Cortisol, an endogenous hormone, has a wide range of effects on the body. It can be used to increase blood sugar and heart rate, for example. Cortisol is sometimes known as the "stress hormone." Numerous health problems can occur when cortisol levels are either too high or too low. What are they, how is cortisol tested, and why might it change?
Cortisol and cortisone as endogenous hormones
Cortisone is the inactive precursor of cortisol, a vital hormone produced in the adrenal cortex. It is one of the glucocorticoids, which belong to the group of corticosteroids. Synthetic glucocorticoids, such as ointments and tablets, are often referred to as cortisone in general usage. The correct name for these drugs is glucocorticoids.
Effects of cortisol
Cortisol is a messenger substance that mobilises energy reserves, increases blood sugar and fat levels, and contributes to the heart beating faster, breathing faster, and the ability to concentrate. It is the stress hormone, released when faced with a threat, and can be elevated due to physical illness. Glucocorticoids have an important function in inflammation, which can inhibit inflammatory reactions. Too much cortisol can be bad for health, such as increased risk of infection and osteoporosis.
Cortisol levels vary greatly.
The body produces 10-25 milligrammes of cortisol per day, and up to 300 milligrammes under stress. This hormone is controlled by a complex regulatory mechanism, with the greatest amount being formed in the morning and decreasing throughout the day. Exact knowledge of this control loop is essential for successful cortisone treatment.
Measure cortisol levels: normal values
The most important details are that a blood, urine, or saliva sample can be taken in the laboratory to determine if the cortisol level is too high. Samples should be taken morning and night, and 24-hour urine samples are used for testing. Reference values for measuring cortisol levels in adults aged 19 and over are available online.
The following values serve as reference values for measuring cortisol levels in adults aged 19 and over using blood samples:
in the morning (8 a.m.): 145 - 620 nmol/l
in the evening (11 p.m.): less than 138 nmol/l
The following reference values are available for saliva samples for adults aged 18 and over:
in the morning (8 a.m.): 0.09 - 1.04 μg/dl
in the evening (11 p.m.): 0.02 - 0.34 μg/dl
The following normal values apply to urine tests in adults aged 18 and over: 79 - 590 nmol/24h
The normal values for children and adolescents should be lower than those for adults. The ACTH value should be determined in parallel with the cortisol level, which is produced in the pituitary gland and influences the production of hormones in the adrenal cortex. Further tests are usually carried out to substantiate the results.
Cortisol too low : what are the causes behind it?
The adrenal cortex's insufficiency results in hypocortisolism, which is a lack of cortisol. Addison's disease or pituitary gland hypofunction can be the cause. Messenger substances are formed there, that control the work of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland, or sexual organs. Functional disorders of the pituitary gland can also affect cortisol or cortisone.
Symptoms of cortisol deficiency
A lack of cortisol can also cause health problems.
Typical symptoms include:
- drop in performance
- fatigue
- nausea
- weight loss
- low blood pressure
Cortisol is too high; what are the causes?
Hypercortisolism is a medical condition caused by excessive cortisol levels. It can be caused by physical illnesses, such as exogenous Cushing's syndrome, or by tumors in the pituitary gland. The psyche can also influence the cortisol level, as it can be affected by tense situations.
What are the signs that the values are too high?
High cortisol levels can lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety, high blood pressure, increased susceptibility to infections, a swollen face, a buffalo hump, and trunk obesity.
Medical advice should be sought to treat any underlying diseases, and the affected person can try to lower the cortisol themselves, but a doctor should also be consulted if psychological stress persists.
Cortisol is sometimes known as the "stress hormone." Numerous health problems can occur when cortisol levels are either too high or too low. What are they, how is cortisol tested, and why might it change?
Cortisol and cortisone as endogenous hormones
Cortisone is the inactive precursor of cortisol, a vital hormone produced in the adrenal cortex. It is one of the glucocorticoids, which belong to the group of corticosteroids. Synthetic glucocorticoids, such as ointments and tablets, are often referred to as cortisone in general usage. The correct name for these drugs is glucocorticoids.
Effects of cortisol
Cortisol is a messenger substance that mobilises energy reserves, increases blood sugar and fat levels, and contributes to the heart beating faster, breathing faster, and the ability to concentrate. It is the stress hormone, released when faced with a threat, and can be elevated due to physical illness. Glucocorticoids have an important function in inflammation, which can inhibit inflammatory reactions. Too much cortisol can be bad for health, such as increased risk of infection and osteoporosis.
Cortisol levels vary greatly.
The body produces 10-25 milligrammes of cortisol per day, and up to 300 milligrammes under stress. This hormone is controlled by a complex regulatory mechanism, with the greatest amount being formed in the morning and decreasing throughout the day. Exact knowledge of this control loop is essential for successful cortisone treatment.
Measure cortisol levels: normal values
The most important details are that a blood, urine, or saliva sample can be taken in the laboratory to determine if the cortisol level is too high. Samples should be taken morning and night, and 24-hour urine samples are used for testing. Reference values for measuring cortisol levels in adults aged 19 and over are available online.
The following values serve as reference values for measuring cortisol levels in adults aged 19 and over using blood samples:
in the morning (8 a.m.): 145 - 620 nmol/l
in the evening (11 p.m.): less than 138 nmol/l
The following reference values are available for saliva samples for adults aged 18 and over:
in the morning (8 a.m.): 0.09 - 1.04 μg/dl
in the evening (11 p.m.): 0.02 - 0.34 μg/dl
The following normal values apply to urine tests in adults aged 18 and over: 79 - 590 nmol/24h
The normal values for children and adolescents should be lower than those for adults. The ACTH value should be determined in parallel with the cortisol level, which is produced in the pituitary gland and influences the production of hormones in the adrenal cortex. Further tests are usually carried out to substantiate the results.
Cortisol too low : what are the causes behind it?
The adrenal cortex's insufficiency results in hypocortisolism, which is a lack of cortisol. Addison's disease or pituitary gland hypofunction can be the cause. Messenger substances are formed there, that control the work of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland, or sexual organs. Functional disorders of the pituitary gland can also affect cortisol or cortisone.
Symptoms of cortisol deficiency
A lack of cortisol can also cause health problems.
Typical symptoms include:
- drop in performance
- fatigue
- nausea
- weight loss
- low blood pressure
Cortisol is too high; what are the causes?
Hypercortisolism is a medical condition caused by excessive cortisol levels. It can be caused by physical illnesses, such as exogenous Cushing's syndrome, or by tumors in the pituitary gland. The psyche can also influence the cortisol level, as it can be affected by tense situations.
What are the signs that the values are too high?
High cortisol levels can lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety, high blood pressure, increased susceptibility to infections, a swollen face, a buffalo hump, and trunk obesity.
Medical advice should be sought to treat any underlying diseases, and the affected person can try to lower the cortisol themselves, but a doctor should also be consulted if psychological stress persists.
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