What are cortisol levels?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone released from the adrenal cortex in response to a hormone called ACTH (produced by the pituitary gland). Cortisol levels are often measured to evaluate how well the pituitary and adrenal glands are working. Normal values at 8 a.m.are 6 – 23 mcg/dL. Note: mcg/dL = micrograms per deciliter A cortisol level is a blood test that measures the amount of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. Higher-than-normal levels may indicate: Adrenal tumor Cushing’s syndrome Ectopic ACTH-producing tumors Lower-than-normal levels may indicate: Addison’s disease Hypopituitarism Other conditions under which the test may be performed: Acute adrenal crisis Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome Pituitary Cushing’s (Cushing’s disease) Normally, cortisol levels rise and fall during the day, repeating on a 24-hour cycle (diurnal variation). Highest levels are at about 6-8 a.m. and lowest levels are at about midnight. Physical and emotional stress can increase cortisol leve
