Cortisol PM levels: what's normal, high and low
Afternoon cortisol — should be considerably lower than morning levels in a normal diurnal pattern.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Cortisol PM is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 2.30 – 11.9 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 PM 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 4–6 PM | 2.30 – 11.9 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.
How do you get a Cortisol PM test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Cortisol PM 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 PM: 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 PM.
Frequently asked
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
Ready to test your cortisol pm?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $26.99.