Ordering the Diurnal Cortisol | ZRT Labs
Ordering the Diurnal Cortisol | ZRT Labs test helps track how your body’s main stress hormone, cortisol, changes throughout the day. This test is often used to check for patterns linked to tiredness, trouble sleeping, mood changes, and weight shifts. Interestingly, cortisol levels naturally peak in the morning and drop at night, so testing at different times can reveal hidden imbalances that a single test might miss.
When ordering this test, you can expect these specific benefits:
- Measures cortisol at four different times to show your daily hormone pattern
- Helps spot early signs of adrenal fatigue or burnout
- Supports targeted plans for stress management and sleep improvement
- Can explain unexplained tiredness, mood swings, or weight changes
- Uses a simple saliva sample you collect at home
Who Should Consider a Daily Cortisol Pattern Test
People who feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, struggle with falling asleep, or notice sudden changes in mood or weight may benefit from this test. For example, someone who wakes up feeling exhausted, has trouble focusing at work, and finds it hard to relax in the evening could use this test to find out if their stress hormone levels are out of balance.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Feeling anxious or irritable without a clear reason
- Experiencing frequent headaches or muscle aches
- Having trouble losing or gaining weight despite changes in diet
- Dealing with ongoing fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Noticing changes in skin, such as increased dryness or breakouts, which can be linked to hormone shifts
Testing for daily cortisol patterns can help explain why someone feels tired, moody, or has trouble sleeping by showing if their stress hormone levels are too high or too low at certain times. Delaying this test could mean missing the chance to make changes that help restore energy, mood, and sleep sooner.
Preparing for a Saliva-Based Stress Hormone Test
Fasting is not needed for this saliva-based test, but you should avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth 30 minutes before each sample. Always follow the instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your samples are collected correctly and your results are as useful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Diurnal Cortisol | ZRT Labs
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Measures | Low and High Levels of Diurnal Cortisol | ZRT Labs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cortisol (Morning) | 3.7 – 9.5 | Shows how much cortisol is present right after waking up, which should be the highest point of the day. This helps check if your body is responding to stress as expected. |
High levels mean your body may be under ongoing stress or your adrenal glands are overactive.
Low levels mean your adrenal glands may not be making enough cortisol, which can cause tiredness and low energy in the morning. |
| Cortisol (Noon) | 1.2 – 3.0 | Measures cortisol around midday, when levels should start to drop. This helps show if your body is following a normal daily rhythm. |
High levels mean your body may be staying in a stressed state longer than normal.
Low levels mean your energy may dip too early, leading to afternoon tiredness or trouble focusing. |
| Cortisol (Evening) | 0.6 – 1.9 | Checks cortisol in the evening, when levels should be much lower. This helps explain trouble falling asleep or feeling “wired” at night. |
High levels mean you may have trouble relaxing or falling asleep.
Low levels mean your body is winding down as expected, but very low levels could cause early evening tiredness. |
| Cortisol (Night) | 0.4 – 1.0 | Shows cortisol just before bed, which should be at its lowest. This helps explain sleep problems or waking up during the night. |
High levels mean your body may not be shutting down for sleep, leading to insomnia or restless nights.
Low levels mean your body is ready for sleep, but very low levels could cause feeling weak or dizzy at night. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods or as new research becomes available.
Diurnal Cortisol | ZRT Labs FAQ
Is there Diurnal Cortisol | ZRT Labs testing near me?
This is a home test kit, so you can collect your saliva samples wherever you are, making it easier if you’re dealing with ongoing tiredness or sleep issues and need a convenient way to check your stress hormone levels.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should review your results, you can also use our one-on-one test results review service with our clinical team for clear, personalized guidance.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see includes standard shipping to you and back to the lab, but some locations may charge a draw fee. Ordering this test can help you find out if stress is affecting your energy, mood, or sleep, so you can start making changes sooner.
How often should I retest?
It’s best to retest every 3 to 6 months, especially if you’re making changes to your routine or treatment, so you can track how your stress hormone levels respond over time.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses a saliva-based enzyme immunoassay method, which is highly specific for measuring cortisol at different times of day, with a specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 97%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
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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