Cortisol (Urine)

Does this take a look at produce other names?

Urine-free cortisol take a look at

What is that this take a look at?

A urine cortisol take a look at might assist in the prognosis of two pretty unusual well being situations: Cushing syndrome and Addison illness. The take a look at additionally screens for different illnesses that have an effect on your pituitary and adrenal glands. It does so by measuring your urine degree of a stress hormone referred to as cortisol.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone made by your adrenal glands. It helps your physique reply to stress, regulate blood sugar, and struggle infections. In most individuals, cortisol ranges are highest within the morning after they get up and lowest round midnight. Your physique additionally pumps out extra cortisol while you’re anxious or beneath intense stress, which may have an effect on your well being if the degrees keep too excessive for too lengthy. In case your cortisol ranges are too excessive or too low, you will have a situation that wants therapy.

Why do I want this take a look at?

It’s possible you’ll want this take a look at in case your healthcare supplier suspects a well being downside attributable to an excessive amount of or too little cortisol.

A excessive cortisol degree could possibly be an indication of Cushing syndrome. Signs of Cushing syndrome embrace:

• Weight problems, particularly within the torso, face, and neck, with thinner legs and arms

• Hypertension

• Excessive blood sugar

• Skinny pores and skin that bruises simply

• Pink or purple stretch marks on the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, or buttocks

• Muscle weak point

• Osteoporosis

• Zits

• For ladies, irregular menstrual intervals and extra hair on the face and chest

Too little cortisol could possibly be an indication of Addison illness, additionally referred to as major adrenal insufficiency. It may be an indication of one other downside along with your adrenal glands. You’ll have these signs:

• Weight reduction

• Muscle and joint ache

• Fatigue, or excessive long-lasting tiredness

• Low blood strain

• Stomach ache

• Irritability and melancholy

• Nausea, vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Darkish patches of pores and skin

• For ladies, decreased armpit and pubic hair and decreased sexual want

What different assessments would possibly I’ve together with this take a look at?

In addition to a urine take a look at for cortisol, your healthcare supplier might take a look at the cortisol ranges in your blood or saliva.

Your healthcare supplier will possible order blood assessments that measure your physique’s response to sure hormones to assist decide the reason for your irregular cortisol ranges.

You might also have assessments to look inside your physique for irregular growths or tumors. These can have an effect on cortisol ranges. Assessments might embrace:

What do my take a look at outcomes imply?

Check outcomes might fluctuate relying in your age, gender, well being historical past, and different issues. Your take a look at outcomes could also be totally different relying on the lab used. They could not imply you’ve got an issue. Ask your healthcare supplier what your take a look at outcomes imply for you.

Regular values for cortisol in a urine take a look at are 10 to 55 micrograms per day (mcg/day).

In case your urine take a look at reveals abnormally excessive ranges of cortisol, chances are you’ll be recognized with Cushing syndrome. In case your cortisol ranges are low, you will have Addison illness.

How is that this take a look at completed?

This take a look at wants a urine pattern. It is typically collected over 24 hours. Your healthcare supplier gives you detailed instructions about methods to gather all of your urine over a 24-hour interval.

Does this take a look at pose any dangers?

This take a look at poses no recognized dangers.

What would possibly have an effect on my take a look at outcomes?

Cortisol ranges could also be excessive in folks with psychiatric problems, alcoholism, or morbid weight problems. This can be referred to as “pseudo-Cushing state.”

How do I prepare for this take a look at?

You need not put together for this take a look at. Make sure your healthcare supplier is aware of about all medicines, herbs, nutritional vitamins, and dietary supplements you take. This contains medicines that do not want a prescription and any unlawful medication chances are you’ll use.