CLIN CHEM EXPLORER

Cortisol


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

11 comments:



Jena Isle said...

Hi Coleen,

This is a great improvement from the previous post. Good work.

I would suggest creating links to online related videos or updates about the topic. Go to your edit post tab and then click on the "chain" icon found at the top portion of your template, then add the URL of your link.

You could also add some pics from flickr.com with the attribution license. Don't forget to credit the photographer in your post.

Good luck!

Jena Isle said...

Oh, one more thing, kindly edit your Blog title to read: Clinical Chemistry Blog Notes 26.

Thanks.

eryLL said...

coleen....your post is so beautiful just like you. so keep it up, much more!

zorlone said...

Last time I was here in your blog, I wasn't able to leave a comment. I am glad I can do it now.

I like the fact that you linked the important terms here and showed the importance of the test and the clinical importance.

Overall: Concise post with links. Keep up the good work

Zorlone

maricris said...

Great post, keep it up!. Learnning is not just inside of the classrooms but also sharing the knowledge we've learned with other,,.

maricris said...

Great post, keep it up!. Learnning is not just inside of the classrooms but also sharing the knowledge we've learned with other,,.

maricris said...

Great post, keep it up!. Learnning is not just inside of the classrooms but also sharing the knowledge we've learned with other,,.

eryLL said...

your layout shines like the way your post shines so bright!! good!

juLliUs said...

short but complete information, nice.

dianachristina said...

great improvement ethel,

good post, keep it up!

Kelly said...

very informative post you can add the procedure/ method for
the identification of cortisol in the body. but overall good job. keep it up