Serum cortisol

Normal values for a blood sample taken at 8 in the morning are 6 - 23 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Higher than normal levels may indicate:

• Adrenal tumor
• Cushing's syndrome
• Ectopic ACTH-producing tumors

Lower than normal levels may indicate:

• Addison's disease
• Hypopituitarism

Other conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Acute adrenal crisis
• Ectopic Cushing's syndrome
• Pituitary Cushing's (Cushing's disease)

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Cortisol level Overview

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Cortisol level Risks

Review Date: 11/23/2009
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)