Medical disclaimer

Cortisol Blood Test gives general information only. It is not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for a conversation with a licensed clinician.

What this site is

We are a guide to lab tests. We are not a medical provider, a lab or a clinic. Reading this site does not create a relationship between you and a clinician, and we can’t diagnose, treat or monitor any condition.

Your results

A single test result can’t tell you whether you have a medical condition. Results depend on the lab, the method, the time of day, your medicines and your own health. Reference ranges differ between labs, so go by the range on your lab report, and review your results and any decision about testing or treatment with a licensed clinician.

If you take steroids or hormone medicines

This includes prednisone and other steroids, including inhalers and creams, as well as birth control and menopause hormone therapy. These can affect test results, so tell whoever orders the test what you take. Never stop or change a steroid medicine because of something you read here, because stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Ask your prescriber.

Pregnancy

Cortisol changes during pregnancy. If you are or might be pregnant, ask your clinician about any testing.

Emergencies

If you have severe or urgent symptoms, such as severe weakness, confusion, fainting or severe vomiting, call 911 or seek urgent care. Do not wait for a test.

Sources and accuracy

We link our medical claims to their sources and show when each article was last updated, but medical knowledge changes and mistakes happen. See how we review. No page on this site carries a medical-review label.

Links to sellers

We earn a commission on tests bought through our links. Read the affiliate disclosure. The seller, not this site, provides the test and is responsible for it.