What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained weight gain, especially around the face and midsection, easy bruising, muscle weakness, or ongoing fatigue that doesn't improve with rest. It's also useful if you have poor sleep patterns or your body seems to be producing too much stress hormone at the wrong times of day. Because it measures cortisol late at night when levels should naturally be low, it helps spot problems with your body's stress hormone rhythm that daytime tests can miss.

What's included in this test?

This test focuses on one key measurement: cortisol levels in your saliva collected late at night, across three separate samples. Testing on three occasions matters because cortisol can fluctuate, and having multiple samples helps confirm whether an abnormal pattern is consistent rather than a one-time fluke.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each value explained alongside its normal range so you know exactly where you stand. If your late-night cortisol comes back high, next steps often include repeating the test on a different night since two abnormal results are typically needed before drawing conclusions, and cutting back on things that can throw off your rhythm like alcohol, poor sleep schedules, or high stress. If your result is dangerously high or you have severe symptoms like sudden weakness or confusion, seek medical care right away. You can download the full lab report anytime and use the trends feature to track your cortisol pattern over multiple tests.

How can I naturally support healthy cortisol rhythm?

Keeping a consistent sleep and wake schedule helps your body maintain its natural cortisol rhythm, since cortisol should drop to its lowest point late at night. Reducing caffeine and alcohol in the evening, dimming lights before bed, and managing stress through activities like walking, stretching, or breathing exercises can also help. Avoiding heavy, late-night meals and giving yourself wind-down time before sleep supports a healthy hormone pattern over time.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of the lab receiving all three of your saliva samples. You'll get a notification once they're posted to your account, where you can view each value along with what it means. Because this test requires collecting samples on specific nights, plan your collection days so you're not waiting longer than necessary for turnaround.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people with symptoms suggesting Cushing syndrome, such as rounded facial fullness, purple stretch marks, unexplained weight gain, or persistent fatigue and muscle weakness. It's also useful for people already diagnosed with Cushing disease who had pituitary surgery and need annual monitoring for recurrence, or those on treatment who want to track how well it's working. People with irregular sleep-wake cycles or shift work schedules should discuss timing carefully since the test relies on a normal day-night pattern.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include rapid weight gain concentrated in the face, neck, or abdomen, thinning skin that bruises easily, purplish stretch marks, and muscle weakness in your arms and legs. Other signs are persistent fatigue, high blood pressure, mood changes, and irregular or absent periods in women. If these symptoms show up together, especially along with disrupted sleep, it may point to a cortisol imbalance worth checking.

What does high late-night cortisol mean?

A high late-night cortisol reading means your body isn't dropping cortisol like it normally should during rest hours, which can point to Cushing syndrome or other causes of excess cortisol production. It can also show up temporarily from things like obesity, heavy alcohol use, significant stress, or certain psychiatric conditions, so one high result isn't a diagnosis on its own. Repeating the test on a separate night helps confirm whether the pattern is persistent before drawing further conclusions.

What causes abnormal cortisol patterns?

Abnormal late-night cortisol can be caused by tumors on the pituitary or adrenal glands that trigger ongoing high cortisol production, which is the hallmark of true Cushing syndrome. It can also be caused by non-tumor issues like obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, alcohol use disorder, or significant psychiatric stress, all of which can mimic the pattern without being true Cushing syndrome. Lifestyle factors like chronic sleep deprivation or working night shifts can also disrupt your natural cortisol rhythm.

How often should I retest?

If you're being screened for Cushing syndrome, testing on two or more separate nights is typically recommended to confirm a consistent pattern before drawing conclusions. If you've already been treated for Cushing disease, annual testing is generally recommended to watch for recurrence. If you're managing an active treatment plan, more frequent testing may help track how well your levels are responding 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.

Salivary Cortisol Test - Cushing Syndrome Screening

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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