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Cortisol & DHEA-S (Adrenal Function) Test Panel — Full-Day Assessment

$119.20 ~~$149.00~~ 20% off

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

HSA/FSA Accepted

20% off

Measure cortisol and DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) — 2 key adrenal hormones — using blood and 4 saliva measurements throughout the day to assess how your adrenal glands are functioning. Well-functioning adrenal glands are important for a healthy endocrine system that can influence your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, and even how you respond to stress. Adrenal insufficiency is one of the results of autoimmune diseases like Addison’s disease, while overproduction of cortisol can lead to diseases such as Cushing syndrome. These markers may help you and your healthcare provider identify potential adrenal hormone imbalances that may warrant further evaluation. Read more

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The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and are responsible for producing hormones that help your body regulate your metabolism, blood pressure, and immune system. The adrenal glands are also often referred to as the “stress glands” because one of their other main functions is to produce hormones that help our bodies control our response to stress. This test measures two key adrenal hormones – cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). Cortisol is collected via 4 saliva samples and DHEA-S is collected via a blood sample. These results may be used to provide insight into adrenal hormone balance and how well your adrenal glands are supporting your body’s response to stress.

Cortisol is the main hormone your adrenal glands release to regulate stress response, energy use, inflammation, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Cortisol naturally rises and falls throughout the day, peaking in the early morning and dropping by evening. By measuring cortisol at 4 points across the day, this test captures that rise and fall pattern rather than a single moment in time. When that pattern is disrupted — for example, if cortisol remains elevated into the evening or stays low throughout the day — it may indicate an adrenal hormone disorder that should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. A single morning reading alone is a useful starting point but may not reveal this kind of pattern. DHEA-S is another hormone produced by the adrenal glands that your body converts into sex hormones, and measuring levels helps assess whether your adrenal glands may be contributing to hormone-related symptoms such as excess androgen production. Together, measuring cortisol throughout the day and DHEA-S provides complementary insight into overall adrenal hormone output, helping healthcare providers understand whether symptoms may be related to adrenal hormone imbalance.

Results from this adrenal function test may be used by a doctor to look for possible adrenal hormone imbalances, or to monitor known adrenal conditions. Abnormal levels of these two hormones do not diagnose but may point to underlying conditions such as Addison’s disease, Cushing syndrome, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS]), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), hypopituitarism or adrenal gland tumors.

No doctor’s visit needed. Buy this full-day adrenal hormone 4 point saliva and blood test online, visit a nearby Quest location, and get fast results.

Sample type: Blood and Saliva
Test type: In Person
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This test may be right for you if any of the following are true:

You are curious about the function and health of your adrenal glands
You have been previously diagnosed with an adrenal gland condition and wish to monitor your cortisol and DHEA-S levels over time
You experience persistent fatigue, low energy, or stress-related symptoms and want to understand if/how your adrenal glands may be contributing
You are experiencing symptoms that may be related to hormonal imbalance, such as unexplained weight changes, irregular periods, or excess facial or body hair
You are looking for a more complete picture of your cortisol levels throughout the day, rather than a single morning reading
You are an athlete or highly active individual experiencing unexplained fatigue or slow recovery
You are in perimenopause or menopause transition and want to assess your adrenal hormone levels
You are experiencing any of the other signs and symptoms listed below

Quest also offers the Cortisol & DHEA-S (Adrenal Function) Test Panel — Morning Snapshot, which measures the same 2 hormones but in a single morning blood test. This can be a useful starting point in helping you and your healthcare provider determine the health status of your adrenal glands and whether this may be contributing to your symptoms.

This adrenal function test measures levels of cortisol (in saliva at 4 points during the day) and DHEA-S (in blood). These markers have been known to contribute to overall adrenal gland health and function:

The adrenal glands above the kidneys produce cortisol. Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone and fluctuates throughout the day. It aids in regulating inflammation, blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep cycles, and metabolism — especially in stressful situations. Normally the body will regulate cortisol levels to deal with stress and pressure, but sometimes our bodies remain in a stressed state for too long. Too much (hypercortisolism) or too little (hypocortisolism) cortisol can result in the body’s inability to complete its normal functions and may lead to health problems such as anxiety, depression, headaches, memory issues, digestion problems, trouble sleeping, weight gain, and heart disease.

