Cortisol: Morning cortisol may be normal, but symptoms of high or low cortisol can still indicate HPA axis stress or adrenal dysfunction. Chronic mental, emotional, or physical stress can overwork the adrenal glands, causing fatigue, immune issues, sugar cravings, and other symptoms even if a single cortisol test looks normal. Additional testing throughout the day can help assess adrenal function and the circadian cortisol pattern.