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Cortisol Levels

Meaning

Cortisol levels refer to the concentration of the primary glucocorticoid hormone in the circulation, typically measured in blood, saliva, or urine. This steroid hormone, produced by the adrenal cortex, is integral to the body’s stress response, metabolism, and immune regulation. Clinically, the pattern and magnitude of these levels, particularly the diurnal rhythm, provide vital diagnostic information about the functional status of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis.