Glossary term

Cortisol

Also known as Hydrocortisone

Your stress and glucose hormone. Spikes at 6-8 AM; anything outside that rhythm warrants a real workup, not adaptogens.

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex and follows a strict circadian curve - peaks at 6-8 AM (10-20 mcg/dL), bottoms at midnight (under 5 mcg/dL). It regulates gluconeogenesis, immune modulation, and the acute stress response. True clinical disorders exist: Cushing's (persistent high cortisol) and Addison's (adrenal insufficiency) are medical emergencies and require endocrinology. "Adrenal fatigue" is not a recognized diagnosis; flat cortisol curves on salivary testing usually reflect sleep debt, overtraining, or depression rather than adrenal failure. Chronic high-stress context often responds better to sleep and nutrition than to cortisol-support powders.

Unit

mcg/dL

Typical range

Morning (6-8 AM) ~10-20 mcg/dL; midnight typically < 5 mcg/dL.

Medically reviewed byDr. Lena Okafor, MD

Medical Director - updated April 2026 - How we review