KEY BENEFITS
Optimise Your Health At Home By Testing Your Cortisol Levels with our Stress (Cortisol) Test
Our Stress (Cortisol) Test helps you to understand whether stress levels may be impacting your health and what simple steps you can take to reduce them.
A small amount of stress can be seen as a good thing, helping you to cope day to day. However, when stress levels start to increase that can be a very different matter.
Stress can start to impact your daily life in lots of different ways, so how do you know if you are putting your body under too much stress?
The good news is that cortisol (our stress hormone) levels can be detected and monitored using our Stress (Cortisol) Test. Raised or low levels of cortisol can tell you if stress may be impacting your health and whether you need to make lifestyle changes or visit your GP.
How Do You Test Cortisol Levels?
For best results, it’s recommended to choose a cortisol blood sample via finger prick, rather than cortisol saliva or urine test. Cortisol blood tests are the most accurate and provide a reliable measurement of your levels.
We offer a simple finger prick at cortisol blood test which can be done at home or in clinic to measure cortisol levels and results are provided in an easy-to-review report within 7 days. Our results will provide detailed guidance on your results to show if you have normal or elevated cortisol levels, and how you can implement positive lifestyle changes going forward.
What Does Cortisol Do In Your Body?
Cortisol is the primary stress hormone in our bodies that’s released when we experience moments of anxiety, fear, or other stressful events. Although cortisol is often viewed as a stress hormone that contributes to weight gain, skin conditions, and other adverse symptoms; cortisol is an essential hormone that influences our body’s ability to metabolise glucose, control blood pressure, regulate inflammation, and respond to danger.
Cortisol is one of several steroid hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands, which are regulated by the pituitary gland. When released into the bloodstream, cortisol can influence many parts of the body, such as the liver, pancreas, muscle tissues, and insulin production, Cortisol is a necessary component to the fight or flight response – which is a natural reaction to perceived threats – but it’s also released in stressful situations that are less threatening.
Having the right balance of cortisol hormone is essential for optimal health, which is why testing your cortisol levels can be an important measure to know exactly where your body stands and what, if any, action you should take to better balance this important stress hormone.
Why Do You Have To Take A Cortisol Test First Thing In The Morning?
The timing of the cortisol test is critically important because of the way cortisol levels vary throughout the day. In most cases, it’s recommended to do a cortisol blood test in the morning hours. Your morning cortisol level is the best indication of whether you have a normal cortisol level. Morning cortisol levels (around 30 minutes after waking up) are typically the highest point in the day, and then fall over the course of the day.
Why Can’t I Exercise Before Taking A Cortisol Test?
Physical exercise temporarily increases the levels of cortisol in your blood.
Is A Cortisol Blood Test An Accurate Measure Of Stress Levels?
A blood test is an accurate measure of cortisol, and cortisol levels are related to stress levels. Blood cortisol levels reflect both protein-bound cortisol and free cortisol whereas a saliva or urine test only tests free cortisol levels. Cortisol in the blood is at its highest in the morning and lowest later in the day. Blood cortisol levels can also reflect more serious conditions and so it is always wise to consult your doctor if you are concerned about your cortisol levels.
How To Reduce Cortisol Levels?
There are certain lifestyle strategies that are very helpful for maintaining healthy levels of cortisol:
• Regular low-moderate exercise.
• Get the right amount of sleep.
• Spending time in the great outdoors.
• Mindfulness and recognising stressful thinking.
• Breathing exercises.
• Eating a nutritious, balanced diet.
• Certain supplements (e.g. fish oils).
How It Works
RECEIVE YOUR TEST
Order online and we’ll post your kit directly to your home or call us and book your clinic appointment and we’ll do the test for you.
TAKE THE FINGER-PRICK BLOOD TEST
- Drink a glass of water 30mins before test
- Do not exercise between waking and taking the test
- Test in the morning before eating
- Test between 6 and 10am
- If working shift patterns, test within 3 hours of waking
- Collect 2-3 drops of blood
- Post to our partner lab
RECEIVE YOUR RESULTS WITHIN 7 DAYS
Review your easy-to-read traffic light results
ONGOING SUPPORT
Receive ongoing support in all aspects of your health during your appointment with your clinician – in clinic, telephone or video call
WHAT’S IN THE TEST?
- 1 x alcohol-free cleansing wipe
- 2 x single-use lancets
- 1 x Blood Collection Tube Label
- 1 x Blood Collection Tube
- 1 x Blood Collection Tube Case
- 2 x adhesive plasters
- A prepaid return envelope
- Availability • UK & Ireland ONLY
What We Test
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF WITH OUR STRESS (CORTISOL) TEST
- Using a quick and easy home-to-laboratory finger-prick blood test.
- Get your results within 7 days
- Receive advice on your results and if lifestyle changes are required
- Or if a visit to your GP is recommended.
- Lifestyle guidance is also provided.
By being aware of your cortisol (stress hormone) level you can begin to make positive changes. It is also easy to track your levels of stress over time and take steps to change your life for the better.
Our Aims
Efficient and timely delivery is always our aim.
Our Online Store is functioning normally with all health and safety protocols in place.
Wishing you health and happiness!
DELIVERY OPTIONS:
IMPORTANT NOTE: OUR HEALTH TESTS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE UK
Royal Mail Tracked 24 Delivery • FREE on orders over £50.00 (For order below £50.00, current delivery pricing is available at the checkout)
Our aim is for you to receive your purchase as soon as possible. We will do our best to process your order quickly, usually within 24 to 48 hours, subject to confirmation of payment and depending on stock availability. We aim to deliver your order within 1-5 working days. If at times there may be a slight delay, we thank you for your understanding and patience.
You will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours of despatch. For your security and peace of mind, all our UK Deliveries are delivered by Royal Mail. We aim to minimise any delays caused by seasonal backlogs or postal strikes.
* Please Note | Orders with a delivery outside of mainland UK ie. the outer Scottish Islands, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands may be subject to additional delays in transit that are beyond our control.
07808 920 101
