The normal diurnal variation of cortisol shows higher levels in the morning than in the evening. This finding is:

Prepare for the BOC Clinical Chemistry Test with our comprehensive quiz. Study with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your readiness and confidence for the exam!

Multiple Choice

The normal diurnal variation of cortisol shows higher levels in the morning than in the evening. This finding is:

Explanation:
Cortisol follows a daily circadian rhythm driven by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis: levels rise in the early morning to help wakefulness and energy, then decline toward the evening. Seeing higher cortisol in the morning than in the evening fits this normal pattern. In conditions like Cushing syndrome, cortisol is often elevated overall with a reduced or absent nocturnal dip, while Addison disease and hypopituitarism can lower cortisol and disrupt or blunt the rhythm. So this diurnal variation is a normal finding.

Cortisol follows a daily circadian rhythm driven by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis: levels rise in the early morning to help wakefulness and energy, then decline toward the evening. Seeing higher cortisol in the morning than in the evening fits this normal pattern. In conditions like Cushing syndrome, cortisol is often elevated overall with a reduced or absent nocturnal dip, while Addison disease and hypopituitarism can lower cortisol and disrupt or blunt the rhythm. So this diurnal variation is a normal finding.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy