Nicole's Mom Posted October 21, 2004 Report Share Posted October 21, 2004 I know that cortisol has been discussed here and there but I am completely confused as to what it is. I'm learning about adrenaline - I think I'm getting that straight-at least (I think I am) that hypovolemia causes the body to spurt out adrenaline because I see Nicole all adrenaline-y lots of times and I know it's worse when she's most dehydrated. Now I'm trying to research licorice and I keep coming across references to cortisol but nothing ever defines what it is. I can't seem to put it into any context. It would help me a lot in my research if I could understand what cortisol is and what is its function in a normal body. Also is there any relationship between adrenaline and cortisol???? Thank you,Beverly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyMouse Posted October 21, 2004 Report Share Posted October 21, 2004 Cortisol is a hormone released by the pituitary/adrenalshere's info from Medline/NIH: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/ar...icle/003693.htmWhy the test is performed Cortisol levels are often measured to evaluate the pituitary and adrenal function.Normal Values Normal values at 8 a.m.are 6 to 23 mcg/dl. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.Note: mcg/dl = micrograms per deciliterWhat abnormal results mean Greater than normal levels may indicate: * Adrenal tumor * Cushing's syndrome * Ectopic ACTH-producing tumorsLower than normal levels may indicate: * Addison's disease * HypopituitarismAdditional conditions under which the test may be performed: * Acute adrenal crisis * Ectopic Cushing's syndrome * Pituitary Cushing's (Cushing's disease)-----Special considerations Cortisol is a steroid hormone released from the adrenal cortex in response to ACTH. Normally, cortisol levels rise and fall during the day, repeating on a 24-hour cycle (diurnal variation). Highest levels are at about 6 to 8 a.m. and lowest levels are at about midnight.Physical and emotional stress can increase serum cortisol, because a normal response to stress involves increased secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland.Update Date: 2/2/2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicole's Mom Posted October 21, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2004 Oh wow!!! Thank you very much Nina for your explanation and the website. It will help me a great deal!!!!Best Wishes,Beverly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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