Hormone & Endocrine - Bloody Good
Hormone

Cortisol

Understand your body's stress response with our Cortisol Blood Test. Often called the 'stress hormone', cortisol plays a crucial role in energy regulation, immune function, and how your body responds to daily challenges. This test helps identify if stress, fatigue, or mood issues might be linked to cortisol imbalances.

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Cortisol

Feeling wired but tired, struggling with energy crashes, or wondering if chronic stress might be affecting your health and hormone balance?

Overview

Cortisol is your body's built-in alarm system and energy manager rolled into one. Think of it as your internal emergency response coordinator that springs into action whenever you face physical or emotional stress. Produced by your adrenal glands, this essential hormone follows a natural daily rhythm - rising in the early morning to help you wake up and tackle the day, then gradually declining toward evening to prepare you for restful sleep. When working properly, cortisol helps regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, control blood pressure, and keep your metabolism humming along smoothly.

However, chronic stress can throw this delicate system off balance, leading to either too much or too little cortisol production. Elevated levels from ongoing stress can leave you feeling "wired but tired," cause stubborn weight gain around your midsection, disrupt sleep patterns, and affect your mood and memory. On the flip side, insufficient cortisol can result in severe fatigue, low blood pressure, and difficulty handling even minor daily stressors. Our cortisol test captures your levels at a specific moment in time, helping you understand whether your stress response system is functioning optimally or could benefit from some targeted support.

Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Symptoms

You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Feeling tired all the time Energy crashes in the afternoon Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning Feeling anxious or worried most days Difficulty managing stress Feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities Inability to relax or unwind Trouble sleeping or insomnia Abdominal weight gain Difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise Needing naps during the day Difficulty completing household tasks Specific phobias or fears Procrastination or difficulty starting tasks Nightmares or disturbing dreams Waking up frequently during the night High-stress lifestyle

Purpose

Essential for anyone experiencing chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, or difficulty managing stress. Important for individuals with unexplained weight gain, frequent infections, or blood sugar irregularities. Valuable for those with suspected adrenal disorders, chronic stress conditions, or anyone wanting to assess their stress response system's health.

How to prepare

Timing is crucial for accurate results. Morning cortisol (8-9 AM) measures peak levels; afternoon cortisol (3-4 PM) assesses daily rhythm. Follow specific timing instructions from your healthcare provider. Avoid intense exercise, stress, and caffeine before testing. Fasting not required but may be recommended for morning tests.

Understanding results

Normal ranges vary by time of day. Morning cortisol: 140-700 nmol/L; Afternoon cortisol: 80-350 nmol/L; Evening cortisol: <280 nmol/L. High levels may indicate Cushing's syndrome, chronic stress, or certain medications. Low levels might suggest adrenal insufficiency, chronic fatigue, or burnout. Results should be interpreted with symptoms and time of collection.

After the test

Consult with a healthcare provider experienced in hormone health and stress management. Abnormal results may require additional testing including dexamethasone suppression tests, 24-hour urine cortisol, or comprehensive adrenal function panels. Treatment focuses on stress management, lifestyle modifications, and addressing underlying causes. Follow-up testing helps monitor treatment effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Cortisol follows a natural daily rhythm, peaking in the morning and declining throughout the day. Testing at the wrong time can lead to misinterpretation of results.
  • Chronic stress, Cushing's syndrome, certain medications (especially steroids), intense exercise, caffeine, and some medical conditions can elevate cortisol levels.
  • Low cortisol may suggest adrenal insufficiency, chronic fatigue syndrome, burnout, or secondary adrenal problems related to pituitary function.
  • Yes, stress management techniques, regular sleep schedule, moderate exercise, meditation, adequate nutrition, and social support can help optimize cortisol levels.
  • High cortisol promotes fat storage, especially around the abdomen, increases appetite for high-calorie foods, and can interfere with metabolism and muscle maintenance.
  • Yes, caffeine can temporarily raise cortisol levels. Avoid coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages for at least 4 hours before testing.
Cortisol

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What to expect

We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.

1

Book your referral

Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2

Collect your sample

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3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.

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