Diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome (hypercortisolism) through elevated morning levels, often followed by confirmatory tests such as the dexamethasone suppression test. Assisting in the diagnosis of primary (Addison’s disease) or secondary adrenal insufficiency, where morning levels are low and unable to reach normal peaks. Evaluating the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in general. Monitoring patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy (e.g., prednisone) to assess adrenal suppression.

Patients showing signs of cortisol excess (Cushing’s syndrome): central weight gain, moon face, buffalo hump, high blood pressure, new-onset diabetes. Patients showing signs of cortisol deficiency (adrenal insufficiency): persistent severe fatigue, low blood pressure, weight loss, hyperpigmentation. Patients with tumors of the pituitary or adrenal glands. Patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy.

Rapid weight gain with fat concentration in the abdomen and face (moon face) and neck (buffalo hump). General weakness and severe fatigue that does not improve with rest. Unexplained high blood pressure. Long purple stripes on the abdomen (stretch marks). Low blood pressure, dizziness, and strong craving for salt.

Morning (7-9 AM): 5 - 25 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or 138 - 690 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). Evening (around 4 PM): the level is approximately less than half of the morning level. Midnight: it is at its lowest level. Abnormally high in the morning: indicates possible cortisol excess (Cushing’s syndrome). Abnormally low in the morning: indicates possible adrenal insufficiency.

Morning Cortisol (AM) Test | Lahalak Medical Platform

Measure early morning cortisol levels to evaluate your body's stress response and adrenal gland function, helping accurately diagnose energy levels and metabolic disorders for better health.

Scientific name: Morning Serum Cortisol Test (AM)

A highly sensitive quantitative biochemical assay measuring the basal level of Cortisol, a primary glucocorticoid hormone, in blood serum. The biological sample is strictly extracted in the early morning, characteristically between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, to align with the hormone's natural physiological fluctuations. Cortisol secretion is tightly reg...

Morning Serum Cortisol Test (AM) - Morning Serum Cortisol Test

Service type Laboratory test (Blood)

Duration 10-15 minutes

Fasting Fasting is not required

Included Services

Cortisol (a.m) (Serum) Test
Consultation for results interpretation with an endocrinologist.
Personal support services from Lahalak

Medical Service Information

Purpose Test

Diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome (hypercortisolism) through elevated morning levels, often followed by confirmatory tests such as the dexamethasone suppression test.
Assisting in the diagnosis of primary (Addison’s disease) or secondary adrenal insufficiency, where morning levels are low and unable to reach normal peaks.
Evaluating the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in general.
Monitoring patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy (e.g., prednisone) to assess adrenal suppression.

Recommended groups

Patients showing signs of cortisol excess (Cushing’s syndrome): central weight gain, moon face, buffalo hump, high blood pressure, new-onset diabetes.
Patients showing signs of cortisol deficiency (adrenal insufficiency): persistent severe fatigue, low blood pressure, weight loss, hyperpigmentation.
Patients with tumors of the pituitary or adrenal glands.
Patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy.

Symptoms indicative

Rapid weight gain with fat concentration in the abdomen and face (moon face) and neck (buffalo hump).
General weakness and severe fatigue that does not improve with rest.
Unexplained high blood pressure.
Long purple stripes on the abdomen (stretch marks).
Low blood pressure, dizziness, and strong craving for salt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Serum (blood): measures total cortisol (free + bound) at a specific moment (morning). It is the most common initial test.
Saliva: measures free cortisol, and can be easily collected at home at different times to assess daily rhythm.
24-hour urine: measures free cortisol excretion over a full day, giving an idea of total daily production, and is useful for diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome.
Severe physical or psychological stress before the test (increases it).
Poor sleep the night before.
Certain medications (e.g., oral contraceptives that increase cortisol-binding protein CBG, which may raise total cortisol).

Normal Levels

Morning (7-9 AM): 5 - 25 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or 138 - 690 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L).
Evening (around 4 PM): the level is approximately less than half of the morning level.
Midnight: it is at its lowest level.
Abnormally high in the morning: indicates possible cortisol excess (Cushing’s syndrome).
Abnormally low in the morning: indicates possible adrenal insufficiency.

Conditions & Notices

• The sample should be drawn early in the morning, ideally between 7 and 9 AM, approximately one hour after waking.
• Fasting is not usually required, but the laboratory should be informed if you are fasting.
• Intense physical or psychological stress should be avoided before the test.
• The physician and laboratory should be informed of all medications you are taking, especially steroids (pills, inhalers, creams), birth control pills, and anti-seizure medications.
• The sample is collected in a serum tube (red or yellow cap).