What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing symptoms that may be related to abnormal cortisol levels, such as unexplained weight gain (especially around the midsection), persistent fatigue, high blood pressure, mood changes, or unusual fat deposits. It helps evaluate whether your body properly regulates cortisol, the stress hormone produced by your adrenal glands. Many people use this test when their doctor suspects Cushing's syndrome or other conditions affecting stress hormone control.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining how your body responded to the dexamethasone medication and what your cortisol suppression pattern means for your adrenal health. These notes include personalized recommendations like stress management strategies, lifestyle modifications, or whether you should follow up with an endocrinologist for further evaluation. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your cortisol regulation over time using our trends feature to monitor changes or treatment effectiveness.

What's included in this test?

This test measures cortisol levels after taking a prescribed dose of dexamethasone. This test measures your cortisol levels after taking a prescribed dose of dexamethasone, a synthetic steroid medication. The medication should normally suppress cortisol production, so this test evaluates whether your adrenal glands and pituitary gland are functioning properly. It's particularly useful for identifying Cushing's syndrome and other disorders where the body produces too much cortisol, helping explain symptoms like unusual weight gain, high blood pressure, and persistent fatigue.

How should I prepare for this test?

You'll need to take a prescribed dexamethasone tablet at a specific time (usually around 11 PM) the night before your blood draw. Your blood sample is then collected the following morning, typically between 8-9 AM. Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive stress before the test, as these can affect cortisol levels. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully about the timing and dosage, and let them know about any medications you're taking, as some can interfere with test results.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is most commonly ordered for people showing signs of excess cortisol production, including rapid weight gain (especially facial rounding and upper back fat), purple stretch marks, easy bruising, muscle weakness, or high blood sugar. It's also important for those with difficult-to-control high blood pressure, bone loss at a young age, or symptoms suggesting Cushing's syndrome. Your doctor may also recommend it if other blood tests show abnormal cortisol patterns.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Key symptoms include unexplained weight gain concentrated in the face, neck, and trunk while arms and legs remain thin, along with a rounded or moon-shaped face. Other signs include purple or pink stretch marks on the abdomen, high blood pressure that's hard to control, unusual fatigue and muscle weakness, easy bruising, depression or anxiety, and irregular periods in women. These symptoms together may suggest your body isn't properly controlling cortisol levels.

How can I naturally support healthy cortisol levels?

Managing stress is crucial for maintaining healthy cortisol balance through practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. Getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night helps regulate cortisol's natural rhythm, while regular moderate exercise (avoiding overtraining) can normalize levels. Eating a balanced diet with adequate protein, limiting caffeine and sugar, staying hydrated, and spending time in nature or with loved ones all support healthy stress hormone function.

What is cortisol and why does it matter?

Cortisol is your body's main stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands and often called the fight-or-flight hormone. It plays essential roles in regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, immune function, and how your body responds to stress. Normal cortisol follows a daily rhythm, peaking in the morning to help you wake up and declining at night for sleep. When cortisol levels are too high or the normal rhythm is disrupted, it can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, weakened immunity, and other serious health problems.

What does high cortisol mean?

If your cortisol doesn't suppress properly after taking dexamethasone, it suggests your body may be producing too much cortisol, possibly indicating Cushing's syndrome or other adrenal disorders. High cortisol can cause weight gain (especially around the midsection and face), high blood pressure, high blood sugar, mood changes, weakened bones, and increased infections. This result typically requires follow-up testing and consultation with an endocrinologist to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

How often should I retest my cortisol levels?

If you're being evaluated for Cushing's syndrome or other cortisol-related conditions, your doctor may order this test as part of an initial workup, potentially with additional confirmatory tests. Once diagnosed and treated, retesting frequency depends on your specific condition and treatment response, often every 3-6 months initially. If your results are normal but symptoms persist, your doctor may retest after several months or order different tests to explore other causes of your symptoms.

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.

Stress Hormone Test - Cortisol & Adrenal Function

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

[email protected]

Blood Test for Stress Hormone and Cortisol Control

Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST), 1 Specimen

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

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

Blood Test for Stress Hormone and Cortisol Control

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

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