Hormones
Cortisol test cost — $6.40–$27.95
Cortisol · measured in µg/dL
The stress hormone — rhythm matters more than the number.
Optimal windowReference range
An assay-specific reference interval has not yet been added to this guide.
Use the interval printed beside this exact result, including its specimen, units, age/sex group and collection conditions. A range for a similarly named test may not apply.
Optimal range / clinical target
PeptideLab has not verified a separate ‘optimal’ target for this measurement. Reference intervals, diagnostic cutoffs and treatment targets answer different questions.
When Cortisol matters
Protocols and goals where this marker is worth tracking.
On TRT, HRT, GLP-1s or peptides? Use the Find tests for your goal tool to see suggested biomarkers and build your monitoring list.
Cortisol test prices
Compare direct-pay test prices, without using insurance. Test prices are shown before separate collection fees.
Tracking more than one biomarker?
Build a list to compare test and panel combinations, with one blood-draw fee in your GoodLabs estimate.
$12 blood draw per visit, added once to your order.
Collection fee is additional; not included in this test price.
Does insurance cover Cortisol testing?
When a clinician orders Cortisol for a diagnosis or to follow a known condition, most plans cover it — and many cover routine screening as $0 preventive care for eligible adults. The catch is you need a qualifying reason and an in-network order; a “I just want to see my number” request often isn’t covered, and if you haven’t met your deductible you can end up paying the lab’s full list price anyway.
The direct-pay prices above skip insurance entirely: you pay the cash price, test on your own schedule with no doctor visit, and it’s HSA/FSA-eligible. For a single marker that’s often cheaper — and faster — than a copay plus deductible exposure.
Cortisol inside a bundle
Every compared membership/panel that includes Cortisol, cheapest first. Worth it when you want several markers at once rather than a single test.
| Provider | Model | Advertised panel | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SiPhox Health | At-home, per-panel (selectable) | 59+ 39 biomarkers mapped | $99-124 / panel |
| Mito Health | At-cost marketplace + optional membership | 100+ 63 biomarkers mapped | Core Panel ~$198 |
| Superpower | Annual membership | 103+ 73 biomarkers mapped | $199/yr |
| Function Health | Annual membership | 160+ 88 biomarkers mapped | $365/yr |
| Blueprint (Bryan Johnson) | Annual membership | 160+ 88 biomarkers mapped | $365/yr |
| Everlywell 360 | Annual membership | 83+ 35 biomarkers mapped | $399/yr |
| HealthieOne | One-time test | 250+ 50 biomarkers mapped | $420/test + draw |
| InsideTracker | Membership + à-la-carte tests | 48+ 46 biomarkers mapped | $489 (1st test) |
| Thorne Advanced | One-time panel | 60+ 51 biomarkers mapped | ~$830 one-time |
What Cortisol is
The primary glucocorticoid stress hormone from the adrenal cortex, following a strong daily rhythm (high in the early morning, low at night). It regulates glucose, blood pressure, immunity, and the stress response.
Why it matters for longevity & performance
Chronically elevated or dysregulated cortisol accelerates aging — driving insulin resistance, visceral fat, muscle and bone loss, and hippocampal atrophy; a flattened daily curve predicts mortality.
Cortisol & peptides — what to watch
If you’re running peptides, TRT or HRT, these are the compounds studied in relation to Cortisol — useful for deciding what to track. Research associations for monitoring, not medical or dosing advice. Tap one for its full profile.
Cortisol testing — frequently asked
Do I need to fast for a Cortisol test?
No. Cortisol does not require fasting — you can test any time of day.
Do I need a doctor's order to get a Cortisol test?
No. Direct-to-consumer labs (GoodLabs, Ulta, Quest and Labcorp OnDemand) include the physician order in the price — you order online and visit a draw site, no appointment with your own doctor needed.
How fast are Cortisol results?
Usually 1–3 business days after your blood draw; most results post to the lab's online portal.
What's the difference between the standard and optimal Cortisol range?
Reference intervals describe results in a reference population; they do not by themselves diagnose or exclude disease. A treatment target depends on the condition and the person. PeptideLab has not verified a separate ‘optimal’ target for this measurement. Reference intervals, diagnostic cutoffs and treatment targets answer different questions.
Which peptides affect Cortisol?
Compounds studied in relation to Cortisol include GHRP-6, MK-677 (Ibutamoren), Selank, DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide). These are research associations for monitoring — not medical or dosing advice.
Does insurance cover Cortisol testing?
Often, when ordered for a diagnosis; many plans cover it as preventive care at no cost for eligible adults. The direct-pay prices above let you skip insurance and test on your own schedule.
Related Hormones biomarkers
Educational guidance. Use your reporting lab’s reference interval and discuss personal targets and results with your clinician.