Question 1

What additional tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case of abnormal cortisol test results?

Accepted Answer

Additional tests that may be prescribed by the doctor in case of abnormal cortisol test result are urine cortisol test, salivary cortisol test, dexamethasone suppression test,  ACTH Stimulation Test, CT scan or MRI for suspected tumors.

Question 2

What is Cushing’s syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Cushing’s syndrome refers to a group of conditions caused due to a sustained increase in the levels of cortisol hormone in the body. Increased levels of cortisol are most commonly caused due to corticosteroid medications used to treat other diseases. These increased levels could also be due to overproduction of cortisol from the adrenal glands caused by ACTH-secreting tumor in the pituitary gland or elsewhere in the body, or adrenal gland diseases like adrenal hyperplasia. Cushing’s syndrome shows symptoms which include fat deposition between the shoulders (buffalo hump), puffy face, purple or pink stretch marks on the abdomen, high blood pressure. The other symptoms include loss of bone density, slow wound healing, increased body hair in females, weakness, fatigue, growth impairment, etc.

Question 3

What is Addison’s disease?

Accepted Answer

Addison’s disease is also called primary adrenal insufficiency. In this, the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient quantities of cortisol hormone due to the damage caused to the adrenal glands, diseases affecting the adrenal glands, or tumors in the adrenal glands. Symptoms include fatigue and weakness, rapid weight loss, the appearance of dark patches of skin, low blood pressure, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, etc. Addison’s disease can be life-threatening and can produce severe symptoms suddenly in a condition called Addisonian crisis or acute adrenal failure.

Question 4

What are the symptoms associated with increased cortisol levels?

Accepted Answer

Higher than normal cortisol levels in the blood can show symptoms such as   High blood pressure (hypertension), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), obesity, fragile skin, the appearance of purplish lines on the skin of the abdomen, weakness and muscular degeneration, osteoporosis and irregular menstruation.

Question 5

What are the symptoms associated with decreased cortisol levels?

Accepted Answer

Lower than normal cortisol levels in the blood can show symptoms such as rapid weight loss, fatigue and muscle weakness, low blood pressure, pain in the abdomen and dark patches of skin in Addison’s disease.

Question 6

How is the blood sample taken?

Accepted Answer

The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.

Question 7

Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?

Accepted Answer

As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.

Question 8

What factors can affect the cortisol test results?

Accepted Answer

The cortisol test results can be affected by a number of factors, including  a lifestyle that does not allow a regular sleeping pattern, stress, certain medications like birth control pills, glucocorticoids, and steroid hormone-based medications, physical trauma, final trimester of pregnancy, high physical activity in trained athletes, alcoholism and malnutrition

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Cortisol, Serum (Morning Sample)

What does Cortisol, Serum (Morning Sample) measure?