We stand behind our service
Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
With friendly doctor's notes & guidance
Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
We stand behind our service
Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
With friendly doctor's notes & guidance
Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
This test is ideal if you're experiencing persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss or gain, dizziness, low blood pressure, or darkening of the skin. It helps identify Addison's disease, a condition where your adrenal glands don't produce enough essential hormones like cortisol. Many people use this test when they have symptoms that suggest their body isn't managing stress and energy properly.
You should fast for 12 hours before your blood draw. The ACTH portion must be drawn between 7 AM and 10 AM for accurate results, as hormone levels vary throughout the day. If you're taking prednisone or prednisolone, discuss this with your doctor beforehand as these medications can interfere with cortisol testing. If you're on diuretics or certain other medications that affect uric acid, talk to your physician about temporarily stopping them before testing.
This comprehensive panel measures ACTH and cortisol levels to evaluate how well your adrenal glands are producing stress hormones, along with adrenal antibodies that can indicate autoimmune causes. It includes a complete metabolic profile to check electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium, chloride) commonly seen in adrenal insufficiency, a complete blood count to assess overall health, urinalysis to monitor kidney function, and additional markers like magnesium and uric acid. Together, these measurements provide a complete picture of adrenal function and help identify whether your symptoms are related to hormone deficiency.
What this means
Your cortisol level is below the optimal range, which may indicate that your adrenal glands aren't producing enough of this essential stress hormone. Low cortisol can explain symptoms like persistent fatigue, weakness, difficulty handling stress, and low blood pressure. This finding warrants further evaluation to determine if adrenal insufficiency or Addison's disease may be present.
Recommended actions
Consult with an endocrinologist or healthcare provider about these results as soon as possible
Eat regular meals with adequate protein and salt to help maintain blood pressure and energy
Avoid extreme physical stress or fasting until you've discussed results with your doctor
Keep a symptom journal tracking fatigue, dizziness, and stress response to share with your provider
Your 24/7 Personal Lab Guide
Quick questions: