Morning Serum Cortisol— Normal Range & What Your Result Means

Normal Morning Serum Cortisol range (Cortisol (Morning), μg/dL)

  • Adults6–23 μg/dL

Ranges are typical adult values and vary between labs. Use the range on your own report.

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What is Morning Serum Cortisol (Cortisol (Morning))?

Morning Serum Cortisol is measured as part of a adrenal hormones panel. Your morning cortisol is in the expected range for a morning sample.

What does a high Morning Serum Cortisol mean?

Your morning cortisol is elevated. This can result from stress, illness, or steroid medication; persistent elevation is occasionally due to an adrenal or pituitary condition.

What does a low Morning Serum Cortisol mean?

Your morning cortisol is low. Cortisol is your stress hormone and should be highest in the morning; a low value can suggest adrenal under-activity and may need further testing.

Understand your whole report, not just one number

A single value rarely tells the full story — Morning Serum Cortisol is best read alongside the rest of your panel. Paste your values or upload your report and get a plain-English explanation of every marker, with the important results flagged.

Morning Serum Cortisol: frequently asked questions

What is a normal Morning Serum Cortisol level?

A normal Morning Serum Cortisol (Cortisol (Morning)) level is 6–23 μg/dL for adults. Reference ranges vary slightly between laboratories, so always compare against the range printed on your own report.

What does a high Morning Serum Cortisol mean?

Your morning cortisol is elevated. This can result from stress, illness, or steroid medication; persistent elevation is occasionally due to an adrenal or pituitary condition.

What does a low Morning Serum Cortisol mean?

Your morning cortisol is low. Cortisol is your stress hormone and should be highest in the morning; a low value can suggest adrenal under-activity and may need further testing.