A few questions help us personalize your report.
Cortisol is your body's primary stress hormone, released by the adrenal glands in a circadian rhythm that peaks within 30–45 minutes of waking and gradually drops through the day. It regulates blood sugar, immune responses, blood pressure, energy metabolism, and the sleep-wake cycle — but chronic cortisol elevation from sustained stress, poor sleep, or adrenal dysfunction disrupts all these systems simultaneously. A morning serum cortisol gives a useful snapshot; a four-point salivary cortisol test provides a more complete picture of the full daily rhythm.
Also known as: 17-Hydroxycorticosterone, AM Cortisol, Compound F, Coritsol, Cort, Cortisol, Cortisol (8am), Cortisol (AM)
High cortisol causes central obesity, muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and immune suppression from Cushing syndrome. Low cortisol causes fatigue, hypotension, and salt cravings from Addison disease.
Morning cortisol standard range is 6-18 ug/dL. Functional optimal is 10-15 ug/dL. A flattened diurnal curve is associated with chronic stress and metabolic syndrome.