Understanding Your Cortisol Serum (Morning Sample) Test
What It Is: The Cortisol Serum (Morning Sample) test is a blood test that measures the level of cortisol, a vital steroid hormone produced by your adrenal glands. This test is typically done in the morning because that's when cortisol levels are at their highest.
Why It's Done: This test serves several important purposes, including:
Diagnosing Disorders: It helps identify conditions like Cushing’s syndrome (excessive cortisol) and Addison’s disease (insufficient cortisol).
Assessing Stress Response: It evaluates cortisol levels to see how your body responds to stress.
Checking Pituitary Function: It assesses the functioning of the pituitary gland, which regulates cortisol production.
Monitoring Treatment: It tracks cortisol levels in individuals receiving hormone replacement therapy.
Investigating Symptoms: It helps find the cause of symptoms like unexplained weight changes, fatigue, and mood changes, which could be related to cortisol imbalance.
Evaluating Sleep Disorders: It can help assess sleep issues such as insomnia.
Screening for Other Conditions: It's part of screening for conditions influenced by cortisol levels, such as metabolic syndrome.
How the Test Works:
Preparation: You'll need to fast overnight (8-12 hours) before the test, meaning no food or drink except water.
Sample Collection: A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of your blood in the morning.
Laboratory Analysis: The blood sample is sent to a lab, where the cortisol level is measured.
Understanding the Results:
Normal Cortisol Levels: Suggest that your adrenal glands and pituitary gland are functioning properly.
High Cortisol Levels: Could indicate Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal tumors, or a pituitary gland issue.
Low Cortisol Levels: Might point to Addison’s disease, adrenal insufficiency, or other disorders affecting adrenal function.
Why Your Doctor Might Order This Test:
Diagnosing Adrenal Disorders: To check for Cushing’s syndrome or Addison’s disease.
Monitoring Treatment: For individuals with diagnosed adrenal disorders, this test helps monitor treatment effectiveness.
Evaluating Symptoms: If you're experiencing symptoms like unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or mood swings, this test can help identify if cortisol imbalance is the cause.
Assessing Stress Response: Since cortisol is known as the "stress hormone," this test can provide insight into how your body is handling stress.