Over 250k Biomarkers Tested

Cortisol 8am Collection Time Blood Test

$55.00 AUD

Difficulty waking, morning fatigue despite sleep, or screening for adrenal disorders?

Morning cortisol measurement at daily peak. Assesses adrenal function and whether your body produces adequate cortisol to start the day.
Collection Location
Specimen Type

You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.

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How It Works

Getting your health measured shouldn't be hard! We're here to help you every step of the way.

1
Order a test

Order a test

Order the private test that suits you and your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2
Collect the sample

Collect the sample

Attend one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Search locations.

3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View all your lab results in your secure health dashboard. Easy!

Overview

Morning cortisol testing at 8am measures your stress hormone at its daily peak. Your adrenal glands should produce maximum cortisol around this time to energize you for the day ahead.

This test primarily screens for adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) where the adrenals fail to produce enough cortisol. Low morning cortisol causes severe fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, and can be life-threatening if untreated, available across Australia.

Elevated morning cortisol may indicate Cushing's syndrome or chronic stress exposure.

Symptoms

Essential for people with unexplained fatigue, suspected adrenal insufficiency, symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, or screening adrenal function.

Questions

  • Cortisol peaks around 8am (within 1 hour of waking). Testing at this time captures your maximum production, making it most useful for detecting deficiency.
  • Typically 140-700 nmol/L (5-25 mcg/dL), though ranges vary by laboratory. Values below 100 nmol/L suggest adrenal insufficiency requiring further testing.
  • Low morning cortisol may indicate adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) or pituitary problems. Further testing with ACTH stimulation confirms the diagnosis.
  • Elevated morning cortisol may suggest Cushing's syndrome, chronic stress, or normal variation. Clinical context and additional testing guide interpretation.
  • Acute stress elevates cortisol. Try to remain calm before testing. Chronic stress affects baseline levels and may be clinically relevant.
  • Steroid medications (prednisone, hydrocortisone) affect results and may need to be held. Discuss with your provider—don't stop steroids without guidance.

Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Biomarker Tested

How to prepare

Critical timing: Blood must be collected at 8:00 AM for accurate results. Fast for 8-12 hours before collection (water allowed). Avoid stress, excessive exercise, and alcohol for 24 hours before testing. Inform healthcare provider of all medications, especially steroids.

After the test

Low cortisol requires investigation for adrenal insufficiency and possible hormone replacement therapy. High cortisol needs evaluation for Cushing's syndrome or stress management. Follow up with endocrinologist for comprehensive adrenal assessment.

Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.

Understanding results

Results show morning cortisol levels compared to normal ranges (typically 140-700 nmol/L or 5-25 mcg/dL). Low levels may indicate adrenal insufficiency. High levels might suggest Cushing's syndrome or chronic stress. Timing-specific interpretation is crucial.

Testimonials

What Our Customers Say

4.9
Average Rating
5,500+ Customers Tested
250,000+ Individual Biomarkers
A
Adam O. ACT

Simple health checks in my control

I didn't know that private blood tests were an option. Tried this platform as the packages suited what I wanted for a good price. Easy to follow instructions, and super quick results. Platform provides more information than my gp's ever have on the tests and what the results meant. Would like more clinics to be able to test at (specifically Capital Pathology) but there is a decent network. Will continue to use.

The Performance Check
W
Wayne S. NSW

Bloody Good

This is a great service, very helpful support, cheaper than going to the doctor for a blood test

Vitamin D (25-OH)
C
Christopher N. NSW

Quick access to blood tests

BLOODY GOOD is a very efficient route to access blood testing for a visitor outside the Australian health system. It is quick with the necessary referral and documentation, and quick with results. Thank you

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Rebecca Y NSW

Great Service!

Fantastic service to deal with, I love the extra explanations for all the tests.

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Olga B. New South Wales

Convenient

Getting a referral was easy. Laverty pathology accepted it. Bloody Good offers an affordable and convenient way to check essential blood markers.

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Marita S. Queensland

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Lukas C. NSW

Quick, easy, hassle free

Excellent service, quick, easy, hassle free, can recommend.

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ABDUL S. QLD

Amazingly quick and efficient

Very easy to use. Love that it stores your blood tests.

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Andre D. QLD

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.

If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.

Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)

Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.

They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.

Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.