What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing ongoing fatigue, unexplained weight loss, low blood pressure, or dizziness that doesn't have a clear cause. It checks how well your adrenal glands respond when stimulated, which helps identify a condition called adrenal insufficiency (also known as Addison's disease). It's especially useful if you've had vague symptoms for a while and want a clearer picture of your adrenal gland function.

How should I prepare for this test?

See the pre-collection instructions on your order confirmation.

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 know exactly where you stand. If your cortisol response is lower than expected, next steps typically involve retesting or following up promptly, since low adrenal function can affect your energy, blood pressure, and overall health. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and use the trends feature to track your cortisol levels if you test again in the future. If a result comes back significantly abnormal, it's a good idea to seek medical care soon rather than wait.

What is cortisol and why does it matter?

Cortisol is a hormone made by your adrenal glands that helps control your energy, blood pressure, blood sugar, and how your body handles stress. It naturally rises and falls throughout the day and increases when your body needs extra support, like during illness or stress. This test measures how well your adrenal glands can boost cortisol production when given a stimulating signal, which shows whether they're working properly.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. Once processed, they'll appear directly in your online account, where you can view each value along with its reference range. You'll get a notification when your report is ready so you don't have to keep checking manually.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone with persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, or unexplained weight loss that hasn't been explained by other causes. It's also useful if you have symptoms that suggest your body isn't handling stress or illness normally. People with a family history of adrenal or autoimmune conditions may also want to consider this test.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms linked to low adrenal function include ongoing tiredness that doesn't improve with rest, dizziness or fainting when standing up, salt cravings, low blood pressure, and unexplained weight loss. Some people also notice darkening of the skin or difficulty recovering from minor illnesses. If several of these sound familiar, this test can help clarify what's going on.

What does a low cortisol response mean?

A low or blunted response means your adrenal glands aren't producing enough cortisol even when stimulated, which can point to adrenal insufficiency. This can cause fatigue, low blood pressure, and trouble handling physical or emotional stress. If your result is low, it's important to seek medical care soon, since this condition needs proper management to avoid serious complications.

What causes a low cortisol response?

Low adrenal response can be caused by damage to the adrenal glands themselves, autoimmune conditions, certain infections, or problems with the pituitary gland that normally signals the adrenals to produce cortisol. Long-term use of certain steroid medications can also suppress natural adrenal function. Identifying the cause usually requires additional testing beyond this single result.

How often should I retest?

If your first result is normal and you're not having symptoms, you likely won't need to retest unless new symptoms appear. If your result was borderline or abnormal, retesting or additional adrenal testing is often recommended fairly soon to confirm the finding and guide next steps. Tracking results over time using the trends feature can help you and any future testing 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.

Cortisol ACTH Stimulation Test - Adrenal Function 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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