Cortisol Serum (Evening Sample)

A cortisol test is done to measure the level of cortisol, a primary stress hormone that provides a protective response to a perceived threat or danger.
 
This test is done to diagnose Cushing’s syndrome, and Addison’s disease and to check the functioning of the adrenal gland. Cushing's syndrome, a disorder that occurs when your body makes too much cortisol), may present with weight gain, round face, easy bruising, etc., while Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency (that occur when your body makes very little cortisol) may present with fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss etc.
 
The level of cortisol hormone rises and falls during the day. The cortisol serum (Evening Sample) involves drawing blood around 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM to look for the evening peak.