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Cortisol & DHEA-S (Adrenal Function) Test Panel — Morning Snapshot

$99.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

HSA/FSA Accepted

Measure the levels of two adrenal gland hormones—cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S)—in your blood. 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 determine the health status of your adrenal glands. 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)–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. Measuring morning levels (when cortisol is typically highest) provides an initial step toward evaluating whether adrenal hormone production is appropriate and within expected ranges. 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 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, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or adrenal gland tumors.

No doctor’s visit needed. Buy this adrenal hormone 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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Preparation: No special preparation is required. You must schedule an appointment for sample collection in the morning only (between the hours of 7am and 9am). 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.

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
You are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms listed below

This adrenal function test measures levels of the following markers related to adrenal gland health and function:

Cortisol 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.

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 PCOS when testosterone levels are normal.

Signs and symptoms that may be associated with adrenal hormone imbalance include:

Possible low cortisol (adrenal insufficiency) symptoms:

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

Possible high cortisol symptoms:

Weight or body composition changes (for example weight gain around the abdomen or face)
Blood pressure, blood sugar, or energy level changes
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 sample collection at a Quest Diagnostics location or through Quest Mobile® where available, a convenient option for in-home sample collection*. Collection is not available in AZ or HI.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, not available in all locations. Quest Mobile is currently only available for individuals ages 18+.

You must schedule an appointment for sample collection in the morning only (between the hours of 7am and 9am). No special preparation is required. 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.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes up to 8 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.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 150+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

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Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

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Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

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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.

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+ in-home sample collection

No doctor visit required for purchase. If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

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Register your test
& schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, register your test and Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results

Please note: Quest Mobile is currently only available for individuals ages 18+.

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.

Why do I need to test cortisol in the morning?

Cortisol levels follow a daily rhythm and are typically highest in the early morning. Testing between 7am and 9am helps provide the most meaningful insight into whether your adrenal glands are producing appropriate levels.

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.

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/

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.

Cortisol & DHEA-S (Adrenal Function) Test Panel — Morning Snapshot