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Cortisol stress test for anyone experiencing chronic stress, fatigue, or anxiety

Blood Test for Stress and Fatigue

Cortisol, Total

Google
3,138 reviews
  • Pinpoint the cause of your stress
  • Reveal hidden adrenal issues effortlessly
  • Clarify why you're feeling constantly tired
First results as soon as overnight*

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing constant stress, unexplained fatigue, trouble sleeping, weight gain (especially around your midsection), mood swings, or anxiety. It measures your cortisol levels to help identify whether your body's stress response system is out of balance. Many people use this test when they suspect chronic stress is affecting their energy, sleep quality, weight, or overall sense of well-being.

How should I prepare for this test?

This cortisol test is not recommended if you're currently taking prednisone or prednisolone therapy, as these medications can cross-react with the test and affect accuracy. For the most accurate results, try to schedule your test at a consistent time of day, as cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day (highest in the morning, lowest at night). Follow any specific timing instructions provided when you order the test.

What's included in this test?

Cortisol, Total

This test measures your total cortisol level, which is your body's primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, controlling blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and managing your stress response throughout the day. Understanding your cortisol level helps identify whether chronic stress, adrenal fatigue, or other hormonal imbalances are contributing to symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, mood issues, or sleep problems.

What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your cortisol levels mean for your stress response, energy, and overall health. These notes include personalized recommendations like stress management techniques, sleep optimization strategies, dietary adjustments, or whether you should consider further adrenal testing. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your cortisol levels over time using our trends feature to see how lifestyle changes are helping you manage stress better.
When will I get my results?
Most cortisol test results are available within 1-2 business days after your sample reaches the lab. You'll receive an email notification as soon as your results are ready to view in your secure online account. Along with your lab report, you'll get easy-to-understand doctor notes explaining what your cortisol levels mean and actionable next steps.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is perfect for anyone experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, or burnout symptoms. It's especially useful for people with unexplained weight gain (particularly belly fat), constant fatigue despite adequate sleep, trouble falling or staying asleep, frequent mood swings, or difficulty recovering from workouts. People with high-stress jobs, caregivers, and anyone feeling overwhelmed should consider testing their cortisol levels.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Common symptoms of cortisol imbalance include feeling wired but tired, difficulty waking up in the morning, energy crashes in the afternoon, craving salty or sugary foods, unexplained weight gain around your midsection, brain fog, irritability, and frequent illness. You might also experience trouble sleeping despite exhaustion, low libido, or feeling constantly overwhelmed by everyday stressors.
How can I naturally support healthy cortisol levels?
Managing cortisol starts with stress reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and limit caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon. Regular moderate exercise helps, but avoid overtraining which can spike cortisol. Eat balanced meals with protein and healthy fats, limit sugar and processed foods, and consider adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola after consulting with a healthcare provider.
What does high cortisol mean?
High cortisol typically indicates your body is in a prolonged state of stress response, often from chronic stress, anxiety, or overtraining. Elevated cortisol can lead to weight gain (especially belly fat), difficulty sleeping, weakened immune function, high blood sugar, increased blood pressure, and mood changes. It can also interfere with other hormones and may indicate conditions like Cushing's syndrome in extreme cases.
What does low cortisol mean?
Low cortisol may suggest adrenal fatigue or insufficiency, where your adrenal glands aren't producing enough stress hormones. This can cause extreme tiredness, weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness when standing, weight loss, and decreased ability to handle stress. Low cortisol can result from chronic long-term stress that has exhausted your adrenal glands, or in rare cases, may indicate Addison's disease.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] 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 [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].

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 [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

You get clinical lab reports & simplified health insights.
Save time & gas, go straight to the lab. Our doctors cover the rest.
Results start landing the next day after your lab visit.*
We don’t sell or share your data. Your time & privacy matter.
US-licensed doctors have your back if things get unclear.
No hidden fees, nice discounts for regular checkups.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Instant orders, results often overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
Demo results
Cortisol, Total 24.8 µg/dL
Demo results
Low Optimal 6.0 - 18.4 High
24.8 µg/dL

What this means

Your cortisol level is elevated above the optimal range, which suggests your body may be experiencing chronic stress or an overactive stress response. While occasional spikes are normal, sustained high cortisol can contribute to difficulty sleeping, weight gain (especially around your midsection), mood changes, and reduced immune function.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
Choose a checkup
Order your test Save a trip to the doctor. Your results will come with clear, friendly explanations. Takes 2 minutes
Book a lab
Book an appointment Visit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected. Book or walk-in
Choose a checkup
Get results Receive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days. Get answers, fast

Blood Test for Stress and Fatigue

Google
3,138 reviews
  • Pinpoint the cause of your stress
  • Reveal hidden adrenal issues effortlessly
  • Clarify why you're feeling constantly tired

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

Google reviews 3138 reviews Next
Still got questions? Text our super-cool support team at 754-799-7833 to get help finding your ideal checkup.