Hello Anna, thank you for sharing your concern. And yes, you can take ibuprofen for a high fever like 39–39.3°C, your safety comes first. Ibuprofen itself does NOT significantly alter adrenal hormone levels (like 17-OHP, cortisol, ACTH) in a way that would invalidate testing for congenital/adrenal hyperplasia.
However, the fever and acute illness CAN affect hormone results much more than ibuprofen: Fever and infection raise stress hormones (ACTH, cortisol). This can falsely elevate adrenal hormone levels. Results may be difficult to interpret or misleading.
What this means for you: Take ibuprofen to control the fever. Hormone testing during 39°C fever is NOT ideal. If possible, postpone the test until fever-free for 24–48 hours.
If postponing is truly impossible (last cycle day): Inform the lab and your doctor that: You had acute fever. You took ibuprofen.
Results should be interpreted with caution. A repeat test may be needed later.
Seek urgent care if: Fever stays >39°C despite medication. Severe headache, vomiting, confusion, neck stiffness, rash.
Ibuprofen is safe and necessary. The fever, not ibuprofen, is the bigger problem for hormone accuracy.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Medicine
Taking ibuprofen to reduce fever prior to hormone testing for adrenal hyperplasia is unlikely to directly affect your hormone levels. Ibuprofen, a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is primarily aimed at relieving pain and fever and generally doesn’t interfere directly with hormone assays. That said, fevers and infections can sometimes influence hormonal balance or bring about transient changes in certain hormone levels due to the physiological stress they induce. While ibuprofen itself isn’t problematic for hormone testing, the underlying condition causing a fever could potentially impact the results. It’s crucial to consider any possible illness or factors that might be at play, as these could provide unwanted variability in your hormone levels. Your upcoming test for adrenal hyperplasia, which might measure cortisol among other hormones, will necessitate accurate conditions to yield reliable results. In your situation, given the necessity to test tomorrow on the final day of your cycle, it seems sensible to prioritize how you’re feeling, as untreated, high fever can certainly be uncomfortable or worse. If possible, reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss the urgency of your testing versus the appropriateness of potentially postponing tests until your health stabilizes. In situations where the fever is due to a serious condition or if it worsens, seek medical guidance promptly. If postponing the hormone test isn’t viable, make sure to inform the testing facility about your symptoms and any medication taken, to help assess results accurately.
Hello,
A fever of 39.2 °C indicates an acute illness or infection, which can significantly affect hormone levels, especially cortisol, ACTH, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and other adrenal hormones used to evaluate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
Ibuprofen itself does not directly interfere with adrenal hormone assays, but:
The stress and inflammation from the fever can invalidate the test results.
Taking the tests while febrile may lead to misleading or false results, possibly requiring repeat testing later.
🛑If possible, postpone the test until you are fever-free (at least 24–48 hours) to ensure accurate results.
🛑If this is the last possible cycle window, discuss urgently with your doctor—sometimes results are still collected but interpreted with caution and noted as “during acute illness.”
I trust this helps Thank you
Hello dear See iburprofen has no direct impact on thermal regulation. However paracetamol if taken can affect the thermostat and control the temperature So it will not be either effective or directly impacting the tests. So you can for tests of adrenal hyperplasia without tension Regards
Hi,
· Fever Status: 39.2°C is a significant fever. Prioritize treating this first. · Ibuprofen & Tests: Yes, ibuprofen can potentially affect some hormone test results. · Critical Action: Contact your testing lab or prescribing doctor immediately. Inform them of your high fever and ask for specific guidance on taking medication and proceeding with the tests. · Tomorrow’s Tests: Do not assume they should be done while you are acutely ill. Fever can itself alter hormone levels. Get medical advice on whether to reschedule.
Please get guidance for your specific situation.
Get well soon, Dr. Nikhil Chauhan, Urologist
Hello Anna It’s important to be cautious with medications before hormone tests. Ibuprofen can potentially affect certain hormone levels, so it’s generally recommended to avoid it before testing, especially for adrenal hormones.
You can better go with Paracetamol 500 mg
Make sure to stay hydrated and rest as much as possible.
Thank you
A fever of 39.2 °C indicates significant acute illness, and while ibuprofen itself does not directly alter adrenal or sex hormone levels, the infection, fever, and physical stress can significantly distort hormone test results (especially cortisol, ACTH, and adrenal-related hormones). Because these tests are being done to evaluate adrenal hyperplasia, results taken during a high fever may be misleading or invalid, even if cycle timing is ideal. You should take ibuprofen to safely control the fever and contact your endocrinologist urgently to discuss postponing or documenting the illness, as specialist guidance is essential to avoid misdiagnosis.
