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Cortisol Diurnal Profiling

Meaning

Cortisol Diurnal Profiling is a diagnostic procedure involving the collection of multiple cortisol samples, typically saliva or urine, taken at specific, timed intervals throughout a 24-hour period. This testing methodology is essential for mapping the natural circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion, which normally peaks shortly after waking and declines throughout the day, reaching its nadir at night. Clinical interpretation of this profile reveals critical information about HPA axis function and the body’s capacity to manage chronic stress. It provides a dynamic view of adrenal health, unlike a single snapshot blood test.