Ordering the Cortisol, AM Test
Cortisol, AM is a blood test that measures the amount of cortisol, a hormone made by your adrenal glands, in the morning when levels are usually highest. This test helps check for problems with your adrenal or pituitary glands, which can affect how your body handles stress, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Interestingly, cortisol levels can also be affected by sleep patterns, so people who work night shifts may have different results than those who work during the day.
Ordering this test can help you and your healthcare provider:
- Check for adrenal gland problems, such as Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome
- Monitor how your body responds to long-term steroid use
- Find out if your pituitary gland is sending the right signals to your adrenal glands
- Track changes in cortisol levels if you have symptoms like tiredness, weight changes, or high blood pressure
- Support diagnosis when other hormone tests show unusual results
Who Might Benefit from Morning Cortisol Screening
People who feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, notice sudden weight changes, or have trouble with blood pressure may want to check their morning cortisol levels. For example, someone who has been feeling weak and dizzy for weeks, despite eating well and getting enough rest, might find answers by ordering this test.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Unexplained changes in skin color, such as darkening or lightening
- Frequent headaches that don’t improve with usual treatments
- Ongoing muscle weakness or pain without a clear cause
- Difficulty managing blood sugar, even with a healthy diet
- People who have recently stopped taking steroid medications and want to see if their adrenal glands are working again
Checking your morning cortisol can help find out if your adrenal or pituitary glands are working as they should, which can lead to more targeted treatment and better symptom control. Delaying this test could mean missing early signs of hormone problems, making it harder to manage symptoms or start the right treatment plan.
Preparing for Your Morning Cortisol Blood Draw
Fasting is not needed for this test, but it’s best to have your blood drawn early in the morning, usually between 7 and 9 a.m. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you, as timing and preparation can affect your results.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Cortisol, AM
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Measures | Low and High Levels of Cortisol, AM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cortisol, AM | 6-18 | Cortisol is a hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, and how the body responds to stress. This test checks the amount of cortisol in your blood early in the morning, when it should be at its highest. |
High levels mean your body may be making too much cortisol, which can be linked to Cushing’s syndrome, stress, or certain tumors.
Low levels mean your adrenal glands may not be making enough cortisol, which can be a sign of Addison’s disease or pituitary problems. |
Reference ranges can change over time. For the most current values, visit the Quest Diagnostics lab test directory.
Cortisol, AM FAQ
Is there Cortisol, AM testing near me?
You can find a nearby location for Cortisol, AM testing using the patient service center locator, which also lists mobile phlebotomy options for added convenience. Since this test needs to be done early in the morning, having a close and accessible site makes it easier to get your blood drawn at the right time.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see for the test includes all fees, including the blood draw at a patient service center. Ordering this test is worth it if you have ongoing symptoms like tiredness or unexplained weight changes, as it can help pinpoint hormone issues.
How often should I retest?
Most people only need to repeat this test if their symptoms change or if their doctor is monitoring a known adrenal or pituitary condition. Retesting can help track how well treatment is working or if hormone levels are returning to normal.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses immunoassay technology, which is highly specific for cortisol and provides quick results. The specificity is about 98% and the sensitivity is around 97%. TrueHealthLabs.com works with CLIA-certified labs to maintain high-quality testing standards you can trust.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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