What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained weight gain, especially around your belly and face, along with muscle weakness, easy bruising, or stretch marks. It's also useful if you have high blood pressure or blood sugar that doesn't have a clear cause. This test helps identify whether your body is producing too much cortisol, the hormone your body releases in response to stress.

What's included in this test?

This test measures free cortisol and cortisone in a 24-hour urine sample, plus creatinine to confirm the sample was collected correctly and completely. Cortisol is your body's main stress hormone, and cortisone is a related form your body converts it to and from. Looking at both together, along with creatinine, gives a fuller picture of how your body is managing cortisol over a full day rather than just one moment in time.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each value's normal range clearly explained, so you can see exactly where you stand. If your free cortisol or cortisone levels are outside the normal range, next steps often include reducing stress, improving sleep, and cutting back on alcohol or intense exercise before retesting in a few weeks. If a value comes back very high, it's a good idea to seek medical care promptly since it may point to a condition that needs further evaluation. You can download a standard lab report from your account anytime, and the trends feature lets you track your cortisol levels over time.

How can I naturally support healthy cortisol levels?

Getting consistent, good-quality sleep is one of the best ways to help your body regulate cortisol naturally. Regular moderate exercise, like walking or yoga, can lower chronically high cortisol, while overtraining can actually raise it. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, practicing deep breathing or meditation, and eating regular balanced meals also help keep cortisol in a healthy range.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days after your 24-hour urine sample is received at the lab. You'll get a notification once they're available, and you can log into your account to view them anytime. The report will break down each marker along with what the numbers mean.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone with symptoms of excess cortisol, such as sudden weight gain, thin skin, muscle weakness, or high blood pressure that hasn't responded to typical lifestyle changes. It's also useful for people whose doctors have ruled out other causes for these symptoms and want to check their cortisol output over a full day. Athletes or highly stressed individuals wanting to understand how chronic stress may be affecting their hormones may also benefit.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include rapid weight gain (especially in the face, neck, and abdomen), purple stretch marks, easy bruising, muscle weakness, and high blood pressure. Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, mood changes, and irregular periods in women can also be signs. If you're noticing several of these symptoms together, this test can help clarify what's going on.

What does high cortisol mean?

A high result means your body is producing more cortisol than it should over a 24-hour period. This can happen from chronic stress, certain medications like steroids, or less commonly from a condition called Cushing's syndrome where your body makes too much cortisol on its own. Lifestyle changes like better sleep, stress reduction, and cutting back on stimulants can help, but a significantly elevated result is worth addressing with prompt medical attention.

What does low cortisol mean?

A low result means your body isn't producing enough cortisol, which can leave you feeling extremely tired, dizzy, or unable to handle stress well. This can be linked to adrenal gland issues or other underlying conditions affecting hormone production. If your levels are very low along with symptoms like severe fatigue or fainting, it's important to seek medical care right away.

How often should I retest?

If your first result is in the normal range and you have no ongoing symptoms, you likely don't need to retest unless new symptoms appear. If your levels were borderline or you made lifestyle changes to address high or low cortisol, retesting in 4 to 8 weeks can help you see if those changes are working. Tracking results over time using the trends feature makes it easier to spot patterns.

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.

24-Hour Cortisol Urine Test - Stress & 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

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