CORTISOL, TOTAL 0000367

Cortisol levels are increased in Cushing’s Disease and decreased in Addison’s Disease which is a form of adrenal gland insufficiency. Cushingoid patients may have a large fat pad at the base of the neck, large stretch marks on their abdomen called striae, thin arms and legs but obese
mid section and may have diabetes. Addison’s patients may have darkened skin of the elbows and knees, muscle weakness and pain, joint pain, low blood pressure, salt cravings,
loss of appetite, fatigue weight loss, irritability and depression.