Serum Cortisol
Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. And its function is to help your body respond to stress. It also plays a vital role in regulating various functions, such as metabolism and immune response. Measuring serum cortisol levels can provide valuable information about the health and function of the adrenal glands and offer insights into a variety of health conditions.
Why Is A Cortisol Blood Test Important?
A serum cortisol test helps diagnose conditions that affect cortisol production (the “stress” hormone). Low cortisol may suggest adrenal insufficiency or Addison’s disease, which can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, and weight loss. High cortisol might point to Cushing's syndrome, associated with symptoms like weight gain, high blood pressure, and elevated blood sugar levels.
Understanding Your Cortisol Blood Test Results
Serum cortisol levels are usually measured in micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or nanomoles per litre (nmol/L). Serum cortisol levels can also naturally fluctuate throughout the day, generally peaking in the morning and tapering off by evening. However, a typical reference range for serum cortisol is approximately 10-20 µg/dL (micrograms per deciliter) in the morning and 3-10 µg/dL in the afternoon.
Core Blood Markers
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test primarily measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. The core biomarker for this test is PSA itself. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate issues, including benign prostate conditions, infections, or prostate cancer.
However, the PSA test is not specific to cancer and requires further investigation for an accurate diagnosis. Normal ranges can vary based on the time of day and testing method. Morning levels (when cortisol is at its peak) are often between 5 – 25 µg/dL (138 – 690 nmol/L). In the evening, levels typically decrease significantly due to cortisol’s diurnal rhythm.
What Is Included?
An Initial Free Consultation. This Includes A One-On-One Consultation
Potentially Involving:
Discussing Medical History And Other Health Concerns.
Blood Pressure Check.
Diet And Nutritional Evaluation.
Stress Level And Fatigue Assessment.
Quality Of Sleep Assessment.
A Serum Cortisol Test Includes, But Is Not Limited To:
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
Salivary Cortisol
Aldosterone
PRICING
Serum Cortisol
Initial Consultation: Free
Blood Draw Fee: This fee is in addition to the cost of all blood tests taken face-to-face at Healand Clinic: £30
Home Nurse Blood Draw Fee: If you opt to have a nurse visit your home to draw your blood sample, this is carried out via our partner service via our laboratory, which incurs a fee of £60
Pre-Test Information
Cortisol levels vary throughout the day, with the highest levels in the morning. Many doctors recommend a morning test (around 8 - 9 am) to obtain baseline levels, but a second test may be done in the afternoon to observe fluctuations. Additionally, fasting is not required, but again, please always follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider.
Patients must be over the age of 18
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FAQs
What is a Serum Cortisol Test?
Why is the Serum Cortisol Test performed?
The Serum Cortisol Test is commonly used to evaluate the functioning of the adrenal glands and the pituitary gland, which controls cortisol production. It helps diagnose conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, where cortisol is overproduced, or Addison’s disease, where cortisol production is insufficient. It can also help investigate unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight changes, and muscle weakness.
What does high cortisol in the blood mean?
High cortisol levels may indicate several possible conditions, including Cushing’s syndrome (where the body produces too much cortisol), chronic stress, depression, obesity, or taking medications like corticosteroids. Prolonged high cortisol can have detrimental effects, leading to issues such as high blood pressure, weakened bones, and a suppressed immune system. However, temporary increases in cortisol levels can occur due to acute stress.
When is the best time to take a Serum Cortisol Test?
Cortisol levels follow a natural daily rhythm, typically peaking early in the morning and declining throughout the day. As a result, the best time to take a serum cortisol test is usually early in the morning, ideally between 7 and 9 AM. This ensures that your cortisol levels are at their highest, providing a more accurate measure of your baseline cortisol production.
How accurate is the Serum Cortisol Test?
The Serum Cortisol Test is generally accurate, but its reliability depends on factors such as the timing of the test, sample collection, and other external factors like stress or illness. Because cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, multiple tests taken at different times of day may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, your healthcare provider may recommend other tests, such as the ACTH stimulation test, to confirm the findings.
