The Cortisol PM serum test detects deficient or excess cortisol production. Often combined with the AM cortisol serum test and the ACTH test, this blood test helps diagnose conditions related to the adrenal and pituitary glands.
It is recommended in:To diagnose Cushing’s syndrome caused due to high cortisol levels.To analyse Addison’s disease.To measure and diagnose conditions of the adrenal glands or pituitary glands.
The Cortisol PM test measures:The Cortisol PM test measures the level of cortisol. The cortisol is produced in the adrenal gland and is known as the . Its normal feedback is controlled by the pituitary ACTH and the hypothalamus.Balanced cortisol values are very important for helping to maintain healthy stress levels, immune responses, glucose levels, and blood pressure.Analysing hypoadrenalism usually requires confirmation with ACTH stimulation due to the circadian rhythms of cortisol and other various factors. Higher cortisol levels often look like a loss of a normal diurnal variation at first, but typical causes include adrenal adenomas, pituitary overproduction of ACTH, and production of ACTH by a tumour (notably oat cell cancers).There are many causes of the low cortisol, including the pituitary destruction or failure, with resultant loss of ACTH to stimulate the adrenal, and metabolic errors or destruction of the adrenal gland itself (histoplasmosis, tuberculosis, adrenogenital syndromes).
The Cortisol PM test is prescribed by your doctor after completing the assessment of your conditions.
1.7–14.1 μg/dL
We require a blood sample for this test.
This test can be taken at any time during the day.
Fasting is not required for this test.
There are no specific precautions for this test.
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