Cortisol level

Alternative names:

hydrocortisone test

Normal values:

8 A.M.: 6 to 23 mcg/dl

Note: mcg/dl = micrograms per deciliter

What abnormal results mean:

Greater than normal levels may indicate:

• adrenal tumor
• Cushing's syndrome
• ectopic ACTH-producing tumors

Lower than normal levels may indicate:

• Addison's disease
• hypopituitarism

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• acute adrenal crisis
• ectopic Cushing's syndrome
• multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) I
• pituitary Cushing's (Cushing's disease)