Hello, I have a temperature of 39.2°C. I need to take hormone tests for adrenal hyperplasia tomorrow morning - #20699

Hello Anna. This is an important question. Thank you for asking before the test. A fever of 39.2 °C can significantly affect adrenal hormone test results. Ibuprofen itself has minimal direct effect, but the acute illness and high fever do.

Hormone tests for adrenal hyperplasia (such as 17-hydroxyprogesterone, cortisol, ACTH, androstenedione) are very sensitive to physical stress. A high fever: Activates the stress response, Can artificially raise cortisol, ACTH, and adrenal steroids, Can lead to false-positive or misleading results. This is especially important if the test is being used for diagnosis or dose decisions.

Ibuprofen does NOT significantly alter adrenal hormone levels. It is safe to take for fever control.

However, even if fever is reduced with ibuprofen, the body is still under stress, so test accuracy may still be compromised.

My advise would be - Postpone the hormone test until you are afebrile (no fever) for at least 24–48 hours. If postponement is absolutely not possible (last cycle day): Inform the lab and your doctor that you had acute fever (39.2 °C). The result must be interpreted with caution. You may still need repeat testing later.

What to do right now- Take ibuprofen or paracetamol to control fever. Monitor for other symptoms (infection signs). If fever persists or worsens, seek medical care. Contact the prescribing doctor today if possible to ask whether postponement is acceptable.

Feel free to reach out again.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Medicine

Brufen for fever?

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