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Cortisol Peaks

Meaning

Cortisol Peaks describe the specific, high points in the circulating concentration of the primary stress hormone cortisol over a 24-hour cycle. A healthy physiological pattern includes a sharp rise, known as the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR), shortly after waking, followed by a gradual decline throughout the day. Deviations from this predictable diurnal rhythm, such as excessively high or severely flattened peaks, are critical clinical indicators of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction. Monitoring these peaks through salivary or serum assays is essential for assessing chronic stress and adrenal health.