Cortisol test is the testing method
used in diagnosing adrenal glands disorders and the conditions affecting it.
Most often than not, the test is drawn when a person shows the many symptoms of
Cushing’s syndrome, Addison disease and adrenal insufficiency.
What is being tested with Cortisol Test?
Cortisol test checks
the production of cortisol released from the adrenal glands whether it has
increased or decreased. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that has a significant
role in metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. It normalizes the
immune system, helps sustain blood pressure and regulates blood glucose levels.
Moreover, cortisol test measures the level or amount of cortisol in saliva,
blood and urine.
The preparation you need for Cortisol Test
When you are about to
have cortisol test, there are some preparation and guidelines that you need to
consider. These include the following:
·
You must stop taking drugs and supplements
at least 24 hours before the test because it can affect the result. Some drugs
can increase cortisol measurements while others have the ability to decrease
cortisol level.
·
Avoid demanding physical
activities a day before the test because your metabolism may increase and will
trigger cortisol values to ramp up.
·
You need to relax and lie down
for at least 30 minutes prior to the test.
Cortisol test has a very easy and simple procedure. Health
professionals will only do the following:
Step 1: Your upper arm
will be tightened by an elastic band
Step 2: A blood sample
will be collected from your vein for the test
Step 3: Health experts
will clean the pricked area with a cotton ball and alcohol after collecting the
blood.
Low-High Values of Cortisol
After the test, your cortisol value will be determined. Cortisol
values can be high or low due to different reasons and they vary in adults and
children. Health professionals will
measure your cortisol value in mcg/Dl (micrograms per deciliter). How would you
know if you have normal cortisol value? Consider the following:
·
Adults: Your cortisol value is normal if your mcg/Dl
in the morning is 5 to 23 and 3 to13 in the afternoon.
·
Children: Kids should have a normal cortisol
value of 3 to 21 mcg/Dl and 3 to 10 mcg/Dl in the morning and afternoon,
respectively.
·
Newborns: 1 to 24 mcg/Dl
Low Cortisol Values
Low cortisol values would mean that
your adrenal glands are not functioning normally. It is also a sign of internal
bleeding, Addison’s disease or adrenal insufficiency. Symptoms that you may
experience if your cortisol levels are low include:
·
Muscle weakness
·
Abdominal pain
·
Weight loss
·
Low blood pressure
·
Fatigue
·
Dark patches in the
skin
High Cortisol Values
High cortisol values on the other
hand indicate too much cortisol and are commonly triggered by Cushing’s
syndrome, liver or kidney disease, tumor in adrenal glands, obesity, depression
and hypothyroidism. The symptoms of high cortisol levels are:
·
Obesity
·
High blood sugar
·
High blood pressure
·
Muscle weakness
·
Fragile skin
Final thoughts
Cortisol test can determine the
problems in your adrenal glands. It can also confirm the many signs and
symptoms you are experiencing related to adrenal fatigue that is why it is very
necessary.
