Cortisol Test | Cortisol Blood Test for Stress Levels

Cortisol Stress Hormone Test

This test checks the morning levels of cortisol present in your blood. Cortisol is the human body’s main stress hormone. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

You must schedule an appointment for sample collection in the morning only (between the hours of 7am and 9am). You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

Test type: In Person

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$70.55 ~~$83.00~~

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

About the Test

This stress hormone test measures cortisol levels in your blood in the morning. As the human body’s main stress hormone, cortisol controls things like fear, mood, and motivation. Cortisol also aids in regulating inflammation, blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep cycles, and metabolism – especially in stressful situations. This cortisol test can help determine if there are issues with your body’s “alarm system.”

Buy your own cortisol level test online with Quest®. No doctor’s visit is required – simply purchase cortisol testing, visit a nearby Quest® location for sample collection, and get fast results.

Cortisol is an essential hormone that plays a vital role in almost every organ and tissue system in the human body. The levels of cortisol change throughout the day to maintain a steady state. If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms listed below, this cortisol level test may be for you.

This cortisol blood test measures the morning level of cortisol present in your blood. The adrenal glands above the kidneys produce cortisol. 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.

A cortisol imbalance test can help determine if the following signs and symptoms are due to:

Too little cortisol:

Overly tired
Worsening muscle weakness
Skin changes (darkening in folds & of scars)
Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
Appetite loss/weight loss
Low blood pressure
Addison’s disease

Too much cortisol:

Trouble sleeping
Digestion problems
Headaches
Concentration/memory issues
Easy-to-bruise skin
Anxiety/depression
Weight gain
Heart disease
Cushing’s disease

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

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. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 100+ 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.

In-person
In-home sample collection

Buy a lab test & schedule an appointment

No doctor visit required for purchase. Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Schedule an appointment

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available.

View results

Get physician support

Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

Buy a lab test
+ in-home sample collection

If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

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Schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, 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 online

Access results online as soon as they’re available. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

View results

In-home sample collection is not available in all locations.
Is in-home sample collection available near me?

Life has a way of throwing us curveballs, and it's normal for our bodies to react. But when stress becomes long-term or chronic, it can have serious effects on health.

FAQs

Is there a reason this blood test is to be completed in the morning?

Yes. Cortisol levels naturally change throughout the day. Cortisol levels typically peak in the morning, and the morning level would be the best single point indicator of a problem with your stress hormone.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at 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.

Our references

Quest Diagnostics. Cortisol, A.M. Access August 10, 2023. Cortisol, A.M. | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics.
WebMD. What is Cortisol?. Access August 10, 2023. Cortisol: What It Does & How To Regulate Cortisol Levels (webmd.com).
Cleveland Clinic. Cortisol. Access August 10, 2023. Cortisol: What It Is, Function, Symptoms & Levels (clevelandclinic.org)

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 Stress Hormone Test