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Diurnal Cortisol Rhythm Analysis

Meaning

Diurnal cortisol rhythm analysis is a specialized diagnostic test that measures cortisol levels at multiple, specific time points throughout a 24-hour period to map the body’s natural circadian pattern of this primary glucocorticoid hormone. This analysis provides critical insight into the functional status of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, revealing patterns of hyper- or hypocortisolism and the slope of cortisol decline across the day. It is a key tool in clinical practice for assessing an individual’s stress response capacity and overall adrenal reserve.