Feeling wired but tired, struggling with energy crashes, or wondering if chronic stress might be affecting your health and hormone balance?
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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So how does it work?
Bloody Good is a single portal for ordering, tracking, and reviewing on-demand health testing. Get started with three simple steps:
1
Book your test
Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect your samples
Have your sample collected at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres. Find nearest
3
View your results
View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.
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.
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.
You may benefit from the Cortisol Blood Test
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.
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
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. 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.
Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
Bloody Good is a single portal for ordering, tracking, and reviewing on-demand health testing.
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Find answers to common questions about our products and services.
Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.
If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.
Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)
Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.
They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.
Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.
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