What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight changes, high blood pressure, or muscle weakness that could be linked to a stress hormone imbalance. It measures cortisol at three different times of day to see how your levels rise and fall, since cortisol naturally shifts throughout the day. It can help identify patterns pointing toward conditions like Cushing's disease or Addison's disease, where cortisol runs too high or too low.

What's included in this test?

This test measures cortisol, your body's main stress hormone, at three separate points during the day. Checking it multiple times matters because cortisol follows a daily rhythm, typically highest in the morning and lowest at night, so a single reading can miss important patterns tied to adrenal problems.

What happens after I get my results?

Your three cortisol results will appear in your account, each labeled with its normal range so you can see how your levels compare at each collection time. If your pattern looks off, simple next steps include improving sleep, reducing stress, and cutting back on caffeine or alcohol before considering a retest in a few weeks. If any value comes back extremely high or low, it's worth seeking medical care promptly since this can signal a more serious adrenal issue. You can download the full lab report anytime and use the trends feature to track your cortisol pattern over time.

How can I naturally support healthy cortisol levels?

Getting consistent, quality sleep is one of the most powerful ways to keep cortisol on a healthy rhythm. Regular movement, limiting caffeine later in the day, and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or short walks can also help lower chronically elevated cortisol. Eating balanced meals and avoiding excessive alcohol supports steadier hormone patterns as well.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. Once processed, they'll be uploaded directly to your secure online account, where you can view each of the three collection times and their reference ranges.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone noticing symptoms like persistent fatigue, sudden weight gain or loss, unusual bruising, or trouble managing stress that doesn't improve with rest. It's also useful if you have symptoms suggestive of an adrenal gland problem, such as low blood pressure, salt cravings, or a rounded face and thinning skin. People who've been told they may have Cushing's disease or Addison's disease often start with this test.

What symptoms indicate I may need this cortisol test?

Common signs include ongoing exhaustion that doesn't improve with sleep, unexplained weight changes, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, or mood swings. Some people also notice increased thirst, frequent infections, or skin changes like stretch marks or thinning. If several of these symptoms show up together, checking your cortisol pattern can help explain what's going on.

What does high cortisol mean?

A high cortisol reading can mean your body is under significant physical or emotional stress, or it may point to a condition like Cushing's disease where the body makes too much of this hormone. Common effects include weight gain around the midsection, high blood pressure, and trouble sleeping. Reducing stress, improving sleep habits, and retesting can help clarify whether the elevation is temporary or ongoing.

What does low cortisol mean?

Low cortisol can point toward adrenal insufficiency, sometimes called Addison's disease, where the adrenal glands aren't producing enough of this hormone. Symptoms often include extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, dizziness, and salt cravings. Because very low cortisol can become dangerous, especially during illness or stress, it's important to seek medical care if you have severe symptoms alongside a low result.

How often should I retest my cortisol levels?

If your first results are borderline or you're actively working on lifestyle changes like better sleep and stress management, retesting in 4 to 8 weeks can show whether your pattern is improving. If your levels are normal but you're monitoring symptoms, checking once or twice a year is usually enough. Anyone with a significantly abnormal result should follow up sooner rather than waiting for a routine interval.

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 - Adrenal & Stress Hormone Check

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 Test — 3-Sample Stress Hormone Panel

Cortisol, 3 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's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

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

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Cortisol Test — 3-Sample Stress Hormone Panel

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

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