Cortisol is the hormone for which we could attribute a person’s level of stress and anxiety. It is a hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex (which is a part of the adrenal gland). At normal rate, cortisol contributes to the metabolic rate of an individual and is also said to mobilize the function of the immune system.
image reference:
http://www.cortisolcure.com/cortisol.gif
Functions of Cartisol:
Cortisol’s primary functions include mobilization and energy regulation. It provides protein for energy production and regulates body fats. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory
mechanism that allows the body to combat and keep up with stress. Other function includes:
• increase the functionality of the thyroid
• insulin production for blood pressure regulation
• proper glucose metabolism
Test
A cortisol test is done to find problems of the pituitary gland or adrenal glands. Normal production of cortisol in humans is 15 - 20 mg per day. Cortisol levels get higher when the pituitary gland releases another hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone. If this would be prolonged, several problems might occur such as:
• impaired cognitive performance
• blood sugar imbalance
• high blood pressure
• low inflammatory response of the body
On the other hand, low production of cortisol may result to:
• Addison's disease
• Internal bleeding
And high production of cortisol level may result to:
• pregnancy
• hyperthyroidism
• Cushing's syndrome
Therefore, it is significant to know your cortisol level.
References:
http://unasked.com/question/view/id/2817
http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cortisol/test.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocortisone
http://www.virginiahopkinstestkits.com/cortisolzava.html
http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/cortisol.htm
image reference:
http://www.cortisolcure.com/cortisol.gif
Functions of Cartisol:
Cortisol’s primary functions include mobilization and energy regulation. It provides protein for energy production and regulates body fats. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory
mechanism that allows the body to combat and keep up with stress. Other function includes:
• increase the functionality of the thyroid
• insulin production for blood pressure regulation
• proper glucose metabolism
Test
A cortisol test is done to find problems of the pituitary gland or adrenal glands. Normal production of cortisol in humans is 15 - 20 mg per day. Cortisol levels get higher when the pituitary gland releases another hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone. If this would be prolonged, several problems might occur such as:
• impaired cognitive performance
• blood sugar imbalance
• high blood pressure
• low inflammatory response of the body
On the other hand, low production of cortisol may result to:
• Addison's disease
• Internal bleeding
And high production of cortisol level may result to:
• pregnancy
• hyperthyroidism
• Cushing's syndrome
Therefore, it is significant to know your cortisol level.
References:
http://unasked.com/question/view/id/2817
http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cortisol/test.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocortisone
http://www.virginiahopkinstestkits.com/cortisolzava.html
http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/cortisol.htm
