FREE CORTISOL (URINE)

Cortisol is an important hormone in the body, secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in the following functions and more:

Proper glucose metabolism
Regulation of blood pressure
Insulin release for blood sugar maintanence
Immune function
Inflammatory response

Normally, it’s present in the body at higher levels in the morning, and at its lowest at night. Although stress isn’t the only reason that cortisol is secreted into the bloodstream, it has been termed “the stress hormone” because it’s also secreted in higher levels during the body’s lsquo;fight or flight’ response to stress, and is responsible for several stress-related changes in the body.

Blood and urine tests for cortisol are used to help diagnose Cushing syndrome and Addison disease, two serious adrenal disorders. Some physicians are using salivary cortisol to diagnose Cushing syndrome as well as to evaluate possible stress-related disorders, although these uses are not widespread.

Cushing syndrome is caused by too much cortisol, while Addison disease is caused by damage to the adrenal, and is associated with too little cortisol. If cortisol is abnormal, your doctor will do additional testing to confirm the diagnosis so that you can receive treatment.