The Cortisol Test measures the levels of cortisol in your blood. Cortisol is often called the "stress hormone" because it helps your body respond to stress and is essential for the maintenance of several body functions. This test can help identify imbalances in cortisol levels, which may be associated with various health conditions. Understanding your cortisol levels can provide valuable information about your body's stress response and overall well-being.
Note: This test is not intended to diagnose any specific medical condition. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper interpretation of cortisol test results.
Preparation: If you’re taking a supplement containing biotin (also called vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H or coenzyme R), commonly found in products promoting nail, skin and hair health, we recommend that you wait at least 72 hours from your last dose before taking the test.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It plays a vital role in the body's stress response, metabolism and immune function. The test measures cortisol levels in the blood, which should vary throughout the day due to the body's natural circadian rhythm. Cortisol levels can be affected by stress, pregnancy, exercise, hormone therapy and certain medications like oral contraceptive pills. Abnormal cortisol levels may be associated with adrenal or pituitary conditions, chronic stress, or taking corticosteroids for a long period of time. Signs of high cortisol levels can include weight gain, high blood pressure, and mood changes. Signs of low cortisol levels may include fatigue, weight loss and low blood pressure.
Cortisol plays an essential role in your body's stress response. Testing cortisol levels can help you understand how your body is coping with stress and identify potential imbalances that may affect your overall health and well-being.
Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands. Measuring cortisol levels can detect imbalances in adrenal function and may help identify potential conditions such as primary adrenal insufficiency (also known as Addison’s disease, with low levels of cortisol in the blood) or Cushing's syndrome (a condition characterized by high levels of cortisol).
Abnormal cortisol levels can contribute to various symptoms, including fatigue, weight changes and mood swings. Testing cortisol levels may help you and your healthcare provider shed light on unexplained symptoms.
1. Labcorp. Cortisol. Accessed April 3, 2025. https://www.labcorp.com/tests/004051/cortisol.
2. MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine. Magnesium Blood Test. Updated October 25, 2023. Accessed November 13, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cortisol-test/.
3. Endocrine Society. Adrenal Hormones. Endocrine.org. January 24, 2022. Accessed April 3, 2025. https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hormones-and-endocrine-function/adrenal-hormones.
<p>1. Labcorp. Cortisol. Accessed April 3, 2025. <a href="https://www.labcorp.com/tests/004051/cortisol" target="_blank" title="labcorp.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.labcorp.com/tests/004051/cortisol</a>.</p> <p>2. MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine. Magnesium Blood Test. Updated October 25, 2023. Accessed November 13, 2023. <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cortisol-test/" target="_blank" title="MedlinePlus" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cortisol-test/</a>.</p> <p>3. Endocrine Society. Adrenal Hormones. Endocrine.org. January 24, 2022. Accessed April 3, 2025. <a href="https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hormones-and-endocrine-function/adrenal-hormones" target="_blank" title="Endocrine Society" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hormones-and-endocrine-function/adrenal-hormones</a>.</p>
Simply purchase this test online. A healthcare provider will review and approve your test requests; no healthcare provider visit is required.
Visit a Labcorp location near you for sample collection. Visits may be scheduled online.
View your easy-to-read results online in your Labcorp Patient™ account, including Linked Accounts. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail.
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Results can indicate whether cortisol levels are abnormal or within normal range depending on the time of sample collection and other factors that could affect cortisol levels. Abnormal levels may suggest various conditions, but further evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary for a proper diagnosis. A cortisol test alone can't diagnose the cause of abnormal cortisol levels.
High cortisol symptoms may include:
Low cortisol symptoms may include:
It's important to note that symptoms can vary widely and may be caused by other conditions. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider who can interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, with highest levels typically in the morning that decline throughout the day. It’s important to consider the time of sample collection because cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day. Your cortisol test results will come with reference range intervals for morning and afternoon cortisol levels to show if you are in range for time of collection.
Chronic stress can lead to persistently elevated cortisol levels, which may have negative effects on your physical and mental health. Cortisol testing can help you understand cortisol’s effects on the body and inform lifestyle changes to help balance your hormones and achieve good health.
Visit the Labcorp OnDemand website to browse and purchase laboratory tests and create your Labcorp OnDemand account. All Labcorp OnDemand testing requires a healthcare provider order; for your convenience, Labcorp OnDemand has contracted with PWNHealth LLC and its affiliated professional entities (collectively, PWNHealth) to provide healthcare provider services. Visit a Labcorp location for sample collection; or, if using an at-home kit, collect your sample yourself. We’ll let you know when your results are ready to be accessed through your Labcorp OnDemand account or through your Labcorp Patient account.
Your results will be provided to you through our secure online portal to view or print. Results are also made available through a secure portal to the independent healthcare provider who placed your test order. If you are accessing your results through your Labcorp Patient™ account, all users linked to the account will have access to all OnDemand test results. Results may also be provided to a local, state, and/or federal health authority; for example, many states require the testing laboratory and physician to report test results for certain communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, to local or state health departments.
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Visit the Labcorp OnDemand® website to browse and purchase laboratory tests and create your Labcorp Patient™ account to view your results. All Labcorp OnDemand testing requires an order from an authorized healthcare professional. For your convenience, Labcorp OnDemand has contracted with independent professional entities (collectively, Providers) to deliver healthcare provider services. Visit a Labcorp location for sample collection; or, if using an at-home collection kit, collect your sample yourself. We’ll let you know when your results are ready and can be accessed through your Labcorp Patient™ account.
