Cortisol, Serum Test in Kathmandu

About this test

Cortisol is the body's main stress hormone, made by the adrenal glands that sit atop each kidney and controlled by signals from the pituitary gland in the brain. This blood test measures the amount circulating in your serum at a single moment, which is why the time of the draw matters so much: levels are naturally highest in the early morning and fall to their lowest around midnight. A doctor orders it when there is concern that you are making too much or too little of this hormone. Suspicion of excess (Cushing's syndrome) arises with unexplained weight gain around the trunk and face, purple stretch marks, thinning skin that bruises easily, high blood pressure, and difficult-to-control diabetes. Suspicion of deficiency (Addison's disease or adrenal insufficiency) is raised by profound fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, salt craving, darkening of the skin, and episodes of dizziness or collapse. A single value is rarely the whole story; it is interpreted alongside ACTH, electrolytes, blood glucose, and often follow-on dynamic tests such as an overnight dexamethasone suppression test or an ACTH (Synacthen) stimulation test. In Nepal, a particularly important reason to check cortisol is in patients who have taken steroid tablets, injections, or strong skin creams for long periods, whether prescribed or bought over the counter, since abruptly stopping these can suppress the adrenal glands and cause a dangerous crisis. Tuberculosis affecting the adrenal glands is another local cause of low cortisol worth keeping in mind.

Sample type

Blood (serum)

Preparation

No fasting required, but timing is everything for this test. Cortisol follows a daily rhythm, so we usually draw the sample between 8 and 9 in the morning unless your doctor has asked for a specific time. Please tell us your exact sample time, any steroid medicines or inhalers you use, and try to rest quietly for a few minutes beforehand, as stress and recent illness can raise the result.

Turnaround time

Reports for Cortisol, Serum are typically ready within: Same Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other hormones tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Cortisol, Serum or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.