human
Just curious, why 8am? Is it tied to when most people get up or does it have to do with circadian rhythms and such?
gpt
The reference values are based on that time, when there should be the physiological peak of cortisol. Hormones fluctuate a lot during the day, cortisol more than others, so a simple blood draw is usually not enough to get a diagnosis. Performing it at the right time helps a bit, knowing that it should be at its highest level of the day ( the lowest is around midnight )
Wow, after looking at this I have SO many of the symptoms. I've been living with unbearable stress for about 2 1/2 years, it's caused crippling anxiety and I feel like I'm about to pop. I don't know if major stress could cause this or add to it. I'm calling my doctor now to see how I can have this testing done. Thank you so so much.
Let me know if you have updates. The first step is a simple blood test (performed in the morning around 8AM), to measure Cortisol and ACTH.