What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight changes, high blood pressure, or muscle weakness that might be linked to your stress hormone levels. It measures cortisol, a hormone your body releases in response to stress, to help identify if your adrenal glands are producing too much or too little. Two samples are collected to check how cortisol changes throughout the day, since normal levels rise and fall on a schedule.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear in your account with each value's normal range clearly explained so you can see where you stand. If your cortisol comes back outside the expected range, simple next steps like adjusting sleep habits, reducing stress, or retesting in a few weeks can help confirm the pattern, and if a result is significantly abnormal, seeking medical care promptly is recommended. You can download a standard lab report directly from your account at any time, and the trends feature lets you track your cortisol levels over time to spot patterns.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone dealing with ongoing fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, mood swings, or blood pressure changes that don't have a clear cause may benefit from this test. It's also useful for people who suspect an adrenal gland problem or who want to understand how their body is handling chronic stress. Athletes and shift workers experiencing burnout symptoms often use this test to check their stress hormone patterns.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include persistent tiredness even after rest, unexplained weight changes, muscle weakness, skin changes like stretch marks or thinning, and mood issues such as anxiety or irritability. Some people also notice low blood pressure, dizziness upon standing, or salt cravings. If these symptoms have been ongoing and don't improve with basic lifestyle changes, checking your cortisol levels can offer helpful answers.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days from when your samples are collected. You'll receive a notification once they're posted to your account, where you can view and download the full report. Because two specimens are needed to capture your cortisol pattern, both samples must be processed before your results are finalized.

How can I naturally support healthy cortisol levels?

Getting consistent, quality sleep is one of the most effective ways to keep cortisol balanced, since your levels naturally rise in the morning and fall at night. Regular moderate exercise, mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing, and limiting caffeine and alcohol can also help reduce excess stress hormone production. Eating balanced meals and avoiding long periods without food supports steady cortisol patterns throughout the day.

What does high cortisol mean?

High cortisol can be a sign that your body is under chronic stress or, in some cases, may point toward a condition called Cushing's disease where the adrenal glands overproduce this hormone. Symptoms often include weight gain around the midsection, high blood pressure, and thinning skin. Reducing stress, improving sleep, and cutting back on stimulants can help, but persistently high levels should be addressed with prompt attention.

What does low cortisol mean?

Low cortisol may point to adrenal insufficiency, sometimes called Addison's disease, where the adrenal glands don't produce enough of this hormone. This can cause fatigue, low blood pressure, dizziness, and salt cravings. If your levels are low, avoiding excessive physical or emotional stress and ensuring adequate rest and nutrition can help, though very low results warrant prompt medical attention.

What causes abnormal cortisol levels?

High cortisol is often caused by chronic stress, certain medications like steroids, or in rarer cases, tumors affecting the adrenal or pituitary glands. Low cortisol can result from adrenal gland damage, pituitary issues, or suddenly stopping long-term steroid use. Lifestyle factors like poor sleep, excessive caffeine, and chronic anxiety can also push cortisol out of its normal rhythm.

How often should I retest my cortisol levels?

If your results are within normal range and you're symptom-free, retesting isn't usually needed unless new symptoms appear. If you're actively working on lifestyle changes to address abnormal results, retesting in 4-6 weeks can help you see if those changes are making a difference. Your trends feature makes it easy to compare results side by side over time.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Cortisol Test - Stress Hormone & Adrenal Health

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Cortisol Blood Test — Stress Hormone & Adrenal Check

Cortisol, 2 Specimens

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What happens after I get my results?

Who should consider this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Find a lab near you

Cortisol Blood Test — Stress Hormone & Adrenal Check

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say