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Cortisol Detection Methods and the Hormone's Role in Evaluating Circadian Rhythm Disruption
Norsham Juliana1, Sofwatul Mokhtarah Maluin1, Nadia Mohd Effendy1
1Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Cortisol, regulated by the HPA axis, exhibits a 24-hour circadian rhythm. This review explores cortisol detection methods and its potential as a biomarker for circadian disruption and associated health impacts.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Chronobiology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Cortisol secretion follows a 24-hour circadian rhythm, crucial for physiological system regulation.
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis governs cortisol synthesis and release.
- Cortisol fluctuations influence and are influenced by physiological and behavioral cycles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize evidence on diverse cortisol detection methods.
- To evaluate cortisol's utility as a biomarker for circadian disruption.
- To review the health implications of altered cortisol levels.
Main Methods:
- Literature search across Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus.
- Inclusion of 47 articles on cortisol detection methods.
- Review of 41 articles on health implications of cortisol.
Main Results:
- Saliva, blood serum, urine, ISF, and sweat are suitable for 24-hour cortisol monitoring.
- Hair cortisol analysis reflects chronic changes and prolonged elevations.
- Various detection methods show stability, suitability, and challenges.
Conclusions:
- Cortisol detection methods vary in suitability for different monitoring durations.
- Cortisol shows potential as a biomarker for circadian disruption and related health outcomes.
- Understanding cortisol dynamics is key for assessing health impacts of circadian dysregulation.
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