Cortisol Stress Hormone Panel
About the Test
🏠 Collection Method: At-home or In-person
🧪 Sample Type: Blood
🔞 Age: 18+
⚠️ Preparation: Sample must be collected between 7am and 9am. No specific preparation is needed beforehand.
📊 After the test: Results can take a few hours to a few days. Sent to you directly.
$65.00
HOW IT WORKS
Skip the doctor’s visit – purchase directly and get started.
Book your sample collection at Genics Laboratories locations, or choose the convenient in-home collection option if available in your area.
Once your results are ready, you’ll receive an email so you can access them online right away. An independent physician is available to discuss your results.
No doctor visit needed. If available in your area, enjoy the convenience of in-home sample collection for just $69 extra.
After completing your purchase Genics Mobile Phlebotomy Coordinator will contact you to arrange your in-home sample collection appointment.
A certified Genics Mobile phlebotomist will come to your home to collect your sample and deliver it securely to our laboratory for processing.
Once your results are ready, you’ll receive an email so you can access them online right away. An independent physician is available to discuss your results.
What’s Tested
The Cortisol Stress Hormone Test measures the amount of cortisol—a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands—in your blood. Cortisol plays a key role in regulating metabolism, blood pressure, immune response, and the body’s reaction to stress.
When to Take the Test:
Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the early morning and dropping to their lowest at night. For accurate results, blood samples are usually collected in the morning (typically between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.), and sometimes a second sample is taken in the late afternoon. Your provider may ask you to avoid vigorous exercise the day before and to rest before the test to minimize stress, which can affect cortisol levels.
Who Should Take It:
This test is recommended for people with symptoms suggesting abnormal cortisol production, such as:
– Unexplained weight gain or loss
– Fatigue or muscle weakness
– High blood pressure
– Easy bruising or purple stretch marks
– Irregular periods or excess hair growth in women
– Signs of adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) or overproduction (Cushing’s syndrome)
What’s being tested:
The test measures the concentration of cortisol in your blood. Normal morning values are typically 10–20 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL), but ranges can vary by lab. Levels are highest in the morning and decrease throughout the day.
Risks of the blood draw are minimal but may include slight pain, bruising, or rarely, infection at the puncture site.
Abnormal cortisol levels can indicate serious health problems:
High Cortisol may signal Cushing’s syndrome, chronic stress, adrenal tumors, or pituitary disorders.
Low Cortisol can indicate Addison’s disease, adrenal insufficiency, or pituitary dysfunction.
Certain medications, stress, and illness can affect results, so always inform your provider about any drugs or supplements you are taking.
A Cortisol blood test is a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing adrenal and pituitary disorders, and timing and preparation are important for accurate results.
Physician Review included
What to expect after the test
After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. 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.