Everything You Need To Know About Cortisol Level Test

Cortisol is one of the major hormones which is an essential contributor to perform various functions of the body. When you experience any dangerous situation, your brain releases a hormone named adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) that further triggers the adrenal gland to secrete cortisol.

A cortisol level test, also known as serum cortisol test, is performed using cortisol EIA kit to diagnose its levels in the body. Let’s take a look at its symptoms, procedure, preparation, and results.

What is Cortisol?

Produced by the adrenal glands (located on the top of the kidneys), cortisol is a steroid hormone involved in stress or emergency body response.

In fight-or-flight situations, the increased level of cortisol acts as an instant response to a recognized threat or danger with a burst of energy and strength. Cortisol suppresses any unnecessary body functions during such situations and you may experience:

• Panic
• Diarrhea
• Stomach upset
• Dry mouth
• High heart rate

Cortisol plays an important role in various systems in the body including:

• Skeletal system
• Immune system
• Circulatory system
• Nervous system
• Stress responses
• The breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

The Need for Cortisol Level Test

If the production of cortisol is too high or too low than the normal limit, it may lead to certain diseases such as Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease.

Symptoms of High Cortisol Level

• Rapid weight gain
• Changes in mood
• Urinating more frequently
• Muscle weakness
• A flushed face
• Increased thirst
• High blood pressure

Symptoms of Low Cortisol Level

• Weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Loss of consciousness

How Is It Done?

A blood sample is taken for cortisol lab tests to measure the cortisol levels present in the human body.

The general process includes the following steps:

• A medical professional wraps an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood in the arm.
• It makes veins visible and thus, easier to insert the needle.
• An alcohol-based solution is used to wipe the skin.
• The needle is inserted ( causing a brief stinging or pinching sensation) to collect the blood in the syringe.
• After collecting the desired amount of blood, the elastic band is removed.
• Little pressure is applied to the site using gauze or cotton.

You can also determine the cortisol level using a urine or saliva sample.

Steps Usually Involved in Taking a 24-hour Urine Sample

• Empty your bladder in a small container in the morning and record the time.
• Save the urine that you passed in the next 24 hours.
• Keep the urine sample container in a cooler.
• Return the container as instructed by your health care provider.

Steps Usually Involved in Taking a Saliva Sample Test

• Do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth for 15-30 minutes before the test.
• Collect the sample at the time instructed by your health care provider. It is usually between 11 p.m. and midnight.
• Put a swab into your mouth. ( It comes with cortisol test kit )
• Chew it for about 2-3 minutes.
• Keep the swap into the provided container and return it to your health care provider.

Common Risks Associated With the Test

The cortisol level test is performed by inserting a needle in your vein to take a blood sample, which may result in bruising. In some rare cases, it can cause:

• Infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Hematoma (an accumulation of blood clots beneath the skin)

Most symptoms go away after some time. If not, please consult with your doctor. Also, there are no known risks to a saliva or urine test.

What Do You Need to Do?

Your doctor may suggest multiple tests as the cortisol level in the human body varies throughout the day. It is generally higher in the morning. There are some particular drugs that usually affect cortisol levels.

Cortisol Levels May Increase:

• during pregnancy;
• consuming prednisone or other synthetic glucocorticoids; and
• taking drugs containing estrogen

Cortisol Levels May Decrease:

• Taking drugs containing androgens or phenytoin

Cortisol Level Test Results

Various laboratories use different techniques to measure cortisol levels, and what’s considered normal may vary. The average range of cortisol level is between 6-23mcg/dL (taking a blood sample at 8 A.M.)

• Lower cortisol levels indicate that the adrenal glands produce too low cortisol and you may have hypopituitarism or Addison’s disease.
• Higher cortisol levels indicate that your pituitary gland is releasing too much ACTH and it could be a tumor or due to the excess growth of the pituitary gland.

Outlook

If the cortisol levels in your blood are not normal, your doctor may suggest some more tests including additional blood tests, imaging tests scans such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computerized tomography), etc. to look at your pituitary and adrenal glands.

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