What is serum cortisol?
serum cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. This hormone is released in the body to increase blood sugar and regulate metabolism. It also sets out when excessive stress is felt. The fluctuations of cortisol levels in the body can affect mental well -being.
The blood cortisol blood test can measure the amount of cortisol in the body and determine whether there are problems with the adrenal gland. It can also identify Cushing's syndrome. This condition increases cortisol levels and causes weight gain and obesity. Thin arms and legs along with excessive weight transmitted around the middle part are usually symptoms of high cortisol levels. Low cortisol levels can also cause certain conditions and diseases, including Addison's disease. Both of these conditions can suppress the immune system and cause weakness and changes in skin pigmentation. These symptoms are not always presentaa are usually seen only when excessive stress is felt. Extreme sweating can cause sodium levels to drop, whichIt can also reduce serum cortisol levels. After restoring sodium levels, cortisol levels usually return to normal.
cortisol levels may vary depending on the time of day or whether the patient is taking long -term prescription drugs. The serum cortisol test is usually served early in the morning for more accurate reading. This is when the levels are highest while the lowest levels are visible late at night. Other things, such as the use of estrogen or pregnancy, may affect serum cortisol levels so that normal level may vary in each individual patient. The average level of adults is usually 5 to 30 micrograms.
by removing or reducing excessive stress, the fluctuating levels of serum cortisol can be checked because stress is the most common reasemon for increased levels. Yoga, meditation and everyday exercise can also produce a normal number. A healthy diet can also help but thatIt lies on whether cortisol levels in serum are too high or too low. For example, a high carbohydrate diet can increase the level, while a low sodium diet can reduce these levels.