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Cortisol Secretion

Meaning

Cortisol Secretion is the process by which the adrenal cortex releases the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol into the systemic circulation, primarily in response to stress or as part of the body’s natural circadian rhythm. This secretion is fundamentally critical for regulating metabolism, modulating immune function, and maintaining cardiovascular integrity. Dysregulated cortisol secretion, whether chronically elevated or deficient, is a core feature of numerous clinical conditions, including Cushing’s syndrome and Addison’s disease. Evaluating the pattern and magnitude of this secretion is a key diagnostic tool in endocrine practice.