Description
An adrenal cortisol test measures the level of cortisol in the blood, urine, or saliva to help diagnose or monitor conditions that affect the adrenal glands:
- Cushing's syndrome – A condition that occurs when the body has too much cortisol over a long period of time. Symptoms include weight gain, round face, and easy bruising.
- Addison disease – A condition that occurs when the adrenal glands are damaged and can't produce enough cortisol. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, and weight loss.
- Secondary adrenal insufficiency – A condition that occurs when the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol because the pituitary gland isn't working properly.
This panel includes the following test:
Cortisol
ACTH, or Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Test
Recommended to perform in morning.
Additional information about each test is listed below:
Cortisol testing aids in the diagnosis of adrenal disorders, such as Addison’s Disease and Cushing’s Disease. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland and regulated by the pituitary gland. It plays an important role in regulating metabolism, blood pressure, blood sugar and the immune system.
Cortisol levels are important as they help the body maintain functions such as: Blood pressure, glucose levels, immune response and stress management.
An ACTH, or adrenocorticotropic hormone test, measures the level of hormone from the pituitary gland that controls the adrenal glands. ACTH tests help diagnose and monitor conditions that affect cortisol levels, such as disorders of the pituitary and adrenal glands. For example, high levels of ACTH may indicate Cushing's disease, a tumor in the pituitary gland, or Addison's disease, which is when the adrenal glands fail. Low levels of ACTH may indicate damage to the pituitary gland, an adrenal tumor, or the use of corticosteroid medicines.
