Cortisol Only (4-Point Cortisol)

Ordering the 4-Point Cortisol Test with Sanesco & Neurolab

Cortisol is a hormone that is made by the adrenal glands, and the pituitary gland tells your adrenal glands how much cortisol to make in response to:

• Stress (cortisol is sometimes called the "stress hormone")
• Inflammation
• Regulating blood sugar and metabolism (how your body uses food for energy)
• Controlling blood pressure
  

In a healthy individual, cortisol levels increase and decrease at different times of the day. It's usually higher in the morning and lower at night unless a person works during late hours or has changing shifts.

Factors that can affect cortisol levels:

• Exercise
• Hypothyroidism
• Infection
• Injury or disease
• Medications such as hydrocortisone, prednisone or birth control pills, obesity, pregnancy
• Physical or emotional stress
  

Which Patients is the Cortisol Test with Sanesco & Neurolab Best Used For?

The 4-Point Cortisol Only Profile assesses cortisol levels throughout the day using a non-invasive saliva collection. This profile may also be helpful for shift workers or frequent travelers whose circadian rhythm may be disrupted. The CARE Report must be added on separately.

Symptoms That May Lead A Practitioner to Order a Cortisol Test

Symptoms of too much cortisol may include:

• Weight gain
• Thin arms and legs
• Round face
• Increased fat around the base of the neck or between the shoulder blades
• Easy bruising
• Wide purple streaks on the stomach, breasts, hips, and under the arms
• Muscle weakness
  

Symptoms of not enough cortisol may include:

• Long-lasting fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Abdominal (belly) pain