Cortisol (Morning & Evening)
Tests included in this profile 2
- Cortisol, Morning, Serum Contact for price
- Cortisol, Evening, Serum Contact for price
How to prepare
You can eat and drink normally before the test.
No special preparation needed.
Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.
Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.
How it works
About this test
Cortisol is the body's main stress hormone, made by the adrenal glands. It is highest in the morning and falls by evening. Testing both morning and evening samples shows whether this daily rhythm is normal.
Why is this test done?
- Look for Cushing's syndrome (too much cortisol)
- Look for Addison's disease (too little cortisol)
- Check the loss of the normal day–night pattern
- Monitor steroid treatment
Symptoms — when should you get tested?
- Weight gain on face and belly
- Purple stretch marks
- High BP or high sugar
- Severe tiredness and low BP
- Darkening of the skin
Normal range
Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.
If your result is high
High cortisol, or an evening value that does not fall, can mean the body is making too much cortisol.
Common reasons- Cushing's syndrome
- Steroid medicines
- Severe stress or illness
- Pregnancy or birth control pills
If your result is low
Low cortisol can mean the adrenal glands are not making enough of the hormone.
Common reasons- Addison's disease
- Pituitary problems
- Sudden stopping of long-term steroid medicines
How is the test done?
- 1Book online
Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.
- 2Blood sample taken
A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.
- 3Tested in our lab
Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.
- 4Report on WhatsApp
A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.
Frequently asked questions
Usually around 8 AM and 4 PM on the same day.
No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.
Your report is usually ready in 24-48 hrs after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.
Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.
This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.