Cortisol (Stress hormone) adrenal glands

Cortisol is a hormone from the adrenal glands. This hormone is needed to cope with stressful situations. But if the stress hormone cortisol is coursing through our veins for too long, the results include forgetfulness and depression.

More about Cortisol

Cortisol is involved in regulating numerous processes related to our body's alertness. Too much cortisol leads to high blood pressure and increased blood sugar levels, among other things. Low cortisol can lead to low blood pressure and severe weakness. Take the cortisol test today.

The concentration of cortisol normally varies throughout the day. From high in the morning to low in the late afternoon/afternoon. Note for yourself the time you have your blood drawn, the result will give a reference value for the morning and a value for the afternoon.

Cortisol is a comprehensive hormone that, as mentioned above, has a day and night rhythm. Its concentration is higher in the morning than in the afternoon. Nutrition does not affect cortisol concentration, however, the time of day is of great importance in this test. If the test is repeated more often, the curve becomes well visible. So always indicate the time of sampling on the lab form of your cortisol test. Try to avoid stress before and during the blood draw.

During pregnancy, oral conceptiva and estrogen therapy, serum Cortisol concentrations are elevated. Keep this in mind.

For clarity of the reference values, it is best to have your blood drawn before 10 am. An example: if you had your blood drawn between 6 and 10 a.m. it should be between 171 and 497 nmol/l.

Take the cortisol test today to learn more about your stress hormone levels.