CORTISOL

This is a single point test taken at 8am and shows adrenal function at time of waking.  Cortisol is the main stress hormone in the body and follows a circadian pattern where it is high in the morning and and low in the evening.  Its main function is to prepare you for the usual activities of the day.  One of its main functions is to increase glucose in the morning after a long period of fasting.  Glucose powers your morning activities (traditionally hunting and gathering) before you have had the opportunity to fuel up.  Cortisol has other functions in the body such as increasing your alertness and acts as an anti-inflammatory hormone.

Acute bouts of cortisol is good for you as it helps to prepare you for daily activities, however chronic increases in cortisol can hae deleterious effects on your immune system, cardiovascular system, metabolic system and your psychological wellbeing just to name a few.  Chronic stress can lead to adrenal gland burnout which is characterised by flatenning out of the usual circadian pattern.