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Everything You Need To Know About Cortisol Level Test

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:

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

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

Symptoms of Low Cortisol Level

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:

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

Steps Usually Involved in Taking a 24-hour Urine Sample

Steps Usually Involved in Taking a Saliva Sample Test

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:

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:

Cortisol Levels May Decrease:

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.)

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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