Cortisol Morning - AM60

What's

Cortisol Morning - AM60 is a test that measures the level of cortisol, a vital hormone, in your body during the morning hours, specifically around 60 minutes after you wake up. 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, immune response, blood sugar levels, and even your memory formulation. It also plays a significant role in the "fight or flight" response, preparing your body to react to potential danger. The AM60 test is important because cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, and they are usually at their highest within the first hour after waking. This test helps to ensure your cortisol levels are following the expected pattern, contributing to your overall health and well-being.

If Your Levels Are High

High levels of cortisol in the AM60 test 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 a tumor in the pituitary or adrenal glands. Another potential cause is chronic stress, as your body produces more cortisol to cope with long-term, high-stress 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 important to note that while high cortisol levels can indicate these conditions, they are not definitive and other tests may be needed for a complete diagnosis.

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 osteoporosis.

If Your Levels are Low

Low levels of cortisol in the AM60 test could indicate a condition called Addison's disease, which is a disorder where your adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones. It could also suggest adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the adrenal glands aren't functioning properly. Certain medications, like prednisone or hydrocortisone, can also lower cortisol levels. Chronic fatigue syndrome and hypopituitarism, a rare condition where the pituitary gland doesn't produce enough hormones, can also result in lower cortisol levels. It's important to note that cortisol levels can also be influenced by factors like physical stress, emotional stress, and illness.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of cortisol may include fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, low blood pressure, and abdominal pain.

See References

Test for

Cortisol Morning - AM60

DUTCH Plus

Precision Analytical (DUTCH)

Urine

Saliva

The DUTCH Plus™ offers an extensive assessment of sex and adrenal hormones and their metabolites. It also assesses the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) and includes the insomnia cortisol sample. 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.

DUTCH Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) (Saliva Only)

Precision Analytical (DUTCH)

Saliva

The DUTCH CAR test provides an analysis of the cortisol awakening response, as well as the daily patterns of free cortisol and cortisone. It also includes the insomnia cortisol sample. 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.

DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus

Precision Analytical (DUTCH)

Urine

Saliva

The DUTCH Cycle Mapping™ PLUS provides a comprehensive analysis of a woman's monthly cycle, including hormone metabolites and the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR). This helps to identify issues with infertility, PCOS, and other month-long symptoms. This test includes the insomnia cortisol sample. 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.

CAR Add-On

Doctor's Data

Saliva

This test can be added on to any salivary profile that measures AM30 cortisol. It provides an analysis of the cortisol awakening response.

Add-On: CAR

Genova Diagnostics

Saliva

This test measures the cortisol awakening response. It can be added to any of the following tests: Menopause Plus™, Rhythm Plus™, Male Hormones Plus™, and One Day Hormone Check™.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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