Frequently Asked Questions

• Experiencing unexplained symptoms?

  Abnormal cortisol levels can contribute to various symptoms, including fatigue, weight changes and mood swings. Testing cortisol levels may help you and your healthcare provider shed light on unexplained symptoms.

• Who should take a cortisol blood test?

  This test may benefit individuals who:   Are curious about their stress hormone levels and want to assess their body's stress responseExperience symptoms of abnormal cortisol levelsSuspect an adrenal condition that affects cortisol levels (such as Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome)   Note: This test is not intended to diagnose any specific medical condition. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper interpretation of cortisol test results.

• What will the results mean?

  Results can indicate whether cortisol levels are abnormal or within normal range depending on the time of sample collection and other factors that could affect cortisol levels. Abnormal levels may suggest various conditions, but further evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary for a proper diagnosis. A cortisol test alone can't diagnose the cause of abnormal cortisol levels.

• What are signs and symptoms of abnormal cortisol levels?

  High cortisol symptoms may include:   Unexplained weight gain, especially around the midsectionRounded faceHigh blood pressureMood changes (anxiety, depression, irritability)Muscle weaknessEasy bruisingSkin changesAcneFatigueDifficulty concentratingIncreased thirst and frequent urinationHigh blood pressureHigh blood sugar   Low cortisol symptoms may include:   Chronic fatigueMuscle weaknessUnexplained weight lossDizziness when standingNausea, vomiting and abdominal painSalt cravingsMood changes (depression, anxiety)Difficulty concentratingDarkening of the skinLow blood pressureLow blood sugar   It's important to note that symptoms can vary widely and may be caused by other conditions. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider who can interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.

• When should I test my cortisol?

  Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, with highest levels typically in the morning that decline throughout the day. It’s important to consider the time of sample collection because cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day. Your cortisol test results will come with reference range intervals for morning and afternoon cortisol levels to show if you are in range for time of collection.

• How does stress affect cortisol levels?

  Chronic stress can lead to persistently elevated cortisol levels, which may have negative effects on your physical and mental health. Cortisol testing can help you understand cortisol’s effects on the body and inform lifestyle changes to help balance your hormones and achieve good health.

• How accurate is this testing?

  Your testing will be performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. Labcorp provides leading-edge medical laboratory tests and services through a national network of primary clinical laboratories and specialty testing laboratories. Our labs perform regular quality assurance testing to ensure our results are accurate.

• Are my test results private and confidential?

  Your results will be provided to you through our secure online portal to view or print. Results are also made available through a secure portal to the independent healthcare provider who placed your test order.  If you are accessing your results through your Labcorp Patient™ account, all users linked to the account will have access to all OnDemand test results. Results may also be provided to a local, state, and/or federal health authority; for example, many states require the testing laboratory and physician to report test results for certain communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, to local or state health departments.   If you have questions or comments regarding the Labcorp Notice of Privacy Practices, or have a complaint about our use or disclosure of your PHI or our privacy practices, please contact: privacyofficer@labcorp.com, call us at (877) 234-4722 (877-23-HIPAA) and ask for the Labcorp HIPAA Privacy Officer, or send a written request to: HIPAA Privacy Officer, Labcorp, 531 South Spring Street, Burlington, NC 27215. You also may file a complaint with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

• How does Labcorp OnDemand® work?

  Visit the Labcorp OnDemand® website to browse and purchase laboratory tests and create your Labcorp Patient™ account to view your results. All Labcorp OnDemand testing requires an order from an authorized healthcare professional. For your convenience, Labcorp OnDemand has contracted with independent professional entities (collectively, Providers) to deliver healthcare provider services. Visit a Labcorp location for sample collection; or, if using an at-home collection kit, collect your sample yourself. We’ll let you know when your results are ready and can be accessed through your Labcorp Patient™ account.