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Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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Cortisol Free Urine

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CFU

Description

"Cortisol Free Urine" test measures cortisol in urine collected over a 24-hour period, offering insight into adrenal gland function and hormone activity. This test is often recommended for diagnosing conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, or stress-related hormonal imbalances. High cortisol levels may indicate adrenal tumors, chronic stress, or Cushing’s syndrome, while low levels can suggest adrenal insufficiency. Results help doctors understand symptoms such as fatigue, weight fluctuations, or high blood pressure and plan personalized treatments.

"Cortisol Free Urine" test measures cortisol in urine collected over a 24-hour period, offering insight into adrenal gland function and hormone activity. This test is often recommended for diagnosing conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, or stress-related hormonal imbalances. High cortisol levels may indicate adrenal tumors, chronic stress, or Cushing’s syndrome, while low levels can suggest adrenal insufficiency. Results help doctors understand symptoms such as fatigue, weight fluctuations, or high blood pressure and plan personalized treatments.

Category

Hormones

Procedure

Non-Invasive

Sample Type

Urine

Units

Micrograms per 24 Hours | Nanomoles per 24 Hours

Procedure Category

Collect, Measure

Test Group

Hormone Health Group, Complete Adrenal Group, Adrenal Stress Group, Sleep Function Group

Test Group Description

Adrenal Stress Group: Tests in this group evaluate adrenal gland function, specifically stress hormones like cortisol, for a comprehensive understanding of adrenal health. Complete Adrenal Group: Essential tests for a comprehensive evaluation of adrenal gland function, aiding in the diagnosis and management of adrenal disorders. Hormone Health Group: Its focus is on evaluating hormone levels and function, providing insights into hormonal balance and associated health conditions. Sleep Function Group: This group of tests evaluates sleep quality and function, providing insights into sleep architecture and potential disruptions for comprehensive sleep health assessment.

Optimal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: Not Available

  • SI Unit: Not Available

Normal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 4.00–40.00 mcg/24 hrs

  • SI Unit: 11.04–110.4 nmol/24 hrs

Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)

Increased levels may indicate:


  • Adrenal gland tumor (abnormal growth in the adrenal glands)

  • Carcinoma (cancerous growth)

  • Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol production)

  • Ectopic Cushing syndrome (abnormal production of cortisol outside the adrenal glands)

  • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)

  • Obesity

  • ...

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Adrenal Function: Evaluates adrenal gland health to diagnose conditions like Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome.

  • Stress Response: Tracks cortisol fluctuations to understand how your body handles stress.

  • Endocrine Disorders: Detects adrenal dysfunction and other endocrine-related issues.

  • Cortisol Metabolism: Examines how cortisol is processed and excreted in urine.

  • Circadian Rhythm: Identifies disruptions in cortisol’s daily cycle, impacting energy and sleep.

  • Steroid Therapy Monitoring: Ensures proper dosing and effectiveness of treatments to avoid side effects.

Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess

Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.

Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test

Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.

References

Important Note

Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.


Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.

Disclaimer

This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.


Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.

[1] Raff H, Findling JW. A physiologic approach to diagnosis of the Cushing syndrome. Ann Intern Med.2003;138(12):980-991.
[2] Nieman LK, Biller BM, Findling JW, et al. The diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome: an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93(5):1526-1540.
[3] El-Farhan N, Rees DA, Evans C. Measuring cortisol in serum, urine and saliva—are our assays good enough? Ann Clin Biochem. 2017;54(3):308-322.
[4] Pecori Giraldi F, Ambrogio AG, Andrioli M, et al. Potential diagnostic value of urinary free cortisol in the assessment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. J Endocrinol Invest. 2011;34(6).
[5] Nieman LK. Cushing's syndrome: update on signs, symptoms and biochemical screening. Eur J Endocrinol.2015;173(4).
[6] Findling JW, Raff H. Screening and diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am.2005;34(2):385-402.
[7] Carroll T, Raff H, Findling JW. Late-night urinary free cortisol and its role in the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome. Endocr Pract. 2009;15(4):335-342.
[8] Lindholm J, Juul S, Jørgensen JO, et al. Incidence and late prognosis of Cushing's syndrome: a population-based study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86(1):117-123.
[9] Arnaldi G, Angeli A, Atkinson AB, et al. Diagnosis and complications of Cushing's syndrome: a consensus statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003;88(12):5593-5602.
[10] Ceccato F, Barbot M, Zilio M, et al. Urinary free cortisol in the diagnosis and monitoring of Cushing’s syndrome. Eur J Endocrinol. 2013;169(1):31-36.
[11] Manetti L, Rossi G, Grasso L, et al. Diagnostic use of midnight urinary free cortisol for the detection of Cushing’s syndrome. J Endocrinol Invest. 2001;24(5):419-424.
[12] Yanovski JA, Cutler GB Jr, Chrousos GP, Nieman LK. The dexamethasone-suppressed urinary free cortisol test for differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1998;83(2):348-352.

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