1020. Cortisol (serum)
Description
Cortisol is a steroid hormone synthesized by the adrenal glands. It is widely known as the “stress hormone”. Most cortisol is bound to protein, while a small percentage is “free” and biologically active. Serum cortisol represents total cortisol.
Cortisol levels are highest early in the morning, then decrease throughout the day, with the lowest levels around midnight. This rhythm changes in diseases of the adrenal glands and the pituitary gland. It is optimal to test together with ACTH and other parameters.
When and who needs the test?
- Numerous and progressive symptoms characteristic of Cushing’s syndrome / disease (obesity, arterial hypertension, hyperglycemia, myopathy, hirsutism, plethora, osteoporosis, pathological fractures, red striae, increased skin and soft-tissue fragility, menstrual irregularities).
- Atypical clinical symptoms for the patient’s age (osteoporosis, arterial hypertension).
- In children with growth retardation and excessive weight.
- Adrenal incidentaloma with imaging features of an adenoma.
- Differential diagnosis of primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency when assessed together with ACTH.
Biological material
- Venous blood
Preparing for a blood test
In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules:
- an important condition for laboratory tests is to take blood on an empty stomach.
- 6-12 hours before the test, you should avoid eating, drinking alcohol, smoking, and limit physical activity. Drinking...
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