Cortisol (AM)

Cortisol (AM) is an early morning measurement of cortisol, a hormone that plays a critical role in stress response and metabolism, and its levels can indicate adrenal function and overall health.

Studies have found that cortisol levels measured in the morning are particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like adrenal insufficiency. Higher morning cortisol levels have also been linked to cognitive issues following surgery in elderly patients. Additionally, caffeine intake has been shown to influence cortisol secretion throughout the day, suggesting lifestyle factors can impact hormone levels. In patients with type 2 diabetes, disruptions in the circadian rhythm of cortisol are associated with sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle loss.

This biomarker connects strongly with adrenal insufficiency diagnosis and postoperative cognitive dysfunction prediction, highlighting its importance for both clinical assessment and patient outcomes. It also links to lifestyle factors like caffeine consumption and chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, indicating the multifaceted role of cortisol in health.

While these studies provide valuable insights, more research is needed to fully understand the implications of morning cortisol levels across diverse populations.

Sources

• Adrenal Insufficiency in Adults: A Review. (PMID:40522647)
• Caffeine stimulation of cortisol secretion across the waking hours in relation to caffeine intake levels. (PMID:16204431)
• Preoperative Salivary Cortisol AM/PM Ratio Predicts Early Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction After Noncardiac Surgery in Elderly Patients. (PMID:30169410)
• Use of Preoperative Salivary Cortisol AM/PM Ratio for Prediction of Early Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction. (PMID:30801362)
• Cortisol Circadian Rhythm and Sarcopenia in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study. (PMID:39960018)
• Intraprocedural Cortisol Testing During Adrenal Vein Sampling for Primary Aldosteronism: Weighing the Benefits and Limitations. (PMID:37793158)

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