Cortisol Serum, Morning Sample Cost & Procedure

Cortisol is a steroid hormone which is stimulated by the adrenal glands. When you experience something your body perceives as a threat, such as the barking of a large dog, a chemical known as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is released in your brain, which causes the adrenal glands to release cortisol and adrenaline.

Cortisol helps our body to respond to fight infections and helps in the regulation of blood sugar levels. There are high cortisol levels in most people when they wake up, and the level is lowest around midnight. 

Our body releases an excess amount of cortisol during anxiety or under stress.

Release of Cortisol

Cortisol release leads to

• suppression of our growth processes
• suppression of our digestive system
• suppresses our reproductive system
• changes the response of our immune system

Cortisol Test

The cortisol test is carried out for detecting the levels of Cortisol present in our body. An increase in the value of cortisol will lead to Cushing syndrome, and a decrease in cortisol will lead to Addison’s disease.
Addison's disease is caused when there is damage in the adrenal glands, and thus the glands cannot release enough cortisol to meet the demands of our body.
Secondarily deficiency of cortisol is caused when there is less production of enough cortisol due to improper working of the pituitary gland.

Preparation for Cortisol Test-

Cortisol levels tend to be highest early in the day, so doctors often recommend scheduling the test in the morning. Generally, you do not need fasting for this test. However,it is essential to consult your physician first before the stoppage of your medication, to avoid the imbalance in the levels of cortisol in your body.

Conducting the Cortisol Test-

This test is conducted when the following symptoms are seen in a patient.
Symptoms of Cushing syndrome-

• Thinning of arms and legs
• Round face
• Weakness of muscle
• Weight Gain
• Brushes skin
• Osteoporosis

Symptoms of Addison syndrome-

• Weight loss
• Weakness of muscle
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Dark patches on the skin

Normal Values-

Typical values ​​for a morning blood sample are 5-25 mcg/dL or 140-690 nmol/L.
Average cortisol values ​​depend on the time of day and clinical situation of the test conducted.

Risk of Test-

Conducting the test with the needle may lead to risks such as bleeding, and bruising.