Cortisol, 24-Hour Urinary Free

Your doctor may order this test to help find out what is causing your symptoms, to check how well a part of your body is working, or to look for early signs of a health condition so that treatment can begin as soon as possible if needed.

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like unexplained weight changes, fatigue, high blood pressure, or irregular menstrual cycles. It’s also used to check for conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome (too much cortisol) or Addison’s disease (too little cortisol).

Before the test, your care team will explain the steps and answer any questions you have. You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a period of time, stop taking certain medicines, or wear loose, comfortable clothing. Be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies, medicines, supplements, or health conditions you have.

No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll collect a 24-hour urine sample starting from one point in the morning and ending the next morning. Drink plenty of water to help your urine flow normally. Avoid certain medications that might affect cortisol levels, such as some blood pressure or steroid drugs, and inform your doctor beforehand.

During the test, a trained member of your care team will guide you through each step and let you know exactly what to do. The test is usually quick, and most people feel little or no discomfort. Try to stay relaxed, breathe normally, and tell the staff right away if you feel pain or become uncomfortable at any point.

You’ll provide a daily urine collection in a container. Each time you urinate, empty your bladder directly into the container. Keep the sample refrigerated until you return it to the lab. The lab will analyze the urine for cortisol content over the full 24-hour period.

The results give your doctor important information about your health. They can be used to confirm or rule out a condition, guide decisions about treatment, monitor how well a current treatment is working, or serve as a baseline for comparing future test results over time.

The results help determine if your body produces too much or too little cortisol. High levels may indicate conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, while low levels may suggest Addison’s disease or other adrenal issues. Your doctor will interpret the results in relation to your symptoms and medical history.