Cortisol (Stress Hormone) Blood Test
£75
Test Overview
What is the Cortisol (Stress Hormone) Blood Test?
Our Cortisol Blood Test measures the level of cortisol — your body’s main stress hormone — helping to assess how your body responds to stress and whether your levels are within a healthy range.
This test is ideal if you are experiencing:
- Ongoing fatigue or low energy
- Poor sleep or difficulty switching off
- Mood changes or irritability
- Frequent illness or feeling run down
It’s also suitable if you want to better understand how stress may be affecting your overall health and wellbeing.
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and plays a key role in regulating stress, energy levels, metabolism, and immune function.
Your cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, typically peaking in the morning and gradually decreasing towards the evening.
This test helps identify whether your cortisol levels are within the expected range or if they may be too high or too low — both of which can impact your health.
Abnormal cortisol levels may be linked to:
- Chronic stress
- Sleep disturbances
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Hormonal imbalances
This test measures 1 key biomarker across 1 category:
- Hormones (1 biomarker)
- Cortisol
- You must be 18 years or over to take this test
- Take your test at around 9am in the morning (this is when cortisol levels are at their peak)
- Avoid exercise before your test, as this can temporarily increase cortisol levels
- Avoid biotin supplements for 48 hours before testing (unless advised by your doctor)
- Hormonal contraception may affect results — speak to your GP if unsure
What biomarkers do we test?
- Cortisol: Regulates stress response, metabolism and energy.
More Information
Maintaining the right balance of cortisol is essential for your overall wellbeing.
- High cortisol levels may be associated with prolonged stress and can contribute to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and sleep issues.
- Low cortisol levels may indicate adrenal insufficiency and can lead to tiredness, weakness, and low blood pressure.
This test provides a simple and effective way to understand whether your symptoms may be linked to your body’s stress response.
Results are typically available within 3–5 working days from when your sample reaches the laboratory.
Please let us know prior to your appointment if any of the following:
• You have a disability
• You have any allergies that we should be aware of
• You have a medical condition that we need to be made aware of
• If you do not speak and/or read and understand English
• Anything else we should be made aware of
Do not book an appointment if either of the following apply to you:
You are under the age of 18 as we have a strict over 18 policy (We may need to ask for proof of age and ask to see ID prior to your appointment)
Please be aware:
Some people may feel dizzy and/or faint during and after their blood draw. If this has happened to you in the past, please tell the person carrying out the test so they are aware. The maximum attempts that are permitted with your consent will be two blood draw attempts. It is common to have a small amount of bruising after the procedure. This is normal and should resolve after a few days. However, if the area becomes red or swollen, please seek medical advice. Its fine to bring someone with you for support.