cortisol levels
Adrenal gland output
Cortisol levels refers to the amount of cortisol—a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands—circulating in the body at a given time.
The phrase appears constantly in wellness discourse, where elevated cortisol levels are blamed for weight gain, poor sleep, and anxiety: I need to lower my cortisol levels.
Medical contexts measure cortisol levels to diagnose conditions like Cushing's syndrome or adrenal insufficiency.
- stress responseBody's reaction to threat
- fight or flightThreat-triggered physiological state
- work stressPressure from employment duties
- sleep patternsHabitual cycles of rest
- glucose homeostasisMaintenance of stable blood sugar
blood sugar · blood tests · chronic stress · burnout syndrome · stress hormone · circadian rhythm · adrenaline · belly fat · hydrocortisone · insomnia · neurotransmitters · physical activity · deep breathing · saliva tests · fatigue · cortisol · autonomic nervous system · urine tests