Medical Diagnosis - Cortisol

Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is quantitatively the major glucocorticoid product of the adrenal cortex.  Measuring cortisol levels is used to diagnose human diseases which are caused by the overproduction of cortisol in Cushing’s syndrome (CS), deficiency of adrenal steroid excretion in Addison’s disease, and for therapy monitoring (e.g. dexamethasone suppression test in Cushing's syndrome and hormone replacement therapy in Addison's disease). Cortisol plays an important role in the regulation of many essential physiological processes, including energy metabolism, maintenance of electrolyte balance and blood pressure, immunomodulation and stress responses, cell proliferation as well as cognitive functions. Elevated serum levels can be found in stress responses, psychiatric diseases, obesity, diabetes, alcoholism and pregnancy, which may cause diagnostic problems in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Low levels of cortisol are seen in patients with rare adrenal enzyme defects and after long-lasting stress.

Diagnosis of Adrenal Insufficiency & Addison's Disease - NIDDK

Serum cortisol testing for suspected adrenal insufficiency - Page

What is Cortisol? The Hormone's Role in Stress and Health

Cushing Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Sweating the small stuff: Smartwatch developed at UCLA measures

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Cortisol: What It Does and Why It Matters to Mental Health

411 Adrenal Insufficiency with Dr. Atil Kargi - The Curbsiders

Investigating cortisol excess or deficiency: a practical approach

Cortisol Test: Price, Normal Range and Results - Drlogy

Cortisol You and Your Hormones from the Society for Endocrinology

Cort Stim Tests Core IM Podcast

Proposed flow-chart for the diagnosis of CAI when morning cortisol

Medical Diagnosis - Cortisol