A cortisol level test is a medical test used to measure the amount of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, in your body.
Understanding the Cortisol Level Test
A cortisol test is primarily used to help diagnose conditions related to abnormal cortisol production, such as Cushing's syndrome (too much cortisol) or Addison's disease (too little cortisol). Cortisol plays a crucial role in the body's stress response, metabolism, and immune function.
How the Test is Performed
According to the provided information, a cortisol test often uses a sample of blood drawn at a lab. However, the test can also be done using different types of samples collected in various ways:
- Blood Test: This is a common method, typically performed by drawing blood from a vein in your arm at a laboratory or clinic.
- Urine Test: The test may also be done on urine... collected at home. This might involve collecting urine over a 24-hour period to assess total cortisol production throughout the day.
- Saliva Test: ...or saliva collected at home. Saliva tests are often used to measure cortisol levels at specific times, particularly late at night, as this can be helpful in diagnosing certain conditions.
Why Multiple Tests Might Be Needed
Normally, cortisol levels vary significantly during the day. Cortisol levels are typically highest in the morning and drop throughout the day, reaching their lowest point at night. Because of this natural variation, your provider may order more than one type of test or collect samples at different times of the day to get more comprehensive information about your cortisol levels. This helps provide a clearer picture of your body's cortisol production pattern.
Understanding the results of a cortisol test requires interpretation by a healthcare professional, as results can be influenced by stress, medications, and other factors.
