Quest Diagnostics Cortisol Stress Hormone Test
Type
Blood Testing
Biomarkers
8
Duration
30 min
Results
4 days
Measures morning cortisol levels in blood to assess stress hormone function.
This test measures cortisol levels in your blood in the morning. Cortisol is the human body’s main stress hormone, controlling fear, mood, and motivation. It also regulates inflammation, blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep cycles, and metabolism, especially during stress. This test helps determine if there are issues with your body’s stress response system.
Key Details
- Biomarkers
- 4–12 hormone markers
- Fasting Required
- Not required, but morning draw recommended
- Sample Type
- Blood draw
- Turnaround
- 2–5 business days
- Timing Note
- Morning draw for accurate testosterone/cortisol
Who Is This For?
Men over 30 experiencing low energy, reduced libido, difficulty building muscle, or mood changes. Women with irregular periods, fertility concerns, or perimenopausal symptoms. Anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight gain, sleep disruption, or mood swings. Athletes interested in optimizing recovery and performance through hormonal insights.
What's Included
Preparation Required
Fasting for 10–12 hours before your appointment is recommended for accurate results (water is fine). Avoid alcohol for 24 hours and intense exercise for 12 hours before the blood draw. Morning appointments are ideal for consistent hormone and glucose readings. The blood draw typically takes 5–10 minutes.
Biomarkers Tested
8The primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol regulates metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and the sleep-wake cycle. Chronically elevated cortisol from stress contributes to weight gain, immune suppression, and metabolic dysfunction.
The most potent and prevalent form of estrogen. In women, estradiol regulates the menstrual cycle, fertility, and bone density. In men, it's produced from testosterone and plays roles in bone health and libido. Levels vary significantly with age and menstrual cycle.
A protein that binds and transports sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen) in the blood. High SHBG reduces the amount of free, active hormones available. SHBG increases with age, thyroid hormones, and estrogen; decreases with obesity and insulin resistance.
The sulfated, stable form of DHEA with a long half-life, making it the preferred test for adrenal androgen production. DHEA-S is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone and a key longevity biomarker.
The primary male sex hormone, also important in women at lower levels. Testosterone regulates muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, libido, and mood. Levels decline naturally with age in both sexes.
The unbound, biologically active fraction of testosterone (typically 1–3% of total). Free testosterone is the form that can enter cells and exert effects. More clinically relevant than total testosterone for assessing hormonal status.
Regulates reproductive function in both sexes. In women, FSH stimulates egg development; elevated levels indicate declining ovarian reserve or menopause. In men, FSH stimulates sperm production.
Works with FSH to regulate reproductive function. In women, an LH surge triggers ovulation. In men, LH stimulates testosterone production. Abnormal levels can indicate pituitary or gonadal disorders.
20% off during 12 Days of Quest promotion; additional $6.00 Physician Service Fee
- Category
- Diagnostic
- Sample Type
- Blood draw
- Duration
- 30 min
- Results
- 4 days