What should I know about Cortisol Basis?

Cortisol is a key hormone produced by the adrenal glands, regulating metabolism, immune function, and stress response. A healthy cortisol level follows a circadian rhythm: high in the morning, low at night. Chronic stress, poor sleep, or conditions like Cushing's syndrome can disrupt this rhythm. Home tests (saliva, blood, urine) measure cortisol, but interpretation is tricky – single measurements are often unreliable due to high variability. Reliable diagnosis requires multiple timed measurements and clinical evaluation. Evidence for consumer cortisol tests in managing stress is weak; they may provide rough trends but not diagnostic certainty. If you experience persistent fatigue, weight gain, or mood changes, consult a doctor. MyBody-X tests do not offer validated cortisol analysis for clinical decisions. Always interpret results with a healthcare professional.