What does a high cortisol level refer to?
Before discussing potential reasons for a high cortisol, it is important to review some basics about this hormone. Cortisol is another name for hydrocortisone, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Hydrocortisone has many life-sustaining actions. Even when we feel fine, our cortisol level varies throughout the day. It tends to be highest between 6am to 8am and lowest around 4pm for people who work during the day and sleep at night. It is normal for cortisol levels to be high in certain situations. The adrenal glands release higher amounts of hydrocortisone when someone has a severe injury or infection. Other causes of high cortisol levels include depression, obesity and high levels of stress. When a person is found to have a high cortisol level, additional testing is usually necessary. The two tests performed most frequently are: • A 24-hour urine collection, which measures the total amount of cortisol produced over a day. • A dexamethasone suppression test Dexamethasone is
