Medical procedures >>>> Testing for cortisol levels - why is it needed?
Testing for cortisol levels - why is it needed?
The hormone cortisol (hydrocortisone) is an important adrenal hormone that plays a role in regulating metabolic processes (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats), as well as the body's response to stress and blood pressure.
An analysis of cortisol levels is necessary to detect endocrine disorders with increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, the development of obesity, or vice versa, dystrophy, the appearance of persistent acne, increased hair growth, possible detection of adrenal tumors, pituitary adenoma, hyperthyroidism, ovarian tumors, tumors testicles, frequent cases of depression.
This is an important analysis that provides information on the possible causes of poor general health, changes in skin pigmentation, unstable blood pressure, depressed mood, and skin problems.
To study the level of the hormone cortisol, a solid-phase chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay is performed. To obtain adequate results when taking an analysis for research, a person should not be nervous, feel physical discomfort, do not eat food, medications - estrogens, or smoke the day before.
Blood for analysis is taken several times a day to identify the rhythm of the increase and decrease in the level of the hormone during the day. The analysis can be repeated for several days for clarification and reliability in order to eliminate the stress factor. The norm before twelve o'clock in the afternoon is 138 - 536 nmol /L, in the afternoon - 68 - 327 nmol /L.
In the early morning at six to eight o'clock, the level of cortisol reaches its maximum values, in the evening before bedtime it decreases. In pregnant women, cortisol levels can rise up to five times.
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