Cortisol
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It regulates metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Category: Hormones
Also known as: cortisol, serum cortisol, plasma cortisol, am cortisol, morning cortisol, Compound F, kortizol
Reference range: 6–18 µg/dL (Source: ABIM)
Standard unit: µg/dL
High values may indicate
High cortisol levels may indicate Cushing's syndrome, adrenal tumors, pituitary tumors (Cushing's disease), chronic stress, or long-term corticosteroid medication use.
Low values may indicate
Low cortisol levels may indicate Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), hypopituitarism, or abrupt withdrawal from corticosteroid medications, and can cause fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a normal Cortisol level?
- A typical reference range for Cortisol is 6–18 µg/dL (source: ABIM). Reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, and sex, so always compare against the range on your own lab report.
- What units is Cortisol measured in?
- Cortisol is most commonly reported in µg/dL. Labs in different countries may use other units — you can convert between them with BloodId's blood test unit converter.
- Where do Cortisol reference ranges come from?
- BloodId uses ABIM standard reference ranges and educational information from MedlinePlus (see our methodology). Reference ranges still vary by lab, age, and sex, so always compare against your own report.
- Can I track Cortisol over time?
- Yes. Upload results from any lab and BloodId charts your Cortisol over time against its reference range, so you can see whether the trend is rising, falling, or stable.