Saliva is used to measure cortisol in this test because it more accurately reflects the amount of cortisol that is actively available for your body to use, rather than the total amount present in your blood. This makes it particularly useful when taking multiple measurements over the course of the day to track how your adrenal glands are responding in real time. When functioning optimally, cortisol naturally rises and falls throughout the day in a predictable pattern; collecting samples at 4 points — morning, midday, late afternoon, and evening – allows this test to map your cortisol pattern across the day. This can help identify whether levels are consistently low, consistently high, or shifting at the wrong times, which a single blood draw would not reliably detect if your body is not following the optimal pattern. It is important to note that certain substances such as tobacco, licorice, and topical steroid creams may affect salivary cortisol results.

DHEA is a hormone, produced in the adrenal gland, that helps make other hormones like testosterone and estrogen, and levels usually peak in early adulthood and slowly fall with age. Testing DHEA-S levels, the sulfated form of DHEA, helps healthcare providers determine the source of androgens in hyperandrogenic conditions like PMOS when testosterone levels are normal.

Possible symptoms associated with low cortisol (adrenal insufficiency):

Persistent fatigue or muscle weakness
Dizziness or low blood pressure
Unexplained weight loss or reduced appetite
Salt cravings
Nausea or digestive discomfort
Skin darkening (especially in skin folds or scars)

Possible symptoms associated with high cortisol:

Weight or body composition changes (for example weight gain around the abdomen or face)
Blood pressure, blood sugar, or energy level changes
Decreased libido
Sleep difficulties
Easy bruising or skin changes
Mood changes

Possible DHEA-S related symptoms:

Acne or oily skin
Excess facial or body hair
Irregular menstrual cycles

Purchaser: You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com.

Patient: This test can be performed on patients between 18 and 100 years old.

Sample collection: This test requires 2 visits to a Quest Diagnostics location. Collection is not available in AZ, HI or PR.

You’ll need to book two appointments: the first to pick up your saliva sample containers, and a second to return your saliva samples and have your blood drawn. Certain supplements and medications can interfere with your test results. If you are concerned about any of your supplements or medications impacting your results, talk to your healthcare provider before your sample is collected to see if you should stop taking them and for how long. Consider avoiding smoking and licorice as both are known to contain an ingredient that may elevate salivary cortisol.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes up to 10 business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If you have or create a MyQuest® account, you may be able to review your new results there with your other Quest results. Independent healthcare providers are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

Compare products

Test For	Cortisol & DHEA-S (Adrenal Function) Test Panel — Full-Day Assessment	Cortisol & DHEA-S (Adrenal Function) Test Panel — Morning Snapshot	Cortisol Stress Hormone Test
Cortisol — 4 samples
Cortisol — 1 sample
DHEA-Sulfate
	$119.20 ~~$149.00~~	$79.20 ~~$99.00~~ Learn More	$67.15 ~~$79.00~~ Learn More

Cortisol & DHEA-S (Adrenal Function) Test Panel — Full-Day Assessment	Cortisol & DHEA-S (Adrenal Function) Test Panel — Morning Snapshot	Cortisol Stress Hormone Test
Cortisol — 4 samples
Cortisol — 1 sample
DHEA-Sulfate
$119.20 ~~$149.00~~	$79.20 ~~$99.00~~ Learn More	$67.15 ~~$79.00~~ Learn More

How it works

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Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

Having too much or too little cortisol can affect the critical bodily functions it helps regulate. That’s why it’s crucial to understand how to check cortisol levels.

FAQs

How do adrenal glands affect our bodies?

The adrenal glands influence many bodily functions by producing hormones that help control:

Blood pressure
Heart rate
Stress response
Immune response
Inflammation response
Blood sugar management
Food breakdown
Electrolyte balance
Sex hormone production and sexual development

What happens when the adrenal glands aren’t working properly?

Adrenal glands can either produce too little or too much hormone if they aren’t working properly. Too little of a hormone can be fatal and requires medication to keep a person alive (eg, adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease). Too much hormone can lead to a variety of effects depending on which hormone is being over-produced. For example, too much cortisol can lead to Cushing’s syndrome.

Can this test diagnose an adrenal disorder?

No. This test measures adrenal hormones but does not diagnose a specific condition on its own. Abnormal results may indicate the need for additional evaluation or follow-up testing with a healthcare provider. Included with your purchase, you have the ability to discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider at no extra cost.

What factors can affect cortisol or DHEA-S results?

Results can be influenced by medications (especially steroids), hormone therapy, stress, illness, sleep schedule, and time of collection. Tell your healthcare provider about any medications or recent changes that may affect hormone levels.

If you are taking steroid medications, have been recently hospitalized, are pregnant, or are being treated for an endocrine condition, discuss whether this test is appropriate with your provider.

Do I need to provide my saliva sample at the appointment?

