🚨 The Cortisol Craze Online
“Cortisol detoxing” is gaining traction on social media, with influencers pushing diets, supplements, and testing to lower the “stress hormone.” But experts warn that this trend is rooted in misinformation and can lead to unnecessary medical tests.
What Cortisol Testing Is Actually For
Doctors say cortisol tests are only useful for diagnosing rare conditions like Cushing syndrome or adrenal insufficiency. General fatigue, stress, or poor sleep are not valid reasons to test. False positives are common and can lead to unnecessary treatments and anxiety.
Misleading Results and Real Risks
Cortisol levels naturally rise and fall throughout the day and are influenced by sleep, mental health, and medications. Testing at the wrong time or without clinical symptoms often leads to confusion, misdiagnosis, and in some cases, harmful prescriptions like cortisol supplements.
Focus on Real Wellness
Doctors recommend focusing on good sleep, nutrition, and stress management instead of chasing unproven trends. “Adrenal fatigue” isn’t a real medical diagnosis, and your adrenal glands don’t need detoxing—just healthy habits.
âś… The Takeaway
Skip the hype. Trust your doctor, not influencers. Cortisol tests should be used only when medically necessary—not because of a trending video.
