Adrenal stress hormone marker
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About Cortisol (Pooled)
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About Cortisol (Pooled)
Overview and History
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid steroid produced by the adrenal cortex and derived from cholesterol. It acts through intracellular glucocorticoid receptors to influence glucose metabolism, immune signaling, blood pressure regulation, and the sleep–wake cycle.
Clinically, cortisol has been measured for decades to assess adrenal and stress physiology. A pooled measurement aggregates secretion over a defined period (for example, a 24‑hour urine collection or combined saliva samples), providing a stable estimate of total output that complements single timepoint or diurnal measures.
Interpreting Highs and Lows
Higher pooled cortisol reflects greater overall cortisol production across the collection window and can be associated with prolonged stress signaling, disrupted sleep patterns, increased catabolic or metabolic activity, or external influences such as medications or lifestyle factors. Lower pooled cortisol suggests reduced overall output or blunted secretion, which can be related to impaired adrenal contribution, altered circadian activation, or effects of medications and sample timing. Interpretation depends on the full Hormone Zoomer profile—timing data (CAR and diurnal saliva), adrenal metabolites, sex hormone patterns, and environmental or metabolic markers—to distinguish changes in total output from shifts in timing or clearance.
Featured Test
Cortisol (Pooled) is included to quantify total cortisol production across the collection period. Paired with diurnal saliva and urinary metabolites on the Hormone Zoomer, it helps providers assess stress physiology, energy and metabolic signaling, and how adrenal output interacts with sex hormones, toxins, and oxidative markers to personalize care planning.
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Mary Beth Augustine
DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator
Suzanne Barker
MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator
Suzette Garcia
MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator
Brooke Mader Ganev
MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator
Adair Anderson
MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator
Lillie Luu Nguyen
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jason Barker
ND- Clinical Educator
Emaline Brown
ND- Clinical Educator
Dana Filatova
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jessy Dhanjal
ND- Clinical Educator
Nour Amri
MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator
