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AM Cortisol Test

The morning hormone behind your wake-up — and your stress response

$65
Results in 3-5 business days2,300+ collection centresNo GP referral needed

Morning

cortisol peaks naturally at 6-8am

Source: Endocrine Society

Why This Test

AM cortisol measures your morning stress hormone peak. Cortisol naturally peaks in the morning to help you wake and prepare for the day. Testing at this time provides the most clinically useful assessment of your adrenal function.

What This Test Measures

AM Cortisol

Cortisol naturally peaks in the morning to help you wake and prepare for the day. Testing at this time provides the most clinically useful assessment of your adrenal function.

Who May Benefit

  • Difficulty waking or morning fatigue
  • Chronic stress or burnout symptoms
  • Wanting to track stress response over time
  • Investigating cortisol rhythm with your healthcare practitioner
Sample Type
Blood (venous)
Fasting
Not required
Best Time
Morning between 7-9am (essential)
Results
3-5 business days

Understanding Your Results

Below reference rangeLow morning cortisol may warrant further investigation — discuss with your healthcare practitioner
Within rangeYour morning cortisol is healthy
ElevatedWorth discussing with your healthcare practitioner
Your results come with personalised context and next steps. If anything needs attention, we'll guide you through what it means and suggest discussing with your doctor.

Common Questions

Cortisol follows a natural daily rhythm, peaking around 7-8am. Morning testing captures this peak for meaningful clinical interpretation.

'Adrenal fatigue' is not a recognised medical diagnosis. AM cortisol can help assess genuine adrenal disorders like Addison's disease or Cushing's syndrome.

If you have persistent symptoms like unexplained low blood pressure, salt cravings, significant unexplained weight loss, or extreme fatigue, please see a doctor in person rather than self-testing. These symptoms can indicate serious adrenal conditions that need direct medical evaluation.

No fasting is required, but testing must be done in the morning between 7-9am.

Related Resources

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This test is relevant for:

Important Information

This test provides health information for educational purposes. Results should be discussed with your healthcare practitioner. Not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

NATA-accredited · 2,300+ collection centres

AM Cortisol
$65