Cortisol – what do your levels mean?
Have you had your cortisol levels measured and are unsure what the numbers mean? Here's a clear explanation of the normal range, what high or low levels can signify, and when it makes sense to get tested.
What is the normal range for Cortisol?
What is the normal range for Cortisol?
The normal range for cortisol depends on the time of day due to the hormone's circadian rhythm. Typically, plasma cortisol (total) values range between 200-700 nmol/L in the morning (8-9 AM) and fall to below 200 nmol/L in the evening. For 24-hour urinary cortisol (free, unconjugated), the reference interval is 8-125 nmol/day for women and 12-150 nmol/day for men. These values can vary depending on the laboratory's analysis method. Borderline values can also be affected by factors such as stress, pregnancy, and medication use. Being close to the reference limits may indicate a need for further investigation to rule out conditions like Cushing's syndrome or adrenal insufficiency.
What does a low level mean?
A low level of cortisol can indicate adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) or hypopituitarism. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, hyperpigmentation, and gastrointestinal problems. Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia can also occur. The condition is often seen in individuals with autoimmune diseases or after long-term use of glucocorticoids. If these symptoms are experienced, a doctor should be consulted for further investigation, which may include an ACTH stimulation test and imaging of the adrenal glands.
What does a high level mean?
A high level of cortisol can be a sign of Cushing's syndrome, which can be caused by adrenal adenomas, ectopic ACTH production, or long-term glucocorticoid treatment. Symptoms include weight gain, altered fat distribution (moon face), hypertension, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis. A lack of diurnal variation in cortisol levels is an early sign. It is important to seek medical attention if these symptoms are experienced. Diagnostic tests such as a dexamethasone suppression test and imaging of the pituitary and adrenal glands may be necessary to determine the cause.
Get your Cortisol levels tested
At Celto, you can order a cortisol blood test directly online – without a referral from your doctor and without a long waiting time. We have over 34 blood sample collection points at public hospitals throughout Denmark, and your samples are analyzed in the same accredited laboratories used by the rest of the healthcare system. You will receive your results directly on sundhed.dk, just like all other blood tests from the public system.
How it works
When you order a blood test from Celto, you choose which markers you want to be tested – no doctor's referral needed. After your purchase, you will receive an email with a link to our booking system, where you choose the time and location. The blood sample itself is taken by authorized healthcare personnel and typically only takes a few minutes.
Where you can get tested
Celto has over 34 blood sample collection points at public hospitals and clinics across Denmark. You choose the location that suits you best among our partners, and there are typically available appointments within a few days. Find your nearest blood sample collection point →
How to get your results
Your blood samples are analyzed in the same laboratories used by your general practitioner and the rest of the healthcare system, ensuring the exact same quality and tests. You will receive your results directly on sundhed.dk within a few working days, and Celto will also send an easy-to-understand review of your values so you know what the numbers mean.