Cortisol - Free, Urine 24 Hour

• The cortisol - Free Urine 24H test is used to help diagnose or monitor conditions that affect cortisol production, such as Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, or pituitary gland disorders.
• Abnormal cortisol levels in the urine may indicate an excess or deficiency in cortisol production.

Cortisol - Free Urine 24H test is a laboratory test that measures the level of cortisol in a person's urine collected over a 24-hour period.

High levels of cortisol in the urine may indicate Cushing's syndrome, a condition in which the body produces too much cortisol. Low levels of cortisol in the urine may indicate Addison's disease, a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol.

To perform a cortisol - Free Urine 24H test, a healthcare provider will typically ask the person to collect all of their urine over a 24-hour period in a special container provided by the laboratory. The collected urine is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the cortisol level is measured in micrograms per 24 hours

You will need to follow specific instructions as specified by the healthcare provider for collecting and storing the urine to ensure accurate results.

People with following symptoms may be asked to get the Cortisol - Free Urine 24H test done. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome can include weight gain, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and mood changes. Symptoms of Addison's disease can include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and darkening of the skin.

There are several other blood tests that may be associated with a cortisol test, depending on the reason for the testing. These may include:

• ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) test: ACTH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. An ACTH test may be ordered along with a cortisol test to evaluate for conditions such as Addison's disease or pituitary disorders.
• Dexamethasone suppression test: This test involves taking a synthetic steroid medication called dexamethasone, which should suppress cortisol production. A cortisol test is then done to evaluate cortisol levels in response to the medication. This test can be used to evaluate for conditions such as Cushing's syndrome.
• Aldosterone test: Aldosterone is another hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates blood pressure and salt balance. An aldosterone test may be ordered along with a cortisol test to evaluate for conditions such as adrenal insufficiency or primary aldosteronism.
• Metanephrines and catecholamines test: These are tests that measure the levels of certain hormones produced by the adrenal glands, including adrenaline and noradrenaline. These tests may be ordered to evaluate for conditions such as pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal gland tumor that can cause high blood pressure and other symptoms.