The cortisol test is a medical test that measures levels of this steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is involved in the fight-or-flight response and is found in saliva, blood, and urine. It is used in diagnoses of adrenal disorders.
Use to Diagnose Adrenal Disorders
Cortisol tests are used to determine the levels of cortisol in your blood. This cortisol test can help doctors decide whether or not you have an adrenal disorder such as Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome. Cortisol levels can also determine how well your adrenal glands are working. Your healthcare provider will provide you with specific test instructions.
Addison’s disease is when the immune system attacks the adrenal glands, causing them to fail to produce cortisol. Over time, this results in damage to the adrenal cortex.
Steroid Hormone That The Adrenal Glands Produce
The adrenal glands produce cortisol, a steroid hormone that plays multiple roles in the body. It regulates blood pressure, immune function, and anti-inflammatory processes, among other things. However, cortisol is not always beneficial and can lead to adverse effects. For example, chronic high cortisol levels are known to contribute to osteoporosis.
Adrenal glands are small, triangle-shaped organs that produce hormones. Cortisol and adrenaline, the fight-or-flight hormone, are present. The cortex is responsible for the production of testosterone and other steroid hormones, whereas the medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine. Combined, they help regulate blood pressure, sodium, and potassium levels. Additionally, they suppress the immune system.
The adrenal glands generate cortisol which is a glucocorticoid. It has many vital functions in the body, including regulating blood sugar and blood pressure, suppressing inflammation, and increasing blood sugar. However, excessive cortisol can lead to many conditions, including Cushing syndrome and adrenal insufficiency.
Involved in The Fight-or-Flight Response
The fight-or-flight response is a biological process that triggers physiological changes in the body in response to a perceived threat. This process results in increased heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, the nervous system is stimulated, triggering the release of catecholamines, including cortisol, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. These hormones prepare the body to respond to the threat and may last for twenty to 60 minutes.
The fight-or-flight response is triggered by a trigger, such as an attack or an emotional upset. The body responds by increasing blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension. The release of epinephrine (an ingredient in EpiPen) is another vital part of this response. In addition to boosting heart rate and blood flow, this hormone also relaxes airways and constricts blood vessels, rapidly increasing heart rate. In addition, digestion and reproductive functions are suppressed.
Can Be Measured in Urine, Blood, or Saliva
A blood test to measure cortisol can be performed in two ways: a saliva sample is collected from the mouth, and another example is taken from the bloodstream. The urine sample must be collected over 24 hours. This test requires that you order the urine in a sealed container and store it in a cool place. The saliva sample must be returned to the testing laboratory within the recommended period.
Cortisol can be measured in urine or blood, which is usually the most accessible form of the test. Blood cortisol levels are affected by stress more than the salivary cortisol test, which means that salivary cortisol is often used instead.
Side Effects of Having a Cortisol Test
Cortisol is a steroid hormone caused by the adrenal glands. A cortisol test involves drawing blood from an individual and measuring the cortisol level in that blood. Urine or saliva can also be used to measure it. Cortisol stories change throughout the day. For this reason, it’s essential to have the test done early in the morning. The procedure can be painful but is generally mild, causing only minor bruising or throbbing.
When the test results are available, doctors can discuss them with their patients. They may suggest further testing if the levels are too low or too high. Thankfully, most people do not experience any significant side effects from cortisol tests, so they can continue their daily activities.
