What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained weight gain, especially around your face and belly, along with muscle weakness, fatigue, or trouble sleeping. It's also useful if you have high blood pressure, mood swings, or skin changes like easy bruising or stretch marks that don't have a clear cause. Doctors often use this saliva test to check for a condition called Cushing syndrome, where your body has too much cortisol, the hormone that helps you handle stress.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the level of cortisol in your saliva, taken late at night when cortisol is normally at its lowest point. Cortisol naturally rises and falls throughout the day in a rhythm, so checking it at night helps reveal whether that rhythm is disrupted, which can be a sign your body is producing too much cortisol overall.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with each cortisol value explained alongside its normal range so you understand exactly where you stand. If your late-night cortisol comes back elevated, a common next step is repeating the test on a different night, since two or more high results in a row are typically needed before drawing conclusions. You can download a standard lab report directly from your account at any time, and if you retest over the following weeks or months, the trends feature lets you see how your cortisol pattern changes over time.

How can I naturally support healthy cortisol levels?

Getting consistent, good-quality sleep is one of the most powerful ways to help your body maintain a normal cortisol rhythm, since cortisol is closely tied to your sleep-wake cycle. Cutting back on alcohol and managing stress through activities like walking, breathing exercises, or light exercise can also help, since alcohol use and chronic stress are both known to raise cortisol. Try to keep a regular daily schedule, including consistent meal and bedtime routines, since irregular schedules can throw off your cortisol pattern.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your saliva sample reaching the lab. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is available so you can log into your account and review it right away.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone showing signs of excess cortisol, such as unusual weight gain, muscle weakness, fatigue, or mood changes that haven't improved with lifestyle adjustments. It's also useful for people who have already been treated for Cushing disease and want to monitor for recurrence, since annual testing is commonly recommended after pituitary surgery. People managing ongoing treatment for Cushing disease may also use this test periodically to track how well their treatment is working.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include weight gain concentrated in the face and midsection, thinning arms and legs, muscle weakness, and skin that bruises easily or develops purple stretch marks. Other signs to watch for are high blood pressure, irregular periods, mood changes like anxiety or depression, and trouble sleeping. If you notice several of these together, especially a loss of your normal daily energy pattern, it may be worth checking your late-night cortisol level.

What does a high cortisol result mean?

A high late-night cortisol result means your body isn't following its normal daily rhythm, where cortisol should be at its lowest at night. This can point to Cushing syndrome, but it can also happen with obesity, heavy alcohol use, certain mood disorders, or polycystic ovary syndrome, so one high result alone isn't enough to confirm a diagnosis. Because of this, testing on two or more separate nights is usually needed to get a clearer picture.

What causes high cortisol levels?

High cortisol can be caused by conditions affecting the pituitary or adrenal glands, which control how much cortisol your body makes. It can also result from ongoing physical or emotional stress, obesity, heavy alcohol use, and hormonal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome. Certain medications, especially steroid-based ones, can raise cortisol readings as well, so it helps to think back on any recent changes in your health, habits, or prescriptions.

How often should I retest?

If you're being screened for Cushing syndrome, testing on two or more separate nights is typically recommended before drawing any conclusions, since cortisol can naturally vary night to night. If you've previously been treated for Cushing disease, annual testing is a common way to monitor for recurrence. If your results are borderline or your symptoms change, retesting sooner can help you track what's happening.

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.

Salivary Cortisol Test - Screen for Cushing Syndrome

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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