cortisol saliva test

Urine cortisol measurement detects the presence of cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This qualitative screening test is used to identify abnormal cortisol production, particularly in suspected Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) or adrenal insufficiency (low cortisol). Cortisol regulates blood pressure, glucose, and immune function, so abnormal levels can cause significant health effects. 24-hour urine cortisol is often ordered to confirm results from other cortisol tests.

Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands that follows a daily rhythm, typically highest in early morning and lowest at night. A baseline (morning) cortisol test measures cortisol level at a specific time to assess adrenal function. Low baseline cortisol suggests adrenal insufficiency, causing fatigue, weakness, and low blood pressure. High baseline cortisol may indicate Cushing's syndrome, causing weight gain, muscle weakness, and mood changes. This test is often the first step in evaluating adrenal disorders and is part of broader testing protocols that include dynamic suppression tests for diagnosis.