This Cortisol Stress Hormone test can be performed in the morning, or in the afternoon and evening. There is a difference between the two times. You may need to have blood drawn at a specific time.

Cortisol Stress Hormone Test (AM)

The Cortisol (AM) test measures the level of cortisol, a key stress hormone, in the blood during the early morning hours. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and the body’s response to stress.

1. What Is Cortisol?

• Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys.

• It follows a daily rhythm—highest in the early morning and lowest around midnight.

• It helps control blood sugar, reduce inflammation, regulate metabolism, and manage stress responses.

2. Why Is the Cortisol AM Test Performed?

This test is used to:

• Evaluate adrenal gland function.

• Diagnose disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome (high cortisol) or Addison’s disease (low cortisol).

• Investigate symptoms like fatigue, weakness, weight changes, or blood pressure abnormalities.

• Monitor adrenal function in patients using steroid medications.

3. Cortisol AM Reference Range

• Normal morning range: 6 – 23 mcg/dL

• Optimal cortisol levels are typically measured between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. due to diurnal rhythm.

4. How to Interpret Cortisol AM Results

🔹 Elevated Cortisol:

• May indicate Cushing’s syndrome, stress, pituitary tumors, or adrenal tumors.

• May also result from medications (e.g., corticosteroids) or intense physical/emotional stress.

🔹 Low Cortisol:

• Suggests adrenal insufficiency (e.g., Addison’s disease) or pituitary dysfunction.

• May be accompanied by fatigue, low blood pressure, and weight loss.

5. What Can Affect Cortisol Levels?

• Time of day (AM levels are naturally higher)

• Stress (emotional or physical)

• Medications (e.g., corticosteroids, estrogen)

• Sleep patterns or shift work

• Chronic illness or malnutrition

6. How Is the Test Performed?

• A blood sample is drawn, typically between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. to capture peak cortisol levels.

• No fasting is required, but your provider may give specific instructions.

7. When to See a Doctor

🚨 Contact your healthcare provider if you:

• Have persistent fatigue, dizziness, weight loss, or blood pressure issues.

• Suspect an adrenal disorder or are using steroid medications long-term.

• Experience unexplained changes in mood, energy, or immune function.

🔹 Key Takeaways

✅ The Cortisol AM test evaluates adrenal gland health and helps diagnose hormone disorders.

✅ Elevated levels may signal Cushing’s syndrome; low levels may indicate Addison’s disease.

✅ Testing is time-sensitive and should be performed in the early morning.

 

Cortisol Stress Hormone Test (PM)

The Cortisol (PM) test measures cortisol levels in the blood during the late afternoon or evening. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and plays an essential role in the body’s stress response, metabolism, blood pressure regulation, and immune system. Cortisol levels follow a diurnal pattern and are typically lower in the evening.

1. What Is Cortisol?

• Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex and regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

• It helps maintain blood glucose, supports metabolism, reduces inflammation, and assists the body in responding to stress.

• Cortisol levels normally peak in the early morning and decrease throughout the day.

2. Why Is the Cortisol PM Test Performed?

This test is used to:

• Evaluate the diurnal rhythm of cortisol secretion.

• Help diagnose adrenal disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome or Addison’s disease.

• Monitor adrenal function in patients undergoing steroid therapy or hormone replacement.

• Assist in identifying abnormalities in cortisol suppression or regulation.

3. Cortisol PM Reference Range

• Normal evening range: 3 – 10 mcg/dL

• Levels are expected to be significantly lower than morning (AM) values.

4. How to Interpret Cortisol PM Results

🔹 Elevated PM Cortisol:

• May suggest a disruption in normal cortisol rhythm, often seen in Cushing’s syndrome.

• May also result from stress, depression, or steroid medication use.

🔹 Low PM Cortisol:

• Typically expected, but abnormally low levels may indicate adrenal insufficiency or Addison’s disease.

5. What Can Affect PM Cortisol Levels?

• Stress and psychological conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression)

• Sleep disorders or shift work

• Chronic illness or inflammation

• Use of corticosteroid medications

• Pituitary or adrenal gland dysfunction

6. How Is the Test Performed?

• A blood sample is taken, usually between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., to assess cortisol during its natural daily decline.

• No fasting is typically required unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

7. When to See a Doctor

🚨 Consult your healthcare provider if you:

• Show signs of hormone imbalance (e.g., weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, high blood pressure).

• Are being evaluated for adrenal disorders.

• Experience symptoms that differ in intensity from morning to evening.

🔹 Key Takeaways

✅ The Cortisol PM test assesses cortisol levels during the body's natural evening decline.

✅ Elevated PM cortisol may indicate adrenal hyperfunction (e.g., Cushing’s syndrome).

✅ The test helps evaluate the daily pattern of cortisol and overall adrenal gland health.