Cortisol Saliva
COS
Description
"Cortisol Saliva" test evaluates cortisol, a hormone linked to stress, using saliva samples collected at various times during the day to track natural fluctuations. It’s often used to investigate conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, or adrenal fatigue. Elevated cortisol levels may suggest chronic stress or Cushing’s, while low levels could point to adrenal insufficiency. Regular saliva cortisol checks help explain fatigue, sleep disturbances, or mood changes and guide treatments such as stress management or hormone support.
Category
Hormones
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
Saliva
Units
Nanograms Per Deciliter | Nanomoles Per Liter
Procedure Category
Swab
Test Group
Hormone Health Group, Adrenal Stress Group, Complete Adrenal 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: Morning (8 AM): Not Available | Noon (12 PM): Not Available | Afternoon (4 PM): Not Available | Midnight: Not Available
SI Unit: Morning (8 AM): Not Available | Noon (12 PM): Not Available | Afternoon (4 PM): Not Available | Midnight: Not Available
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: Morning (8 AM): 2.5–60.0 ng/dL | Noon (12 PM): <33.0 ng/dL | Afternoon (4 PM): 1.0–20.0 ng/dL | Midnight: <9.0 ng/dL
SI Unit: Morning (8 AM): 6.89–165.6 nmol/L | Noon (12 PM): <91.1 nmol/L | Afternoon (4 PM): 2.76–55.2 nmol/L | Midnight: <24.8 nmol/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Adrenal adenoma (non-cancerous tumor of the adrenal gland)
Alcoholism
Anxiety disorders (mental health conditions characterized by excessive worry or fear)
Cushing's syndrome (condition resulting from prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol)
Depression (mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of i...
Key Reasons For Testing
Adrenal Function: Measures cortisol in saliva to diagnose adrenal insufficiency or Cushing’s syndrome.
Stress Response: Tracks cortisol changes to evaluate your body’s reaction to stress.
Endocrine Disorders: Detects hormonal imbalances related to adrenal dysfunction.
Circadian Rhythm: Identifies disruptions in daily cortisol patterns affecting sleep and energy.
Steroid Therapy Monitoring: Ensures safe dosing and effective treatment.
Fatigue Causes: Investigates abnormal cortisol levels tied to low energy or weakness.
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.
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