Cortisol (4 PM)

Description

This test measures the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the blood at 4 PM. It’s part of the process for diagnosing adrenal gland disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome or Addison’s disease. The 4 PM measurement is particularly useful in assessing the diurnal cortisol rhythm, as cortisol levels typically decrease in the afternoon. Abnormal results may indicate various endocrine disorders or problems with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.