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Cortisol Morning
.
Cortisol Morning
What's
Cortisol Morning
?
Cortisol Morning, as the name suggests, refers to the measurement of cortisol, a vital hormone, in your body during the morning hours. Produced by your adrenal glands, cortisol is often referred to as the "stress hormone" because it helps your body respond to stress. However, it's not just about stress - cortisol also plays a key role in various bodily functions. It helps regulate your body's metabolism, assists with memory formulation, and even plays a part in controlling your blood pressure. In a typical day, your cortisol levels follow a natural rhythm - they are highest in the morning, helping you to wake up and start your day with energy, and then gradually decrease throughout the day. This is why the measurement of cortisol in the morning is important, as it provides a snapshot of your body's natural cortisol rhythm and overall health.
If Your Levels Are High
High cortisol levels in the morning could indicate a variety of conditions or factors. One possibility is Cushing's syndrome, a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, often due to tumors on the adrenal or pituitary glands. Another potential cause is chronic stress, as the body produces more cortisol in response to stressful situations. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or hormonal contraceptives, can also increase cortisol levels. Additionally, conditions like depression, alcoholism, malnutrition, or physical trauma can lead to elevated cortisol. It's also worth noting that cortisol levels can naturally vary, so a single high reading may not necessarily indicate a problem.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of cortisol may include weight gain, particularly around the abdomen and face, thinning skin that bruises easily, muscle weakness, mood swings, increased thirst and urination, high blood pressure, and fatigue.
If Your Levels are Low
Low morning cortisol levels could indicate a variety of conditions or factors. One possibility is adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the adrenal glands aren't producing enough cortisol. This could be due to Addison's disease, a rare disorder affecting the adrenal glands, or secondary adrenal insufficiency, often caused by a problem with the pituitary gland. Certain medications, such as steroids like prednisone, can also suppress the body's natural cortisol production, leading to lower levels. Chronic stress or fatigue syndrome may also result in decreased cortisol levels. It's important to note that while these are potential causes, low cortisol levels can also be a normal variation in some individuals.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of low levels of morning cortisol could include fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, low blood pressure, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it may lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), confusion, or even loss of consciousness.
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Cortisol Morning
DUTCH Complete (Dried Urine)
by
Precision Analytical (DUTCH)
Urine
The DUTCH Complete™ is a comprehensive assessment of sex and adrenal hormones and their metabolites and includes the daily, free cortisol pattern, organic acids, melatonin, and 8-OHdG. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 12 years of age. NOTE: If you order for a patient in MD, NY, or RI, you must provide them with a written prescription or lab order on a document with a letterhead from your facility that they will send back to the lab with their samples.
Adrenocortex Stress Profile
by
Genova Diagnostics
Saliva
The Adrenocortex Stress Profile measures cortisol and DHEA through carefully timed saliva samples. It assists in understanding a patient's natural diurnal rhythm and the diagnosis of HPA imbalances. This test DOES NOT include the cortisol awakening response.
ASP with CAR
by
Genova Diagnostics
Saliva
The Adrenocortex Stress Profile with CAR measures cortisol and DHEA through carefully timed saliva samples. It assists in understanding a patient's natural diurnal rhythm and the diagnosis of HPA imbalances. This test also measures the cortisol awakening response.
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