A steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that regulates the stress response, sleep, blood sugar, and inflammation.
Why it matters for PCOS
Cortisol is released by the adrenal glands and follows a daily rhythm, usually higher in the morning and lower at night. In PCOS, ongoing stress and poor sleep can influence appetite, cravings, blood sugar patterns, and cycle regularity. However, cortisol is not the whole explanation for PCOS, and managing stress and sleep is part of supportive care rather than a primary treatment.
A cortisol test is not a routine part of PCOS diagnosis. It is only considered when a doctor suspects another condition such as Cushing syndrome, and the result is always interpreted alongside your symptoms and other tests.
This glossary is education, not diagnosis. For your own situation, ask a doctor or pharmacist.