Cortisol (morning)
HormonesYour body's primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands.
Cortisol follows a daily rhythm. It is highest in the early morning to help you wake up and lowest at night, so this test measures the morning peak. It is essential for managing stress, controlling inflammation, regulating blood sugar, and maintaining blood pressure. Chronically high cortisol can cause weight gain around the abdomen, raised blood pressure, mood changes, thinning skin, and slow wound healing, while too little can lead to fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and salt cravings. A severe deficiency can be life-threatening. Because imbalances often show up long before serious symptoms, an early measurement helps flag problems, and regular exercise, good sleep, balanced nutrition, and stress management help keep levels healthy.
How often should I test Cortisol (morning)?
A morning cortisol test is usually done once as part of a baseline check, ideally drawn between 7 and 9 am when levels naturally peak. If the result falls outside the expected range or you have symptoms of an imbalance, your clinician may repeat it or arrange further tests to confirm the pattern.
At baseline / for screening: Once at baseline for most adults, drawn in the early morning (around 7 to 9 am).
When monitoring an intervention or change: Repeat only as advised by your clinician, for example if a result is abnormal or while you are being assessed or treated for an adrenal or pituitary condition.
Note: Timing is critical: cortisol must be measured in the early morning. Acute stress, illness, poor sleep, shift work, pregnancy, and medications such as steroids or the contraceptive pill can all shift levels, so note these when interpreting the result.
Frequently asked questions
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