A Study Of Overnight Metyrapone Test In Adults Without Adrenal Disorders

Overview

About this study

The purpose of this study is to generate normative reference data for morning post-metyrapone serum 11-deoxycortisol, plasma ACTH, and serum cortisol after overnight metyrapone administration.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age ≥18 years.

  • Able to provide informed consent.

  • No known or suspected adrenal disorder.

  • No known or suspected pituitary or hypothalamic disorder.

  • No glucocorticoid exposure of any kind for at least 3 months prior to testing, including oral, injectable, inhaled, topical high-potency, intra-articular, epidural, rectal, or ophthalmic glucocorticoids.

  • No opioid therapy exceeding 20 morphine milligram equivalents per day.

  • Willingness to take metyrapone at midnight with a snack and return for morning blood collection between 7:30 and 8:30 AM.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Known adrenal insufficiency, Cushing syndrome, mild autonomous cortisol secretion, primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma, adrenal mass under active evaluation, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or adrenal cancer.

  • Known pituitary mass, pituitary hormone deficiency, prior pituitary surgery or radiation, or suspected hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis disorder.

  • Any glucocorticoid exposure within 3 months.

  • Current oral contraceptive therapy or estrogen-containing hormonal therapy, because of effects on cortisol-binding globulin and interpretation of total cortisol concentrations.

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • Current opioid therapy >20 MME/day.

  • Known intolerance, allergy, or contraindication to metyrapone.

  • Severe acute illness, unstable chronic illness, or recent hospitalization within 30 days.

  • Use of medications judged by the investigator to interfere substantially with metyrapone metabolism, cortisol interpretation, or participant safety.

  • Inability to comply with study procedures.

Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply.

Eligibility last updated 07/15/2026. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Contact us for the latest status

Contact information:

Vanessa Fell

5072666068

fell.vanessa@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available