Question 1

what's the "normal" cortisol level?

Accepted Answer

Varies thru the day: "normal values for a blood sample taken at 8 in the morning are 6 - 23 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dl).  The examples above are common measurements for results for these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories." http://www.Nlm.Nih.Gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003693.Htm.

Question 2

my cortisol level is 26, what is the normal range?

Accepted Answer

What type of test?: Was it blood or saliva or what kind of test?  The time of day can make a difference with this hormone and its level.

Question 3

what does having cortisol level of 13.2 ug/dl mean?

Accepted Answer

By itself nothing: Cortisol levels are drawn to rule Cushing's / Addison's in or out. Random salivary / urinary / 24 hour urinary / blood levels must be interpreted in light of your clinical picture. Addison's is typically diagnosed when cortisol won't rise appropriately in response to ACTH stimulation; Cushing's etc. when it won't suppress with dexamethasone. I hope this helps.

Question 4

my cortisol level was 15.3 ug/dl. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Depends: When it was done.
Cortisol levels are higher in the am (15.3 would be normal) then in the pm (this level would be too high for the pm) ask your doctor why he/she drew it in the first place.

Question 5

what is the definition or description of: cortisol level?

Accepted Answer

Steroid hormone: Cortisol is a naturally occurring steroid hormone in your blood stream that is produced in the adrenal glad that sits atop the kidney.  Your cortisol level is raised in the early morning and decreases as the day progresses. Cortisol helps us fight the stress of daily life.

Question 6

what are the consequences of long-term high cortisol level?

Accepted Answer

: It is called Cushing’s Disease or Syndrome. Google it and look at images and look up in Wikipedia. Round face, Buffalo Hump, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, low blood K, easy bruising, centripetal obesity, diabetes, high risk of infections, premature death, weakness, psychosis to mention a few.

Question 7

what to do if i have high cortisol level for a young woman?

Accepted Answer

See endocrinologist: Hi. Hi cortisol may be Cushing's syndrome (notice I said MAY, not is). The appropriate tests must be done, which include 24-hour urine cortisol, midnight salivary cortisol (several values), maybe a dexamethasone suppression test. If Cushing's, can be pituitary disease, adrenal disease or paraneoplastic (associated with a cancer-rare overall). Get properly evaluated. Good luck!

Question 8

what does it mean when your cortisol level is very abnormally low?

Accepted Answer

Collection time ?: Well it depends on the time of when your cortisol level was checked. Maximal level of cortisol is usually between 5:00a-8:00am with the lowest (nadir) levels being after 5pm (almost zero level by bedtime). If your having symptoms such as malaise, increased napping, headaches, stomach ache or low bs, you may have adrenal insufficiency and will need referral to an endocrinologist for further testing.

Question 9

how long does it take for my cortisol level to get back to normal?

Accepted Answer

Depends: On why it was suppressed. If you were given steroids it will depend on how long and what dose you were given. See an endocrinologist.

Question 10

my cortisol level was 739nmol/l is this normal or should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the time: would be helpful to know what the laboratories reference range is, as cortisol levels vary over the course of the day.  When was the sample obtained?

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Doctor answers about:

Cortisol level chart

A member asked:

What's the "normal" cortisol level?

A member asked:

My cortisol level is 26, what is the normal range?

A member asked:

What does having cortisol level of 13.2 ug/dl mean?

A member asked:

My cortisol level was 15.3 ug/dl. what does this mean?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: cortisol level?

A member asked:

What are the consequences of long-term high cortisol level?

A member asked:

What to do if i have high cortisol level for a young woman?

A member asked:

What does it mean when your cortisol level is very abnormally low?

A member asked:

How long does it take for my cortisol level to get back to normal?

A member asked:

My cortisol level was 739nmol/l is this normal or should i be concerned?

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