Medical disclaimer
Medical disclaimer
Information, not medical advice. Nothing on this site is a diagnosis, and no home test replaces a doctor when you are unwell.
General information only
The guides on this site explain cortisol, the ways it can be measured and what research has found. They are general information. They are not written for your circumstances and are not a substitute for advice from a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional who knows your history.
Tests and results
A cortisol test result, whether from hair, blood, saliva or urine, needs to be read alongside your symptoms, medicines and history. A hair cortisol test measures your average cortisol over recent months; it does not diagnose or rule out Cushing's syndrome, adrenal insufficiency (including Addison's disease) or any other condition. If a result worries you, or is outside the laboratory's reference range, discuss it with a doctor.
Medicines
Steroid medicines (tablets, inhalers, creams and injections) affect cortisol tests. Never stop or change a steroid medicine because of a test result or anything you read here. Stopping steroids suddenly can be dangerous.
Emergencies
If you or someone else has severe vomiting, severe weakness, confusion, drowsiness or collapse, especially with known adrenal insufficiency or long-term steroid use, call 999 in the UK, 911 in the US or your local emergency number.