Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is a cortisol test?
- When should I have a cortisol test?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should I know before taking a cortisol test?
- Process
- What should I do before taking the cortisol test?
- How is the cortisol test process?
- What should I do after taking the cortisol test?
- Explanation of the Test Results
- What do my test results mean?
Definition
What is a cortisol test?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This hormone is released when there is a response to ACTH (adrenocorticotopric hormone) produced by the pituitary gland near the brain. Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulates hormone secretion by the adrenal cortex.
Cortisol is the main hormone responsible for stress and the "fight-or-flight" response. This response is a natural and protective response to certain attacks or dangers in the body. Several types of physical response are caused by increased cortisol and adrenal levels, producing new energy and strength.
When the "fight-or-flight" response occurs, cortisol plays a role in suppressing unnecessary or counteracting bodily functions to the "fight-or-flight" response. A person can experience rapid heart rate, dry mouth, stomach pain, diarrhea, and panic.
Cortisol also suppresses the growth process, digestion and reproduction processes, as well as the immune system response.
Cortisol test functions to measure cortisol levels in the blood. Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. These glands are located in the upper kidneys. This cortisol level test is also called a serum cortisol test.
When should I have a cortisol test?
A cortisol level test is done to check whether the cortisol levels produced are low or high. There are several types of diseases, such as Addison's disease and Cushing's disease, that affect the levels of cortisol produced by the adrenal glands. This test is useful in diagnosing the two diseases and determining the function of the adrenal and pituitary glands.
Cortisol plays a role in various body systems, including:
- stress response
- immune system
- nervous system
- circulatory system
- bone
- metabolism of protein, fat, and carbohydrates
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before taking a cortisol test?
A 24-hour urine test is often used instead of a blood cortisol test to diagnose Cushing's syndrome.
Other tests can also determine if the pituitary or adrenal glands are functioning properly such as the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test and the dexamethasone suppression test. The ACTH test is done to diagnose Addison's disease.
Process
What should I do before taking the cortisol test?
Your doctor will advise you to do this test in the morning. This is very important because the amount of cortisol can change during the day.
You may also be asked not to do strenuous exercise the day before this test.
You may also be instructed to stop taking any drugs that affect this test, including:
- anti-seizure medication
- estrogen
- man-made glucocorticoid (synthetic), such as hydrocortisone, prednisone, and prednisolone
- androgens
How is the cortisol test process?
Experts will:
- wrap the area of your arm to stop blood flow
- clean the area to be injected with alcohol
- inject a needle into the vein. The injection can be done more than once
- put a blood tube in the syringe
- removing the tools after getting enough blood
- put a cotton swab on the injection area
- put a plaster on the injection area.
What should I do after taking the cortisol test?
An elastic bandage is wrapped around the top of your arm and may feel a little tight. However, you may not feel anything from the syringe, or you may feel a sting or a pinch.
Explanation of the Test Results
What do my test results mean?
Normal:
Normal results when a blood sample is taken at 8 a.m. usually range from 6 to 23 micrograms per deciliter (mcg / dL). This normal range of numbers can vary depending on laboratory conditions. You should consult laboratory test results with your doctor.
Abnormal results
The following symptoms occur when the amount of cortisol exceeds normal values:
- Cushing's pain, which is caused by the pituitary gland releasing too much ACTH due to its rapid growth.
- there is a tumor in the adrenal glands, due to excess cortisol
- there are tumors in other parts of the body that result from excess cortisol
The following symptoms occur when the cortisol count is too low:
- Addison's pain, which is caused by the adrenal glands producing very little cortisol.
- hypopituitarism, which occurs when the adrenal glands produce too little cortisol and the pituitary gland is unable to send good signals.
