was bedeutet low cortisol — which blood markers matter?

Low cortisol (hypocortisolism) may indicate adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease, secondary insufficiency) or physiological burnout. Key blood markers include: morning serum cortisol (reference ~5–25 µg/dL, lab-dependent), ACTH (to distinguish primary vs. secondary), DHEA-S (adrenal androgen marker), renin and aldosterone (for mineralocorticoid deficiency), and electrolytes (low Na⁺, high K⁺ in primary insufficiency). A single low cortisol value is not diagnostic – it must be interpreted with ACTH, stimulation tests (e.g., ACTH short test), and symptoms (fatigue, weight loss, hyperpigmentation). Direct-to-consumer tests (e.g., salivary cortisol diurnal profiles) can provide hints but lack validation for clinical diagnosis. Evidence for blood markers is human-strong (guidelines), but for consumer self-tests the utility is limited. No relevant genetic markers in the provided context.