Cortisol (Urine)
Does this test have other names?
Urine-free cortisol test
What is this test?
A urine cortisol test may help in the diagnosis of 2 fairly uncommon health conditions:
Cushing syndrome and Addison disease. The test also screens for other diseases that
affect your pituitary and adrenal glands. It does so by measuring your urine level
of a stress hormone called cortisol.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone made by your adrenal glands. It helps your body respond
to stress, regulate blood sugar, and fight infections. In most people, cortisol levels
are highest in the morning when they wake up and lowest around midnight. Your body
also pumps out excess cortisol when you're anxious or under intense stress, which
can affect your health if the levels stay too high for too long. If your cortisol
levels are too high or too low, you may have a condition that needs treatment.
Why do I need this test?
You may need this test if your healthcare provider suspects a health problem caused
by too much or too little cortisol.
A high cortisol level could be a sign of Cushing syndrome. Symptoms of Cushing syndrome
include:
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Obesity, especially in the torso, face, and neck, with thinner arms and legs
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High blood pressure
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High blood sugar
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Thin skin that bruises easily
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Pink or purple stretch marks on the stomach, breasts, hips, thighs, or buttocks
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Muscle weakness
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Osteoporosis
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Acne
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For women, irregular menstrual periods and excess hair on the face and chest
Too little cortisol could be a sign of Addison disease, also called primary adrenal
insufficiency. It could also be a sign of another problem with your adrenal glands.
You may have these symptoms:
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Weight loss
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Muscle and joint pain
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Fatigue, or extreme long-lasting tiredness
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Low blood pressure
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Belly pain
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Irritability and depression
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Nausea, vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Dark patches of skin
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For women, decreased armpit and pubic hair and decreased sexual desire
What other tests might I have along with this test?
Besides a urine test for cortisol, your healthcare provider may test the cortisol
levels in your blood or saliva.
Your healthcare provider will likely order blood tests that measure your body's response
to certain hormones to help determine the cause of your abnormal cortisol levels.
You may also have tests to look inside your body for abnormal growths or tumors. These
can affect cortisol levels. Tests may include:
What do my test results mean?
Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things.
Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. They may not mean you
have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.
Normal values for cortisol in a urine test are 10 to 55 micrograms per day (mcg/day).
If your urine test reveals abnormally high levels of cortisol, you may be diagnosed
with Cushing syndrome. If your cortisol levels are low, you may have Addison disease.
How is this test done?
This test needs a urine sample. It's often collected over 24 hours. Your healthcare
provider will give you detailed directions about how to collect all your urine over
a 24-hour period.
Does this test pose any risks?
This test poses no known risks.
What might affect my test results?
Cortisol levels may be high in people with psychiatric disorders, alcoholism, or morbid
obesity. This may be called "pseudo-Cushing state."
How do I get ready for this test?
You don't need to prepare for this test. Be sure your healthcare provider knows about
all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines
that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.