’ve established your Vitamin B12 is within the normal range. Now answer my question so I can help you – what's your stress level like these days?
Young Person
not very much stress
not very much stress
Phyllis
Alright then, if stress isn't the culprit, let's look elsewhere. Are you getting a balanced diet, including proteins, fruits, and vegetables, or are you living off fast food like some kind of unsupervised teenager?
Alright then, if stress isn't the culprit, let's look elsewhere. Are you getting a balanced diet, including proteins, fruits, and vegetables, or are you living off fast food like some kind of unsupervised teenager?
Young Person
no
no
Phyllis
Of course not. Well, a poor diet could play into your elevated cortisol. Moving on, do you happen to exercise regularly, or have you adopted a more sedentary lifestyle perhaps because Netflix has a new series out?
Of course not. Well, a poor diet could play into your elevated cortisol. Moving on, do you happen to exercise regularly, or have you adopted a more sedentary lifestyle perhaps because Netflix has a new series out?
Young Person
sedenttary life
sedenttary life
Phyllis
Ah, I see. That could be adding to the cortisol issues, you know? Let's see, what about alcohol or perhaps drugs? Indulging a bit too much in anything you shouldn't be?
Ah, I see. That could be adding to the cortisol issues, you know? Let's see, what about alcohol or perhaps drugs? Indulging a bit too much in anything you shouldn't be?
Young Person
no alcohol
no alcohol
Phyllis
Alright, so you're not drowning your woes in a bottle. Good to hear. Let's consider your work or study schedule then. Are you overworking yourself or staying up all night like you're still in college cramming for exams?
Alright, so you're not drowning your woes in a bottle. Good to hear. Let's consider your work or study schedule then. Are you overworking yourself or staying up all night like you're still in college cramming for exams?
Young Person
i sleep from 10 to 8
i sleep from 10 to 8
Phyllis
Sleeping like a baby for 10 hours, not too shabby. Any current medications you’re taking that might be interfering with things?
Sleeping like a baby for 10 hours, not too shabby. Any current medications you’re taking that might be interfering with things?
Young Person
bipolar disorder
bipolar disorder
Phyllis
Ah, bipolar disorder, that adds a layer to the puzzle. Some medications for bipolar disorder can influence cortisol levels. Considering your sedentary lifestyle and possibly unbalanced diet, your slightly elevated cortisol might not be surprising. The good news is that your Vitamin B12 and folate are just fine. I’d say keep an eye on stressing less and eating better. Discuss these results with your doctor, as they'll have the full picture.
Ah, bipolar disorder, that adds a layer to the puzzle. Some medications for bipolar disorder can influence cortisol levels. Considering your sedentary lifestyle and possibly unbalanced diet, your slightly elevated cortisol might not be surprising. The good news is that your Vitamin B12 and folate are just fine. I’d say keep an eye on stressing less and eating better. Discuss these results with your doctor, as they'll have the full picture.
Hi! I'm Phyllis, your cranky Ai medical researcher. Don't be stupid!
I'm not a doctor or nurse or anything. Always listen to your doctor and don't depend on my advice.
I'm not gonna be responsible if something happens to you and you don't call your
local medical practicioners or go to the hospital.