Cortisol is known primarily as the "stress hormone". In stressful situations, its concentration increases and then the body is motivated to act. However, an increased level of cortisol, as well as its low level, may also appear in the course of many diseases, including cancerous ones. What does cortisol above and below normal mean?

Cortisol - what is it?

Cortisol , otherwisehydrocortisol , toglucocorticoid hormoneproduced by the adrenal glands, more precisely by the streak layer of the adrenal cortex.

The synthesis and secretion of cortisol is under the control of the corticotropin or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), secreted by the pituitary gland.

In turn, the production of ACTH is dependent on the hypothalamic corticoliberin (CRH). This adjustment is based on the principle of negative feedback.

This means thatan increase in ACTH levels leads to an increase in the secretion of cortisol . On the other hand, a significant increase in the concentration of cortisol in the blood results in the inhibition of ACTH secretion. Thanks to this mechanism, the body's internal balance is maintained.

Cortisol - functions in the body

Cortisol is one of the so-calledstress hormones . In difficult situations, it is secreted in greater amounts and contributes to the increase in blood glucose, because then the body needs more energy and mobilization to act.

Cortisol also enhances the action of other "stress hormones" - adrenaline and norepinephrine, and thus supports the body in dealing with the so-called. stressor.

Besides, cortisolaffects :

  • protein metabolism(intensifies catabolism, i.e. the breakdown of proteins)
  • carbohydrate metabolism(increases gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis)
  • fat management(increases lipolysis, i.e. the breakdown of triglycerides)
  • water and electrolyte balance(retains sodium in the body and increases potassium excretion)

Besides cortisol:

  • has anti-inflammatory properties (soothes inflammation and allergies)
  • has an immunosuppressive effect (weakens the immune system)
  • raises blood pressure
  • increases the secretion of gastric juice
  • releases calcium from bones

Cortisolis also usedas a drugin the treatment of certain diseases,e.g. bronchial asthma. It is also administered in life-threatening conditions, e.g. in the case of an asthmatic condition (similar to adrenaline in anaphylactic shock).

Cortisol - indications for blood concentration testing

The indication for a cortisol testwill be a suspicion of Cushing's syndrome, which results fromexcess cortisol in the blood , and its symptoms include .:

  • changes in body structure (fat deposition in the area of ​​the face, supraclavicular, neck and torso)
  • hypertension
  • mood disorders
  • depression
  • insomnia

The indication for the test will also besymptoms of lowering the level of cortisoland other adrenal hormones, such as, among others :

  • weakness
  • fatigue
  • lowering blood pressure

Cortisol - norms

Cortisol has adaily production cycle- the highest concentrations are observed in the morning, and the lowest in the late evening hours:

  • h 8.00 : 5 - 25 μg / dl (0.14 - 0.96 μmol / l or 138 - 690 nmol / l)
  • h 12.00 : 4 - 20 μg / dL (0.11 - 0.54 μmol / L or 110 - 552 nmol / L)
  • h 24.00 : 0 - 5 µg / dL (0.0 - 0.14 µmol / L or 0.0 - 3.86 nmol / L)

Normal values ​​ of cortisol concentration in urineare usuallywithin the range of 80 - 120 µg / 24h .

Cortisol - interpretation of test results

Cortisol Above Normal

The cause of the increased level of cortisol in the blood may be the excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which may indicate:

  • ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma
  • lung cancer
  • thyroid cancer
  • ACTH-secreting adrenal tumors

Abnormal cortisol levels may also be the result of a cortisol-secreting adrenal tumor or long and intensive glucocorticoid treatment.

Elevated cortisol levelsin your blood may also be an indication of:

  • chronic or sudden stress
  • depression
  • anorexia

Cortisol Below Normal

Reduced cortisol levelsin the blood may indicate primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease).

This disease can be caused by an autoimmune reaction, tuberculosis (and other infections).

Too low cortisol levelsmay also indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a congenital deficiency of enzymes responsible for the synthesis of adrenal hormones.

Category:

He alth