CORTISOL TESTS
Endocrine System
We know that cortisol levels increase when we are under stress. This happens when we perceive something as threatening our survival. Due to the “fight or flight” response programed into us from our primitive brain, we over react to daily events such as challenges on the job and arguments as if they were life and death situations.
As we become upset and stressed, the hypothalamus activates the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system that we are under attack. One of the body’s reactions is to release cortisol. Too much cortisol is excreted when we are under stress for prolonged periods of time. When this happens, the cortisol will go to a genetically predetermined area of weakness in the body or to an area that you are constantly tensing while you are feeling stressed out. Too much cortisol can then attack that area and cause disease or if the area is already diseased, it can make it worse.
I was asked if there was a medical test designed to detect the levels of cortisol in the body.
Yes, there are 3 types of test: blood, urine and saliva.
If you are experiencing certain illnesses or diseases, testing may be appropriate. Cushing syndrome, Addison’s Disease, some metabolic problems or adrenal disease are some of the diseases where physicians may prescribe testing for cortisol levels. Always talk to you doctor or chiropractor about your concerns if you suspect that stress is effecting you health.
You can find information on what the testing entails, etc. at:
http://www.testmyhormones.com/adrenal_function_background.htm
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cortisol-14668
http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cortisol/test.html
http://www.testmyhormones.com/adrenal_function_background.htm