What is the Origin of Salivary Cortisol Mapping?

The technique emerged from advancements in endocrinology that established the strong, reliable correlation between salivary cortisol and the free, unbound serum cortisol fraction, combined with the well-established understanding of the circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion. "Mapping" refers to the creation of a chronological graph or profile of the hormone's precise fluctuations over the course of a day.

What is the Mechanism of Salivary Cortisol Mapping?

Cortisol, a small, lipophilic steroid hormone, passes readily and directly from the bloodstream into the salivary glands, making its salivary concentration a true reflection of the free, unbound fraction that is biologically active at the cellular receptor level. By collecting samples at strategic intervals, the test reliably captures the critical Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR), the morning peak, and the characteristic evening decline, allowing clinicians to accurately assess the HPA axis's adaptive capacity, overall rhythmicity, and total daily hormonal load.

Salivary Cortisol Mapping ∞ Area

Salivary Cortisol Mapping

Meaning

Salivary Cortisol Mapping is a non-invasive clinical diagnostic technique that measures the concentration of free, biologically active cortisol in multiple saliva samples collected at precisely timed points throughout a complete 24-hour cycle. This mapping provides a detailed, dynamic profile of the diurnal cortisol rhythm, revealing critical information about the function, timing, and resilience of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The resulting curve is an invaluable clinical tool for diagnosing stress-related hormonal imbalances, assessing adrenal function, and guiding personalized chronobiology dosing strategies.