What is the reference range for Diurnal Cortisol Slope (Derived)?

The standard reference range for Diurnal Cortisol Slope (Derived) is Normal: steep decline from morning to late evening; abnormal: flat, blunted, or inverted rhythm.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Which tests measure Diurnal Cortisol Slope (Derived)?

Diurnal Cortisol Slope (Derived) is measured in 3 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Comprehensive Adrenal Function Profile, Cortisol, 4 Specimens, Cortisol, 6 Specimens.

Biomarker Reference · Cortisol Slope

What does the Diurnal Cortisol Slope (Derived) test measure?

Diurnal Cortisol Slope (Derived) (Cortisol Slope) is a clinical biomarker used in adrenal-stress assessment. The diurnal slope integrates the four timepoints into a pattern that reflects hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis integrity, circadian gene expression, and the feedback sensitivity of the axis. It is measured in 3 laboratory tests on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Normal: steep decline from morning to late evening; abnormal: flat, blunted, or inverted rhythm.
Units: ng/mL per hour, nmol/L per hour, Qualitative pattern, derived
Measured In: 3 tests
Category: Adrenal

Functional medicine optimalA healthy diurnal slope shows at least a 60–70 per cent decline from morning to late evening, with the nadir well below half the morning peak.

What is Diurnal Cortisol Slope (Derived)?

The diurnal slope integrates the four timepoints into a pattern that reflects hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis integrity, circadian gene expression, and the feedback sensitivity of the axis. A steep slope confirms robust regulation; a flat slope points to chronic stress, sleep disruption, or neuroendocrine dysregulation.

Why is Diurnal Cortisol Slope (Derived) measured?

Assessing the overall slope adds interpretive power beyond single values. A flattened diurnal rhythm has been associated with chronic stress, metabolic syndrome, mood disorders, and certain cancers, while an exaggerated or chaotic rhythm may appear in severe stress or cyclical Cushing syndrome.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Normal: steep decline from morning to late evening; abnormal: flat, blunted, or inverted rhythm.
Functional medicine optimal: A healthy diurnal slope shows at least a 60–70 per cent decline from morning to late evening, with the nadir well below half the morning peak.
Units: ng/mL per hour, nmol/L per hour, Qualitative pattern, derived

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Tests that measure Diurnal Cortisol Slope (Derived)

3 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-ADR-028Comprehensive

Comprehensive Adrenal Function Profile

Diurnal Cortisol Slope (Derived) reference range in this test: Steep negative slope from morning to night; no universally standardised threshold.

BML-ADR-031Comprehensive

Cortisol, 4 Specimens

Diurnal Cortisol Slope (Derived) reference range in this test: Normal: steep decline from morning to late evening; abnormal: flat, blunted, or inverted rhythm.

BML-ADR-033Comprehensive

Cortisol, 6 Specimens

Diurnal Cortisol Slope (Derived) reference range in this test: A steep negative slope from morning to evening, with evening cortisol <50% of morning.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

Morning Cortisol (Saliva)Cortisol-AM2 tests Noon Cortisol (Saliva)Noon Cortisol1 test Evening Cortisol (Saliva)Cortisol-PM2 tests Night Cortisol (Saliva)Cortisol-NT2 tests Dehydroepiandrosterone (Saliva)DHEA2 tests Cortisol Awakening ResponseCAR6 tests Cortisol (morning, ~30 minutes post-waking)Cortisol-AM5 tests Cortisol (midday)Cortisol-MD4 tests

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