Cortisol Blood Test Kit

Please collect your blood in the morning (6-8am) as cortisol levels fluctuate depending on the time of day. 

The kit contains everything you need to collect blood and send it to our laboratory for analysis. Inside, you'll find lancets, instructions, lab request form, labels, tube, tube pouch, prepaid UN3373 envelope, tube holder, swabs, alcohol wipes and plasters. No need to go to the post office; simply drop off your sample in the nearest red letterbox. 

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol, often called the "stress hormone," is produced by your adrenal glands. It plays a critical role in your body's response to stress, helping you stay alert and energized. Cortisol does much more than just manage stress.

Understanding Cortisol Levels

Most cortisol in the bloodstream is bound to proteins. In a healthy body, cortisol levels follow a natural rhythm, peaking in the morning and gradually declining throughout the day, reaching their lowest point at night. This cycle can be disrupted by various factors:

• Physical Activity: Exercise can cause a temporary rise in cortisol levels.

• Thyroid Issues: An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can affect cortisol production.

• Health Challenges: Infections, injuries, and illnesses can trigger cortisol release.

• Medications: Certain medications, including steroids and birth control pills, can influence cortisol levels.

• Weight and Pregnancy: Obesity and pregnancy can also lead to changes in cortisol production.

• Stressful Situations: Both physical and emotional stress can cause cortisol levels to rise.

By understanding cortisol's role and how various factors affect its levels, you can gain valuable insights into your body's response to stress and overall health.

Note that the cortisol test assesses the function of adrenal hormones. Elevated cortisol levels indicate adrenal hyperfunction, while decreased levels suggest adrenal hypofunction. Suppression and stimulation tests can also be conducted. The cortisol (dexamethasone) suppression test screens for Cushing's syndrome and helps identify depressed individuals who may respond well to antidepressants or electroshock therapy. This test is based on the principle that ACTH production is suppressed in healthy individuals after a low dose of dexamethasone, but not in those with Cushing's syndrome or certain cases of depression.

Our health blog contains summaries of recent studies regarding health and disease, such as a recent study that Links Stress & Cortisol to Gastrointestinal Issues in Autism.

One of the most competitively priced home testing kits in the UK.