What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing constant fatigue, unexplained weight changes, low blood pressure, or ongoing stress and anxiety that won't let up. It measures your afternoon cortisol level, a stress hormone made by your adrenal glands, to help check if your body is producing too much or too little of it. It's often used when symptoms suggest an adrenal issue like Cushing's disease or Addison's disease.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with your cortisol level clearly marked against the normal range so you know exactly where you stand. If your level is out of range, the report explains what that might mean and suggests simple next steps like adjusting sleep, reducing stress, or retesting in a few weeks to see if levels shift. You can download a standard lab report anytime from your account. Over time, you can use the trends feature to see how your cortisol levels change with lifestyle adjustments.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone dealing with ongoing fatigue, unexplained weight loss or gain, low blood pressure, or intense, unrelenting stress should consider this test. It's also useful if you have symptoms like darkening skin, salt cravings, or muscle weakness that could point to an adrenal problem. People already being monitored for adrenal conditions may also use this test to track changes over time.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include persistent tiredness that doesn't improve with rest, sudden weight changes, dizziness or low blood pressure, and intense cravings for salty foods. Some people also notice darkening patches of skin, muscle weakness, or mood changes like increased anxiety or irritability. If these symptoms have been ongoing, checking your cortisol level can help explain what's going on.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. You'll get a notification once your report is available, and you can log into your account anytime to view it. The report will also be available for download as a standard lab report.

How can I naturally support healthy cortisol levels?

Getting consistent, quality sleep is one of the biggest factors in keeping cortisol balanced, so aim for a regular bedtime routine. Reducing caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon, and practicing stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, walking, or meditation can also help. Regular moderate exercise supports healthy hormone rhythms, but overtraining can actually raise cortisol, so balance is key. Eating balanced meals and avoiding long stretches without food can also help keep levels steady.

What does high cortisol mean?

A high afternoon cortisol reading can mean your body is under chronic stress or, in some cases, may point toward a condition like Cushing's disease where the body makes too much cortisol. Common signs that go along with high levels include weight gain around the midsection, high blood pressure, and trouble sleeping. Reducing stress, improving sleep habits, and cutting back on stimulants can help, but very high results should prompt a follow-up test to confirm the finding.

What does low cortisol mean?

A low afternoon cortisol level can be a sign your adrenal glands aren't producing enough of this hormone, which is seen in conditions like Addison's disease. Symptoms that often go along with low cortisol include extreme fatigue, dizziness when standing, low blood pressure, and salt cravings. If your result is very low along with these symptoms, it's important to seek medical care promptly since this can become a serious situation.

What causes abnormal cortisol levels?

High cortisol can be caused by chronic stress, certain medications like steroids, or conditions affecting the adrenal or pituitary glands. Low cortisol can result from adrenal gland damage, pituitary problems, or suddenly stopping long-term steroid medication. Because timing matters a lot with cortisol, testing in the afternoon like this test does helps capture a more accurate picture of your natural rhythm.

How often should I retest?

If your first result is within the normal range and you have no ongoing symptoms, retesting once a year or if new symptoms appear is usually enough. If your level was borderline or you're making lifestyle changes to manage stress, retesting every few months can help you track progress. Anyone with a result significantly outside the normal range should retest sooner to confirm the finding and monitor any changes.

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.

P.M. 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

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