Kortisoliarvot

Kortisoliarvot refer to the measurement of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response, inflammation, and stress response. Measuring cortisol levels is an important diagnostic tool in endocrinology.

Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, with higher concentrations typically in the morning and lower levels in the evening. This diurnal rhythm is a key consideration when interpreting cortisol values. Abnormal cortisol levels can indicate several medical conditions. Chronically elevated cortisol is associated with Cushing's syndrome, characterized by symptoms such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and muscle weakness. Conversely, low cortisol levels can be indicative of Addison's disease, a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, leading to fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure.

Cortisol levels can be measured in blood, saliva, or urine. Blood tests are common, but may need to be performed at specific times of day to account for the diurnal variation. Salivary cortisol tests are often used for home monitoring and can capture fluctuations over a 24-hour period. Urine tests provide an average cortisol level over a longer duration. Factors such as stress, medications, and certain illnesses can influence cortisol readings, necessitating careful clinical interpretation by a healthcare professional.