Cortisol is a hormone that is naturally occurring in the human body. Cortisol is a steroid hormone and is useful for the regulation of blood pressure and adrenal functioning.
Effects
Cortisol levels are the amount of cortisol found in the bloodstream of an individual. This knowledge is useful because high levels of cortisol have been linked to stress-related illnesses such as anxiety and depression. In addition, a high cortisone level can lead to weight gain and fatigue.
Testing
Because cortical levels will go up and down during the day as a natural occurrence, it is suggested that testing be performed early in the morning to set a baseline for results to be calculated. Normal levels of cortisone are usually in the range of 6 to 23 micrograms per decimeter (mcg/dl) when taken very early in the day, but may vary according to the testing facility and individual. When testing is done in the afternoon, cortisol levels that are considered normal may fall in the 3 to 15 mcg/dl range.
High Levels
Lowest cortisol levels are generally found late at night, and the highest ranges are found after first awakening. Testing is usually performed by drawing blood and evaluating cortisol levels in a laboratory. If levels remain consistently high, this could mean the individual is producing too much cortisol. An overproduction of cortisol has been linked to increased stress levels and weight gain. In some cases high cortisol levels can indicate Cushing's disease.
Low Levels
If cortisol levels are found to be low, the individual may suffer from adrenal insufficiency, which can cause an upset in metabolism that leads to a host of problems including an imbalance in glucose and/or potassium levels in the bloodstream. This can lead to fatigue and general malaise. In addition, low cortisol levels have been linked to Addison's disease.
Significance
Testing for cortisol levels is useful if you are experiencing fatigue, muscle aches, weight gain or sleep disruption because having abnormally high or low levels of cortisol may contribute to a decrease in overall wellness and optimal body functioning. Testing for cortisol levels is generally performed in licensed health care facilities under the observation of a physician, and evaluated by a laboratory technician.
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