Cortisol

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced in the adrenal cortex and plays a central role in the stress response, metabolism, and regulation of the immune system. The laboratory value measures the concentration of cortisol in the blood.

Here is the translation: A cortisol test is recommended for: Persons with symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain or changes in blood pressure Suspicion of adrenal gland dysfunction such as Addison's disease (underfunction) or Cushing's syndrome (overfunction) Patients with chronic stress or depressive symptoms Monitoring of patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy

The test serves to diagnose diseases of the adrenal cortex and to clarify symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances. It is also used to identify the cause of stress symptoms and hormonal disorders.

A high cortisol level can indicate: Chronic stress Cushing's disease (overactive adrenal glands) Corticosteroid medication therapy. A low value indicates: Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) Chronic fatigue or hypopituitarism (pituitary gland underfunction).

The cortisol level fluctuates during the course of the day (circadian rhythm), with the highest values in the morning and the lowest values at night. A morning blood draw is therefore ideal. Additionally, we perform a second blood draw after a fasting period of 8 hours.

Cortisol is a stress-dependent hormone, and short-term stress situations can increase the values. Cortisol follows a natural daily rhythm (circadian rhythm) Chronically elevated cortisol levels can be harmful in the long term ("stress hormone effect")