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Cortisol Tracking

Meaning

Cortisol tracking is the systematic clinical measurement of the potent glucocorticoid hormone cortisol over multiple time points to accurately assess the functional integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the body’s overall stress response profile. This diagnostic practice necessitates the collection of samples, such as saliva, blood, or urine, at specific intervals throughout the day and night to precisely map the hormone’s natural diurnal rhythm. Clinical interpretation of the resulting data aids in identifying distinct patterns of chronic stress, various forms of adrenal dysfunction, and other related endocrine disorders. Accurate tracking is a fundamental requirement for personalizing therapeutic interventions aimed at effectively modulating the HPA axis.