🧬 Hormones

Cortisol: What It Means for Your Health

Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands in response to signals from the hypothalamus and pituitary (HPA axis). It regulates blood sugar, metabolism, inflammation, memory, blood pressure, and the sleep-wake cycle. Cortisol follows a diurnal pattern — highest in the morning (helping you wake up) and lowest at midnight. Both chronically high and low cortisol have significant health consequences.

Full Name
Serum Cortisol
Normal Range
6.2–19.4 ug/dL
Also Known As
Serum Cortisol

Reference Range

LowNormal: 6.2–19.4 ug/dLHigh

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories, age groups, and sexes. The values shown are general adult reference ranges. Always compare your results to the specific range provided by your testing laboratory.

What Is Cortisol?

Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands in response to signals from the hypothalamus and pituitary (HPA axis). It regulates blood sugar, metabolism, inflammation, memory, blood pressure, and the sleep-wake cycle. Cortisol follows a diurnal pattern — highest in the morning (helping you wake up) and lowest at midnight. Both chronically high and low cortisol have significant health consequences.

Commonly included in:

Cortisol TestAdrenal PanelHormone Panel

What Does High Cortisol Mean?

Above 19.4 ug/dL

Chronically elevated cortisol (Cushing syndrome) causes weight gain (especially in the abdomen and face), high blood sugar, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, thin skin, easy bruising, osteoporosis, and mood disorders. Causes include adrenal tumors, pituitary tumors (Cushing disease), ectopic ACTH production, or prolonged corticosteroid medication use.

What Does Low Cortisol Mean?

Below 6.2 ug/dL

Low cortisol (adrenal insufficiency/Addison's disease) causes fatigue, weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin), salt cravings, nausea, and dizziness upon standing. Adrenal crisis (acute cortisol deficiency) is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate hydrocortisone treatment.

Related Biomarkers in Hormones

Testosterone
Primary male sex hormone, also important for women in smaller amounts.
Range: 264–916 ng/dL
Estradiol
Primary female sex hormone, crucial for reproductive health and bone density.
Range: 15–350 pg/mL
Prolactin
Hormone involved in lactation, reproductive health, and immune regulation.
Range: 2–18 ng/mL

Track Your Cortisol Over Time

Upload your blood test results to Hemoly and see how your Cortisol levels change over time. Get trend analysis, educational insights, and a personal health timeline.

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Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for interpretation of your blood test results and before making any health decisions.