No. Saliva samples are collected at home, not at the Patient Service Center (PSC). At your first appointment, you’ll pick up your saliva sample containers (salivettes) and instructions. You’ll then collect your sample at home, following the instructions that will be provided with your kit. You will return your samples at your second appointment.

Click here for saliva sample collection instructions.

When do I collect my four saliva samples?

Saliva samples are collected at four points throughout the day to capture your cortisol pattern from morning to evening.

The recommended collection times are:

Morning — within 30 minutes of waking
Midday — between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Late afternoon — between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Evening — before going to bed

Following these time points as closely as possible will give you the most accurate picture of your cortisol levels throughout the day.

Specific instructions will be provided with your saliva collection kit and you can also find them here.

Can I eat or drink before collecting my saliva samples?

You should avoid eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing your teeth, or using mouthwash for at least 30 minutes before each saliva collection. Certain foods, drinks, and oral hygiene products can affect cortisol levels in saliva and may impact your results. Certain supplements and medications can interfere with your test results. If you are concerned about any of your supplements or medications impacting your results, talk to your healthcare provider before your sample is collected to see if you should stop taking them and for how long. Consider avoiding smoking and licorice as both are known to contain an ingredient that may elevate salivary cortisol. Full preparation instructions will be provided with your collection kit and you can also find them here.

Why is saliva used to measure cortisol?

Saliva measures the portion of cortisol that is actively available for your body to use, rather than the total amount present in your blood. This makes it a useful way to assess how your adrenal glands are responding in real time. Salivary cortisol collection also allows samples to be taken at multiple points throughout the day at home, which is not practical with blood draws.

How is this test different from the Cortisol & DHEA-S (Adrenal Function) Test Panel - Morning Snapshot offering?

The Morning Snapshot test measures cortisol and DHEA-S from a single blood draw taken in the morning. This Full-Day Assessment adds 4 salivary cortisol measurements taken at home across the day, capturing your cortisol pattern from morning to evening. This can help identify disruptions to your cortisol rhythm — such as levels that stay low all day or remain elevated into the evening — that a single morning reading would not detect. If you are looking for a broader assessment of your adrenal hormone function, the Full-Day Assessment provides more complete information.

Can this test be taken by both men and women?

For women, this test may be particularly useful if you are experiencing symptoms such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, irregular periods, acne, or excess facial or body hair. DHEA-S can also help assess whether adrenal activity may be contributing to hormonal imbalances such as PMOS. Women in perimenopause or menopause may also benefit, as the adrenal glands become an increasingly important source of sex hormone production during this time.

For men, this test may be relevant if you are experiencing persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, low mood, or other signs of hormonal imbalance.

DHEA-S levels naturally decline with age in both men and women. Abnormally low or high levels may warrant further evaluation.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Are tests purchased from questhealth.com covered by my health insurance?

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are intended for individuals paying directly—we do not bill insurance, and purchases cannot be submitted for insurance reimbursement.

If your doctor ordered a lab test for you and you are looking to book an appointment for sample collection, you can schedule an appointment here https://appointment.questdiagnostics.com/as-home.

For other questions related to a lab test your doctor ordered for you, including billing and results, you can visit the main Quest Diagnostics site here https://www.questdiagnostics.com.

Our references

Cleveland Clinic. Cortisol: What It Is, Function, Symptoms & Levels. Accessed February 23, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22187-cortisol
WebMD. Cortisol: What it Does & How to Regulate Cortisol Levels. Accessed February 23, 2026. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-cortisol
Cleveland Clinic. DHEAS Test: What It Is, Procedure, Results. Accessed February 23, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22148-dheas-test-dhea-sulfate-test
MedlinePlus. DHEA Sulfate Test. Accessed February 23, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/dhea-sulfate-test/
Cleveland Clinic. Adrenal Gland: What It Is, Function, Symptoms, & Disorders. Accessed February 23, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23005-adrenal-gland
Cleveland Clinic. Adrenal Gland Disorders: Symptoms & Treatment. Accessed February 23, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16717-adrenal-disorders
American Association of Endocrine Surgeons. Adrenal Frequently Asked Questions. Accessed February 23, 2026. https://endocrinediseases.org/adrenal/adrenal-frequently-asked-questions/
Nieman LK, Biller BM, Findling JW, et al. The Diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2008;93(5):1526-1540. doi:10.1210/jc.2008-0125. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2386281/
Reincke M, Fleseriu M. Cushing Syndrome: A Review. JAMA. 2023;330(2):170-181. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.11305. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2023.11305
Vaidya A, Findling J, Bancos I. Adrenal Insufficiency in Adults: A Review. JAMA. 2025;334(8):714-725. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.5485. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2025.5485

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.