What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained weight gain, especially around the face and midsection, along with symptoms like thin skin, easy bruising, muscle weakness, or high blood pressure. It measures free cortisol, the active form of your body's main stress hormone, which can help identify Cushing's syndrome when levels run too high. It's also useful if you've noticed persistent fatigue, mood changes, or irregular sleep that could point to a hormone imbalance.

What happens after I get my results?

Your free cortisol result will show up in your account along with the normal range so you can see exactly where you fall. If your level is high, simple next steps include reducing stress, improving sleep habits, and cutting back on stimulants like caffeine, then retesting in a few weeks to see if the number changes; if it's significantly elevated, seek medical care promptly since this can signal a more serious condition. You can download a standard lab report straight from your account, and the trends feature lets you track your cortisol over time to see how lifestyle changes are affecting your levels.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone with symptoms of high cortisol, such as rapid weight gain, purple stretch marks, muscle weakness, or unusually high blood pressure that doesn't have another clear cause. It's also worth considering if you have ongoing fatigue, anxiety, or sleep problems and want to rule out a stress-hormone imbalance. People already being monitored for Cushing's syndrome or adrenal issues may also use this test to track changes.

How can I naturally support healthy cortisol levels?

Getting consistent, quality sleep is one of the best ways to keep cortisol balanced, since poor sleep drives levels up. Regular moderate exercise, mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing, and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can also help lower excess cortisol. Eating balanced meals and avoiding long stretches without food helps prevent the blood sugar swings that can spike this hormone.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. Once processed, they're posted directly to your online account where you can view and download them at any time.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include unexplained weight gain around the face, neck, or belly, along with thin or easily bruised skin and stretch marks. Other clues are persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, mood swings, and irregular periods in women. If several of these symptoms show up together, checking your free cortisol can help clarify what's going on.

What is cortisol and why does it matter?

Cortisol is often called the 'stress hormone' because your body releases it in response to stress, but it also plays a role in regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, and metabolism. Free cortisol is the active portion not bound to proteins, so it reflects what's actually available to affect your body's tissues. Keeping it in a healthy range matters because chronically high or low levels can disrupt energy, weight, mood, and immune function.

What does a high free cortisol result mean?

A high result means your body may be producing too much cortisol, which can be linked to conditions like Cushing's syndrome, chronic stress, or certain medications such as steroids. It can show up as weight gain, high blood pressure, weak muscles, or skin changes. Cutting stress, reviewing any steroid use, improving sleep, and retesting are reasonable first steps, with prompt medical attention if levels are very high or symptoms are severe.

What causes high or low cortisol levels?

High cortisol can come from chronic stress, poor sleep, certain medications like corticosteroids, or conditions affecting the adrenal or pituitary glands. Low cortisol can result from adrenal insufficiency, stopping steroid medications abruptly, or pituitary problems. Lifestyle factors like sleep quality, stress load, and even the time of day you test can also influence your result.

How often should I retest my cortisol?

If your first result is within the normal range and you have no symptoms, testing once every year or two is generally enough. If your levels were high or borderline, or you're actively making lifestyle changes to manage stress, retesting every 4 to 8 weeks can help you track progress. Anyone with ongoing symptoms should retest sooner regardless of the schedule.

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.

Free Cortisol Test - Stress Hormone & Cushing's 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]

Free Cortisol Blood Test - Stress Hormone Check

Cortisol, Free, LC/MS, Serum

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

Free Cortisol Blood Test - Stress Hormone Check

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

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