Normal levels of cortisol vary based on the time of day it is.

For instance, in the morning, normal cortisol levels range from around 10 to 20 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).

Toward evening these levels can drop to around 3 to 10 mcg/dL.


Levels that are lower than this may call for further investigation.



Most important factor that contribute to low cortisol levels include ....Addison’s disease, an autoimmune disorder which attacks the adrenal glands, impairing cortisol production,

The adrenal glands are made up of two sections.

The interior, called the medulla, makes adrenaline-like hormones.

The outer layer, called the cortex, makes a group of hormones called corticosteroids.


Now there are two things to know....


1. Primary adrenal insufficiency

Sometimes, the cortex, is damaged.

Then it can't make enough hormones, a condition called primary adrenal Insufficiency

This is usually the result of an autoimmune disease,


2. Secondary adrenal insufficiency

The pituitary gland makes a hormone called ACTH

ACTH in turn causes the adrenal cortex to make its hormones.

Having pituitary ; tumors, inflammation and pituitary surgery can cause the pituitary gland to make too little ACTH.

Too little ACTH can cause the adrenal glands to make too little glucocorticoids and androgens. This is called secondary adrenal insufficiency.


Other causes include the following

Tuberculosis
Other infections of the adrenal glands
Spread of cancer to the adrenal glands
Bleeding into the adrenal glands

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