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Saliva Hormone Test for
Cortisol
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Helps in responding and coping with stress, trauma,
infection, and environmental extremes
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Increases energy and metabolism
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Helps regulate blood pressure
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Enhances the integrity of blood vessels
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Reduces allergic and inflammatory response
Cortisol is the most
potent glucocorticoid produced by the human adrenal. It is synthesized from
cholesterol and its production is stimulated by pituitary
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which is regulated by corticotropin
releasing factor (CRF). Cortisol acts through specific intracellular
receptors and affects numerous physiologic systems including immune
function, glucose counter regulation, vascular tone, and bone metabolism.
Commonly known as the stress hormone, it helps you cope with every type of
potential stress, from infection to fright, dorm a heat wave to a divorce.
Whether you are at work, at play or facing an emergency, an accident, or a
confrontation, cortisol is there to get you up and get you going.
Cortisol production has
an ACTH-dependent circadian rhythm with peak levels in the early morning and
a nadir at night. The factor controlling this rhythm is not completely
defined and can be disrupted by a number of physical and psychological
conditions. ACTH and cortisol are secreted independent of circadian rhythm
in response to physical and psychological stress.
Elevated cortisol levels
and lack of diurnal variation have been identified with Cushing’s disease
(ACTH hypersecretion). Elevated circulating cortisol levels have also been
identified in patients with adrenal tumors. Low cortisol levels are found in
primary adrenal insufficiency (e.g. adrenal hypoplasia, Addison’s disease)
and in ACTH deficiency. Due to the normal circadian variation in cortisol
levels, distinguishing normal from abnormally low cortisol levels can be
difficult, therefore several daily collections are recommended.
Managing stress is a
very important part of your healthcare program. A saliva hormone test for
cortisol can serve as a kind of stress barometer, warning you of continual
exposure to stress, and therefore to potential disease. Saliva testing will
let you know if you need to do something about your stress such as taking
action to change your circumstances, or making strides in new areas of
relaxation and stress relief. Once you know your saliva cortisol level you
can begin to take stress reducing measures in your life and protect your
long-term health.
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