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Cortisol Secretion Pattern

Meaning

The Cortisol Secretion Pattern refers to the characteristic rhythmic fluctuation of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol throughout a 24-hour period, known as the Circadian Rhythm. A healthy pattern involves a sharp rise shortly after waking, a gradual decline throughout the day, and the lowest levels occurring before and during early sleep. Deviations from this established rhythm often indicate Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation. This pattern is a key indicator of the body’s stress adaptation capacity.