What It Measures
A serum cortisol test measures the level of cortisol circulating in the blood, reflecting adrenal gland function and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Morning (AM) cortisol is typically measured between 6-8 AM when levels naturally peak due to the circadian rhythm.
Cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and low blood glucose. It plays a critical role in metabolism, immune regulation, blood pressure maintenance, and the sleep-wake cycle. Dysregulated cortisol is linked to metabolic syndrome, immune dysfunction, and mental health disorders.
Current Value
What High Means
Elevated cortisol (hypercortisolism) may indicate Cushing syndrome or disease, chronic psychological or physiological stress, ectopic ACTH-producing tumors, adrenal adenomas, long-term exogenous corticosteroid use, or severe depression. Chronically high cortisol promotes visceral fat accumulation, insulin resistance, muscle wasting, bone loss, immune suppression, and hippocampal atrophy affecting memory and cognition.
Possible Symptoms
Weight gain (especially face/abdomen), moon face, buffalo hump, thin skin with easy bruising, purple striae, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, poor wound healing, recurrent infections, acne, irregular menstrual periods
What Low Means
Low cortisol (hypocortisolism) may indicate primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease), secondary adrenal insufficiency from pituitary dysfunction, HPA axis suppression from prolonged corticosteroid use, or adrenal fatigue-like states from chronic stress. Low cortisol can cause severe fatigue, hypotension, hypoglycemia, salt cravings, and in acute cases, life-threatening adrenal crisis.
Possible Symptoms
Chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, decreased appetite, low blood pressure, dizziness upon standing, salt cravings, hyperpigmentation (in Addison disease), nausea, abdominal pain, brain fog, depression, low libido, hypoglycemia
Risk Factors
Cushing syndrome, Addison disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, central obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety disorders, insomnia, immune dysfunction, chronic fatigue syndrome, HPA axis dysregulation
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •Ashwagandha (KSM-66)
- •Phosphatidylserine
- •Rhodiola rosea
- •Magnesium glycinate
- •Vitamin C
- •Omega-3 fatty acids
- •L-theanine
- •Holy basil (Tulsi)
- •Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
- •Zinc
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Get morning sunlight within 30 minutes of waking to anchor circadian cortisol rhythm
- •Practice stress management daily (meditation, breathwork, yoga — even 10 minutes)
- •Exercise regularly but avoid excessive high-intensity training which raises cortisol
- •Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep with consistent sleep/wake times
- •Limit caffeine intake, especially after noon, as it elevates cortisol
- •Maintain stable blood sugar by eating balanced meals with protein, fat, and fiber
- •Reduce alcohol consumption which disrupts HPA axis function
- •Practice cold exposure (cold showers) which can improve cortisol resilience over time
- •Cultivate social connections — isolation raises cortisol chronically
- •Limit screen time before bed to support melatonin and cortisol rhythm
Ask AI
Ask questions about your Cortisol results, trends, and what you can do to optimize.
Only one data point — trend chart will appear after multiple tests.
Related Biomarkers
Resources & Studies
All Readings
| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-28 | 5.2 mcg/dL | — |