Cortisol is a biologically active hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. In many sources, it can be found under a different name, namely 17-hydroxycorticosterone, compound F, or hydrocortisone.
The adrenal glands are a paired endocrine gland that is adjacent to the kidneys in the projection of the sixth, seventh thoracic vertebrae. They begin to produce cortisol together with adrenocorticotropic hormone. To synthesize this substance, the adrenal glands must receive a signal from the hypothalamus, that is, from the center of the brain, which controls neuroendocrine activity.
Cortisol is a type of steroid. In the blood, it combines with globulin and albumincirculating freely.
If you pay attention to the synthesis of cortisol, you can see a long chain of its transformation: at the beginning it is presented in the form of fat-like compounds of cholesterol, and then it turns into progesterone. Already from progesterone, corticosterone begins to form, which is presented in the form of glucocorticoids.
Without this hormone, carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism cannot be carried out correctly; it plays a huge role in the water-salt balance, saves energy in the human body.
It can be concluded that this hormone is an integral part functioning of human body. Most often, any disturbances in the formation of cortisol begin to manifest themselves in the form of certain symptoms, such as depression and depression, a possible periodic apathetic state, and nervous overstrain.
Lack or excess of cortisol leads to excessive irritability, unreasonable stress, regular sleep disturbance, insomnia and improper metabolism.
If you have similar symptoms, then you need to seek help from specialists, where you will be prescribed the appropriate tests. These signs can be caused not only due to improper production of hormones, but also other more serious pathological processes.
When analysis is assigned
Cortisol analysis is called a marker of the level of activity of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal glands.
A doctor may prescribe a similar analysis for patients with:
- Numerous and progressive symptoms, which are characteristic of Itsenko-Cushing’s disease. As a rule, these are signs of obesity, persistent high blood pressure, increased blood sugar, neuromuscular disorders, increased hairiness (applies to women), an increase in blood volume, increased trauma to the skin and soft tissues.
- Atypical clinical symptoms for the age of the patient: persistent elevated blood pressure, chronic diseases of the skeleton.
- The formation of the adrenal glands.
A cortisol test may be given to children who are clearly stunted and to patients to determine the nature of adrenal insufficiency.
How to prepare for a cortisol blood test
In order for the test results to be more accurate, it is necessary to properly prepare for the procedure. The day before the test, the patient should exclude smoking and any physical activity. A week before the analysis, you need to stop taking hormonal drugsby consulting a doctor. Otherwise, the results will be considered invalid.
Testing time is in the morning. Blood is taken from the patient’s cubital vein. Manipulation is carried out on an empty stomach.
If, according to the results of the tests, the specialists determined that the level of cortisol in the blood is within the normal range, then complaints are not related to the work of the adrenal glands. Otherwise, cortisol is a destroyer and threatens health. In the case of elevated levels of this hormone, doctors can give several recommendations, for example:
- lose weight (for overweight patients);
- avoid drinks containing high levels of caffeine;
- exclude alcoholic beverages;
- add more protein to your diet.
With an increased level of cortisol, a person must improve his sleep – in such cases, it is important to get enough sleep. In each case of deviation from the norm, the doctor looks for the cause and makes appointments.
Deciphering the results
If, according to the results of the tests, specialists determined a significant increase in cortisol in the blood, then this may indicate:
- Itsenko-Cushing’s disease;
- nodular adrenal hyperplasia;
- ectopic corticotropin-releasing hormone syndrome;
- ectopic ACTH syndrome;
- polycystic ovaries;
- hyperthyroid state;
- low blood glucose levels;
- human immunodeficiency virus (applies to adult patients);
- uncompensated diabetes mellitus.
High levels of cortisol may indicate that a woman is pregnant. In this state, an increase in cortisol is considered normal. A low level of cortisol in the blood may indicate:
- about the complete cessation of hormone secretion by the pituitary gland;
- chronic insufficiency of the adrenal cortex;
- improper or prolonged use of drugs of the glucocorticoid group;
- congenital dysfunction of the adrenal cortex;
- decrease in secretion;
- hepatocellular insufficiency (cirrhosis or hepatitis).
Also, the level of the hormone in the blood may decrease due to sudden weight loss. Normal indicators should be the same for both men and women. During the period of bearing a child, the level of cortisol in the blood can increase significantly, but doctors do not consider this a pathological process. Thus, the body of a woman is prepared and gathers strength for bearing a baby.
In order to diagnose serious disorders of the adrenal glands in time, doctors recommend taking an annual test for the level of cortisol in the blood. in the presence of complaints and risk factors.