Cortisol AM levels: what's normal, high and low
Your primary stress hormone, naturally highest in the morning. Reflects adrenal gland function.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Cortisol AM is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 6.20 – 19.4 mcg/dL. At TestWell it's $26.99 all-in as Cortisol (AM), results in 2–4 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mcg/dL / ug/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 2–4 business days
- Price
- $26.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
Cortisol AM Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+, drawn 6–10 AM | 6.20 – 19.4 mcg/dL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
What your Cortisol AM result may mean
Can reflect stress, certain medications, or, rarely, adrenal disorders.
What a high Cortisol AM means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Can reflect adrenal insufficiency or recent steroid use.
What a low Cortisol AM means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
How do you get a Cortisol AM test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Cortisol AM is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cortisol (AM) | This marker only | $26.99 |
| Metabolism & Weight Loss Panel | 8 tests | $119.99 |
| Fitness & Performance Panel | 8 tests | $119.99 |
| Sleep Health Panel | 8 tests | $129.99 |
| Chronic Fatigue Panel | 9 tests | $169.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Cortisol AM: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $26.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $27.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $31.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Hormones biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Cortisol AM.
Frequently asked
Can reflect stress, certain medications, or, rarely, adrenal disorders. A single result above the reference range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician — often a repeat test and related markers — not a diagnosis on its own.
Ready to test your cortisol am?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $26.99.