What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight changes, unusual weakness, or mood swings that might be tied to your stress hormone levels. It measures total cortisol, a hormone your body releases in response to stress and that helps regulate energy, blood pressure, and metabolism. It can also help clarify symptoms linked to conditions where cortisol is too high or too low.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with the normal range for cortisol so you can see exactly where you fall. If your level is outside the expected range, simple next steps like adjusting sleep habits, managing stress, or retesting in a few weeks can help clarify the picture; if a result looks dangerously high or low, seek medical care right away. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and the trends feature lets you track your cortisol over time to see how it changes.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include ongoing fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, unexplained weight gain or loss, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, or skin changes like easy bruising or dark patches. Mood changes such as anxiety or irritability, along with sleep problems, can also point to a cortisol imbalance. If these symptoms are new, worsening, or persistent, checking your cortisol level is a reasonable next step.

How can I naturally support healthy cortisol levels?

Getting consistent, quality sleep is one of the most effective ways to keep cortisol balanced, since poor sleep tends to push levels up. Regular moderate exercise, mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing, and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can also help. Eating balanced meals and avoiding long stretches without food helps prevent stress-related spikes in this hormone.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are available in your account. This timeframe can occasionally shift depending on lab volume, but you'll always be able to check your account for the latest status.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone dealing with persistent fatigue, unexplained changes in weight, high blood pressure, or mood swings that seem tied to stress may want to consider this test. It's also useful if you have symptoms that suggest your adrenal glands aren't working the way they should, such as low energy combined with darkening skin or intense cravings for salty foods. People who've noticed a cluster of these symptoms together, rather than just one, are especially good candidates.

What is cortisol and why does it matter?

Cortisol is often called the 'stress hormone' because your body releases it when you're under physical or emotional stress. It plays a big role in regulating your metabolism, blood sugar, blood pressure, and even your immune response. Because it affects so many systems, having too much or too little can cause a wide range of noticeable symptoms.

What does high cortisol mean?

A high cortisol result can point to your body producing too much of this stress hormone, which over time may show up as weight gain (especially around the midsection), high blood pressure, or thinning skin. It can be linked to chronic stress, certain medications, or in some cases a condition called Cushing's syndrome. Simple steps like reducing stress, improving sleep, and cutting back on stimulants can help, but very high results should prompt you to seek medical care.

What does low cortisol mean?

A low cortisol result may mean your adrenal glands aren't producing enough of this hormone, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, low blood pressure, and unusual cravings for salty foods. This pattern is sometimes seen in Addison's disease or other adrenal issues. If your level comes back low, especially alongside these symptoms, it's important to seek medical care promptly since untreated low cortisol can become serious.

How often should I retest?

If your first result is within the normal range and you feel fine, retesting once a year or whenever new symptoms appear is generally reasonable. If your result was borderline or you're actively working on lifestyle changes to manage stress, retesting in 4-8 weeks can help you see if those changes are working. Anyone with an abnormal result should retest sooner, as advised based on how far outside the range the value was.

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 Blood Test - Stress & Adrenal Health 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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