Cortisol is your body's primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. This test measures total cortisol levels to assess adrenal function and stress response.
Cortisol is a vital hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and the body's reaction to stress. Often called the "stress hormone," cortisol follows a natural daily rhythm—highest in the morning to help you wake up, then declining throughout the day. This blood test measures total cortisol (both bound and free) and is commonly used to evaluate adrenal gland function, diagnose conditions like Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) or Addison's disease (cortisol deficiency), and investigate symptoms related to chronic stress, fatigue, or metabolic dysfunction.
Price
$13
Results
1-2 days
Lab Network
Quest
Fasting
Not Required
What's Measured
What This Test Measures
This test measures the total amount of cortisol in your blood, including cortisol bound to proteins (cortisol-binding globulin and albumin) and free cortisol. Because cortisol levels vary throughout the day, the timing of your blood draw matters for interpretation.
Who Should Consider This Test
People experiencing unexplained fatigue, muscle weakness, or weight changes, those with symptoms of high cortisol (moon face, easy bruising, high blood pressure), individuals with suspected adrenal insufficiency, anyone investigating chronic stress effects, and those with abnormal ACTH stimulation test results.
Health Insights
Conditions Screened
Related Symptoms
When to Get Tested
No fasting is required, but timing matters. Morning (8 AM) cortisol tests are standard because levels are highest then. For suspected Cushing's, late-night testing may be requested. Inform your provider of any corticosteroid medications, as these affect results.
Understanding Your Results
Normal morning cortisol typically ranges from 6-23 mcg/dL, with afternoon values lower. Very high levels may suggest Cushing's syndrome, while very low levels can indicate Addison's disease or adrenal insufficiency. Results should be interpreted with clinical context and may require additional testing like ACTH stimulation or dexamethasone suppression tests.
What to Expect
After placing your order, you'll receive an email from Rupa Health (our lab order partner) within 24 business hours to sign a consent form and schedule your blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics location.
The blood draw typically takes just a few minutes. Results are usually available within 1-2 business days and will appear in your secure Justlabs dashboard.
Our results include reference ranges and easy-to-understand indicators showing whether your values are within normal limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
$13
Typical hospital cash price: $120–$180
+ $28 in standard lab & physician fees at checkout (no additional bills later)
$18 lab collection + $10 physician order
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