Pre test Information : No Special Preparation Needed

A cortisol test determines whether the level of cortisol in your blood, urine, or saliva is normal. Cortisol is a hormone that has an impact on nearly every organ and tissue in your body. It benefits your body by: 

• React to stress (cortisol is sometimes called the "stress hormone")
• Inflammation should be reduced.
• Control blood sugar and metabolism (how your body uses food for energy)
• Maintain blood pressure control 

Cortisol is produced by your adrenal glands, which are two small glands located above your kidneys. The pituitary gland in your brain produces a hormone that tells your adrenal glands how much cortisol to produce. Cortisol levels that are too high or too low may indicate an adrenal gland disorder, a pituitary gland problem, or a cortisol-producing tumour. 

High cortisol levels can also occur if you take large doses of certain steroid medications, such as prednisone, for an extended period of time. Low levels can also occur if you abruptly discontinue the medication. 

Cortisol levels that are too high or too low without treatment can have serious consequences. 

Other names for cortisol include urinary cortisol, salivary cortisol, free cortisol, blood cortisol, and plasma cortisol. 

What is its purpose?

A cortisol test is used to help diagnose medical conditions caused by an excess or deficiency of cortisol. These conditions include adrenal gland disorders such as: 

• Cushing's syndrome is a condition that occurs when your body produces an abnormally high level of cortisol over an extended period of time.
• Addison disease occurs when your adrenal glands are damaged and unable to produce enough cortisol.
• Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when your adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol because your pituitary gland is not functioning properly.

Cortisol testing is also used to track the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions. 

What is the purpose of a cortisol test?

If you have symptoms of a condition that affects cortisol levels, you may require a cortisol test. 

• Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) symptoms may include:
• gaining weight
• Arms and legs that are slim
• Face that is round
• Fat accumulation at the base of the neck or between the shoulder blades
• Simple bruising
• Purple streaks across the stomach, breasts, hips, and underarms
• Muscle fatigue 

Common Addison disease and adrenal insufficiency (insufficient cortisol) symptoms include:

• Long-term fatigue
• Muscle fatigue
• Appetite loss
• Loss of weight
• Pain in the abdomen (belly).

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