Cortisol is a hormone which is made by the adrenal glands. Cortisol levels rise when the pituitary gland releases another hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH.
A low level of cortisol in the blood can indicate Addison's disease, which is caused by damage to the adrenal glands. If the pituitary gland is not working properly, it can cause low levels of the hormone ACTH, which in turn causes low levels of cortisol. Some infections, head injury and some autoimmune diseases can damage the adrenal glands or pituitary glands, thus causing low cortisol levels.
Additionally. internal bleeding that leads to shock can lead to a low level of cortisol.
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Hello Anonymous,
Cortisol is a hormone which is made by the adrenal glands. Cortisol levels rise when the pituitary gland releases another hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH.
A low level of cortisol in the blood can indicate Addison's disease, which is caused by damage to the adrenal glands. If the pituitary gland is not working properly, it can cause low levels of the hormone ACTH, which in turn causes low levels of cortisol. Some infections, head injury and some autoimmune diseases can damage the adrenal glands or pituitary glands, thus causing low cortisol levels.
Additionally. internal bleeding that leads to shock can lead to a low level of cortisol.
Treatment depends on the cause.
Maryann
June 4, 2012 - 5:01pmThis Comment
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