Cortisol is a steroid hormone secreted by cortex as
part of body’s response to stress. It suppresses
inflammation and regulates the deposition of fat in
the body. Cortisol concentration in the body indicates
the level of stress in the body.
Cortisol has important tasks in the body. It helps maintain
blood pressure and cardiovascular function. It balances
the effect of insulin and regulates the metabolism of
proteins and fat. But its most important function is
to help the body respond to stress. People who are alcoholic
or suffer from depression and panic disorders have increased
cortisol levels.
Recently, researchers have discovered
a relation between cortisol and body fat. It influences
obesity. And that’s why cortisol related diet
pills have come to the market to solve the problem.
Let’s learn more about cortisol.
Measurement of Cortisol Level
The level of cortisol in bloodstream
displays what is called diurnal variation. Here, the
normal concentration of cortisol may vary throughout
24 hours. Level of cortisol is highest in morning and
lowest in midnight.
Cortisol test is done to measure the
hormone levels in the blood. A high level of cortisol
in the blood can indicate Cushing's syndrome, a disorder
caused due to overactive adrenal glands, a pituitary
or adrenal gland tumor, some types of cancer or long-term
use of corticosteroids. A high level of cortisol in
the urine strongly indicates Cushing's syndrome.
A high blood cortisol level can indicate
conditions such as severe liver or kidney disease.
A low level of cortisol in the blood
can indicate Addison's disease, which is caused by damage
to the adrenal glands.
Diagnosis is based on a review of the
patient's medical history, physical examination and
laboratory tests. Often x-ray exams of the adrenal or
pituitary glands are useful for locating tumors.
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