Hospital Lab
$180
cash pay
Other Labs
$55
+ lab fees
TestWell
$34.99
+ $6 lab fee
Cortisol follows a natural diurnal rhythm — highest in the early morning and lowest in the late evening. A PM cortisol test measures levels in the afternoon or evening to evaluate whether this pattern is intact. Abnormally high PM cortisol can indicate Cushing's syndrome, chronic stress, or HPA axis dysregulation. When paired with an AM cortisol test, the PM result provides a more complete picture of adrenal function. This test is commonly ordered for patients with symptoms of adrenal dysfunction, including fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, anxiety, and difficulty recovering from stress.
Measures serum cortisol — the body's primary stress hormone. PM (4 PM) measurement evaluates afternoon cortisol decline; useful for Cushing's screening and HPA axis assessment.
Anyone evaluating chronic stress, fatigue, weight gain, hypertension; suspected Cushing's syndrome (centripetal weight gain, purple striae, easy bruising); HPA axis dysfunction workup.
Sample Type
Blood draw
Fasting
Not required
Results In
1–3 business days
Performed At
Quest
Your Cortisol, PM results will include values for each of the 1 biomarker tested, along with reference ranges. Results are reviewed by a licensed physician before being released to your secure portal.
If any values fall outside the normal range, your report will include guidance on what that may mean and recommended next steps. You'll receive an email notification when your results are ready, typically within 1–3 business days.
Typical reference range layout
Lab reports show where your value sits relative to established reference intervals—your physician interprets this in context for you.
Your Cortisol, PM results will include values for each of the 1 biomarker tested, along with reference ranges. Results are reviewed by a licensed physician before being released to your secure portal.
If any values fall outside the normal range, your report will include guidance on what that may mean and recommended next steps. You'll receive an email notification when your results are ready, typically within 1–3 business days.
Typical reference range layout
Lab reports show where your value sits relative to established reference intervals—your physician interprets this in context for you.
Blood should be drawn between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM for accurate PM cortisol assessment.
Blood should be drawn between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM for accurate PM cortisol assessment.
TestWell Price
$34.99
+ $6 lab processing fee at checkout
No insurance needed · HIPAA compliant
Better value: the Sleep Health Panel
Save $100.93This test is part of the Sleep Health Panel — 8 tests · 11 biomarkers for $129.99, $100.93 less than à la carte.
$129.99$230.92
8 tests · 11 biomarkers
Frequently ordered together
Customers who ordered Cortisol, PM also added these for a more complete health picture.
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Cortisol, PM
$34.99