CortisolHas your stressful life increased your cortisol levels?
Stress is a natural response to a perceived threat. It results in a surge of hormones, including cortisol. Cortisol increases blood glucose levels, enhances the use of glucose by the brain, and reduces non-essential functions. Usually, cortisol levels return to normal after the threat has passed. However, in long-term stressful situations, the persistently elevated levels of cortisol can increase the risk of various health complications, including anxiety, depression, digestive problems, weight gain, and insomnia.
Blood concentrations of cortisol differ during the day, with higher levels typically occurring in the morning. Reference ranges provided by the Endocrine Society are 5-25 μg/dL at 8am and 2-14 μg/dL at 4pm.
Why consider this test?
High production of cortisol for a long period of time results in a condition called Cushing’s syndrome. Usually this is due to long-term, high-dose use of the cortisol-like glucocorticoids, which are used to treat other medical conditions (e.g. asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus) and to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant. Tumours on the pituitary gland or adrenal gland can also lead to high cortisol production and Cushing’s syndrome. Treatment depends on the cause and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or cortisol-reducing medicines.
Inadequate production of cortisol can result in Addison’s disease. This is usually caused by autoimmune disease that attacks the adrenal gland, inhibiting the production of cortisol and another steroid hormone called aldosterone. Addison’s disease is usually treated by the replacement of the deficient hormones – hydrocortisone for cortisol and fludrocortisone for aldosterone.
Weight gain 
Anxiety & depression
Muscle weakness
High blood sugar
Increased thirst & urination
High blood pressure
Weight loss
Nausea & vomiting
Fatigue & depression
Abdominal pain
