Cortisol is a hormone produced by the body’s adrenal glands that helps to regulate a variety of functions, such as metabolism and the body’s response to stress. It is released in response to stress, and helps to maintain homeostasis, or balance, in the body. Cortisol levels can be measured in the blood, saliva, or urine. Elevated cortisol levels are often associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. In addition, it can be used to measure the effectiveness of certain medications and therap