Cortisol Test
A cortisol test measures the level of cortisol in your blood, urine (pee), or saliva (spit).
A cortisol test measures the level of cortisol in your blood, urine (pee), or saliva (spit). Cortisol is a hormone made by your adrenal glands, two small glands that sit above your kidneys. Hormones are chemical messengers in your bloodstream that control the actions of certain cells or organs. Cortisol affects almost every organ and tissue in your body. It helps your body: Respond to stress (cortisol is sometimes called the "stress hormone.") Reduce inflammation (swelling) Control blood glucose (also called "blood sugar") and metabolism (how your body uses food for energy) Control your blood pressure Your pituitary gland, a gland in your brain, makes another hormone, called ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). ACTH tells your adrenal glands how much cortisol to make. If your cortisol levels are too high or too low, it may mean you have a problem with your adrenal glands or your pituitary gland . High cortisol levels may also be caused by a tumor that makes cortisol, or taking large doses of certain steroid medicines , such as prednisone, for a long time. Low levels may happen if you stop the medicine suddenly. Without treatment, cortisol levels that are too high or too low can be very serious. Other names: urinary cortisol, salivary cortisol, free cortisol, blood cortisol, plasma cortisol, cortisol serum, 24-hour urinary cortisol excretion, 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC), late-night salivary cortisol, cortisol competitive protein binding assay, cortisol fluorometric assay
Why is this test ordered? You may need a cortisol test if you have symptoms of a condition that affects cortisol levels. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome (too much cortisol) may include: Weight gain Thin arms and legs Round face Increased fat around the base of your neck or between your shoulder blades Easy bruising Wide purple streaks on your stomach, breasts, hips, and under your arms Muscle weakness Common symptoms of Addison disease and adrenal insufficiency (too little cortisol) may include: Long-lasting fatigue Muscle weakness Loss of appetite Weight loss Abdominal (belly) pain
Clinical Interpretation
A cortisol test alone can't diagnose the cause of abnormal cortisol levels. If your cortisol level isn't normal, you will usually have more tests to find out what is causing the problem. High levels of cortisol may be a sign that you have Cushing's syndrome. It may be caused by: Taking high doses of certain steroid medicines for a long time to treat conditions, such as asthma , rheumatoid arthritis , or lupus . Tumors that make extra ACTH, which tells your adrenal glands to make cortisol. These tumors may be in your pituitary gland or other parts of your body, including your lungs. Tumors in your adrenal glands that make extra cortisol. Low levels of cortisol may mean you have Addison disease or secondary adrenal insufficiency: Common causes of Addison disease include damage to your adrenal glands from conditions, such as: Autoimmune diseases Certain infections, including tuberculosis (TB) and HIV Common causes of secondary adrenal insufficiency include: Autoimmune diseases Problems with your pituitary gland Traumatic brain injury Surgical removal of your pituitary gland to treat other conditions If your cortisol results aren't normal, it doesn't always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. The most common cause of abnormal cortisol levels is taking steroid medicines for a long time or suddenly stopping them. Cortisol levels can also be affected by: Stress Pregnancy Exercise Hot and cold temperatures Certain medicines, such as birth control pills To learn what your test results mean, talk with your provider. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results .
Clinical Protocol & Patient Advice
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The preparations for a cortisol test will depend on the type of test you are having. Be sure to follow all the instructions that your provider gives you. Stress and exercise can raise your cortisol levels, so you may need to rest before your test. For a blood test, you'll need two appointments at different times on the same day. Before a saliva test, you may need to stop using certain medicines. Let your provider know about all the medicines you use, including skin creams. But don't stop using any medicines without talking with your provider first.
Usage Guidance
- Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Always discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. View the original.