Hormones
Cortisol (AM)
Unit: μg/dLID: H006
What This Test Measures
Stress hormone; morning peak of cortisol
Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range
Conventional "Normal"
6-23 μg/dLYour doctor says you're "fine" anywhere in this range
Functional Optimal
10-15 μg/dLThis is where you actually feel great
The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.
Gabriel's Take
Gabriel's optimal band for morning cortisol is 10-15 μg/dL. Low AM cortisol (<10) = adrenal dysfunction or HPA axis suppression → fatigue, dizziness, low resilience. Very high = Cushing's or acute stress. Single AM cortisol doesn't capture the full picture; a 4-point test shows the rhythm.
When This Test Is High
Cushing's syndrome, chronic stress, tumor
When This Test Is Low
Adrenal insufficiency, Addison's disease
Related Conditions
HPA axis dysfunction, chronic stress, fatigue
Recommended Follow-Up
If abnormal, do 4-point salivary cortisol; assess HPA axis health