Free Cortisone Night

What's

Free Cortisone Night

Free Cortisone Night refers to the level of cortisone, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, in your body during the night. Cortisone plays a vital role in helping your body respond to stress, regulate your immune system, and maintain your blood pressure and cardiovascular function. It also helps to control inflammation in your body. The "free" in Free Cortisone Night means that the cortisone is not bound to any proteins and is readily available for your body to use. The level of cortisone in your body naturally fluctuates throughout the day, typically peaking in the early morning and decreasing throughout the day. The level of cortisone is usually at its lowest at night, preparing your body for rest and recovery during sleep.

If Your Levels Are High

High levels of free cortisone could indicate that your body is under a significant amount of stress, as cortisone is released in response to stress. It could also suggest that your adrenal glands are overactive, producing more cortisone than your body needs. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or hormone replacement therapy, can also increase the level of cortisone in your body. Other potential causes could include conditions that affect your adrenal glands, such as Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease. High levels of cortisone in the evening could also disrupt your sleep cycle, as cortisone levels are typically lower in the evening to prepare your body for rest.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of free cortisone at night could include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, increased feelings of anxiety or stress, unexplained weight gain, and persistent fatigue.

If Your Levels are Low

Low levels of cortisol at night is a normal part of your body's daily rhythm. This hormone, made in your adrenal glands, helps your body handle stress and plays a big role in how your body uses carbs, fats, and proteins. It also helps keep your blood pressure and heart function steady. During the day, your body makes more cortisol to help you deal with life's demands. But at night, your body makes less cortisol, giving your body a chance to chill out and get ready for the next day. Certain things can mess with this cycle, like some medications (like steroids or birth control pills), being sick, or having a condition like Addison's disease or hypopituitarism.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of free cortisone at night could include fatigue, dizziness, weight loss, muscle weakness, mood swings, and low blood pressure.

See References

Test for

Sex Steroid Metabolites + UDH II

ZRT Laboratory

Urine

The Sex Steroid Metabolites + UDH II profile, formerly the Advanced Metabolites Profile, provides a broad view of sex steroid hormone metabolite levels and cortisol metabolism. It includes full diurnal melatonin and BPA measurements.

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