Cortisol Blood Test
Cortisol Blood Test
Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and is usually a response to stress. This Cortisol test can provide information about how your body is coping with stress and adrenal insufficiency.
This test should be taken in the morning, or soon after you wake up.
Our kits are suitable for human use only and for adults aged 18+.
Why our customers love Cortisol Blood Tests:
- Empowerment to take control and monitor health
- Stress assessment
- Monitor hormones and hormonal imbalance
- Helps assess or diagnose possible conditions
- Would you like to check the amount of stress your body faces on day to day basis? This is now possible using our state of the art cortisol test which measures the levels of the adrenal hormone in your body.
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- Biomarkers
- Information
Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is produced by the adrenal gland and has a massive impact on multiple physical and mental functions within the body. Cortisol is a steroid and is often referred to as the "stress hormone" due to it often being released when a person is in a perceived state of "stress". However, it is not limited to this role within the body and is also involved in multiple metabolic and immune responses. Please note that cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day with them peaking when you wake up and being lowest at the end of the day. Therefore it is important to take your blood test first thing in the morning when you wake up to make sure you measure them at maximum capacity.
Why get a cortisol test?
Are you worried that you might be facing too much stress in your daily life? You can now definitively find out how much stress you encounter with our advanced home cortisol test. We can accurately measure the levels of your adrenal hormone to gauge how much of the stress hormone your body is producing.
Symptoms of elevated cortisol levels include:
- Increased fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Skin changes: bruising, red flushes, rashes
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Increased heart rate
- Feeling of thirst or the need to frequently urinate
Additional Information
There are a few different types of cortisol blood tests that can be administered, depending on your needs and what you are wanting to test for. The most common type of cortisol blood test is the serum cortisol test, which measures the amount of cortisol in your blood serum. This type of test is used to check for Adrenal Hyperfunction, which is a condition where the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. This can be caused by a variety of things, including stress, Cushing's disease, or Addison's disease.
Another type of cortisol blood test is the plasma cortisol test, which measures the amount of cortisol in your blood plasma. This type of test is used to check for adrenal insufficiency, which is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol. This can be caused by a number of things, including adrenal gland tumours, pituitary gland problems, or certain medications. Lastly, there is the urinary free cortisol test, which measures the amount of free cortisol in your urine. This type of test is used to check for Cushing's syndrome, which is a condition where the body produces too much cortisol. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of one of these conditions, it is important to get tested so that you can get the appropriate treatment.
Talk to your doctor about which type of cortisol blood test is right for you.
It is often referred to as the "stress hormone" because it helps the body respond to stress. Cortisol levels can be affected by many different factors, including sleep, exercise, diet, and
When it comes to testing for cortisol levels, there are a few different methods that can be used. The most common method is a blood test, which can be done in a doctor's office or at a lab. A saliva test may also be used, and this can be done at home using a kit that you can purchase online or at a pharmacy. Hair samples can also be taken and tested for cortisol levels, but this is not as common of a method.
If you are being tested for cortisol levels, it is important to follow all instructions from your doctor or the laboratory performing the test. This includes fasting for eight hours before the test and avoiding strenuous activity or stressful situations in the hours leading up to the test. It is also important to tell the doctor or lab technician if you are taking any medications, as these may affect the test results.
The cortisol test can provide valuable information about your health and how well your body is coping with stress. If you have high cortisol levels, it may indicate that you are under a lot of stress and need to take steps to manage your stress levels. Low cortisol levels can be a sign of adrenal fatigue, so if you have concerns about your cortisol levels, it is important to talk to your doctor.
If you are experiencing symptoms of stress or adrenal fatigue, your doctor may order a cortisol test to see if your cortisol levels are high or low. High cortisol levels can indicate that you are under a lot of stress and may need to take steps to manage your stress levels. Low cortisol levels can be a sign of adrenal fatigue, so if you have concerns about your cortisol levels, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands. It is often referred to as the "stress hormone" because it helps the body respond to stress. Cortisol levels can be affected by many different factors, including sleep, exercise, diet, and
When it comes to testing for cortisol levels, there are a few different methods that can be used. The most common method is a blood test, which can be done in a doctor's office or at a lab. A saliva test may also be used, and this can be done at home using a kit that you can purchase online or at a pharmacy. Hair samples can also be taken and tested for cortisol levels, but this is not as of a method.
If you are being tested for cortisol levels, it is important to follow all instructions from your doctor or the laboratory performing the test. This includes fasting for eight hours before the test and avoiding strenuous activity or stressful situations in the hours leading up to the test. It is also important to tell the doctor or lab technician if you are taking any medications, as these may affect the test results.
The cortisol test can provide valuable information about your health and how well your body is coping with stress. If you have high cortisol levels, it may indicate that you are under a lot of stress and need to take steps to manage your stress levels. Low cortisol levels can be a sign of adrenal fatigue, so if you have concerns about your cortisol levels, it is important to talk to your doctor.
If you are experiencing symptoms of stress or adrenal fatigue, your doctor may order a cortisol test to see if your cortisol levels are high or low. High cortisol levels can indicate that you are under a lot of stress and may need to take steps to manage your stress levels. Low cortisol levels can be a sign of adrenal fatigue, so if you have concerns about your cortisol levels, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands. It is often referred to as the "stress hormone" because it helps the body respond to stress. Cortisol levels can be affected by many different factors, including sleep, exercise, diet, and
When it comes to testing for cortisol levels, there are a few different methods that can be used. The most common method is a blood test, which can be done in a doctor's office or at a lab. A saliva test may also be used, and this can be done at home using a kit that you can purchase online or at a pharmacy. Hair samples can also be taken and tested for cortisol levels, but this is not as of a method.
If you are being tested for cortisol levels, it is important to follow all instructions from your doctor or the laboratory performing the test. This includes fasting for eight hours before the test and avoiding strenuous activity or stressful situations in the hours leading up to the test. It is also important to tell the doctor or lab technician if you are taking any medications, as these may affect the test results.
The cortisol test can provide valuable information about your health and how well your body is coping with stress. If you have high cortisol levels, it may indicate that you are under a lot of stress and need to take steps to manage your stress levels. Low cortisol levels can be a sign of adrenal fatigue, so if you have concerns about your cortisol levels, it is important to talk to your doctor.
If you are experiencing symptoms of stress or adrenal fatigue, your doctor may order a cortisol test to see if your cortisol levels are high or low. High cortisol levels can indicate that you are under a lot of stress and may need to take steps to manage your stress levels. Low cortisol levels can be a sign of adrenal fatigue, so if you have concerns about your cortisol levels, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Additional Insight from Dr Sameer Nakedar, MBBS, MRCGP, PGCert
Cortisol helps the body with many functions, including stress management, inflammation, blood pressure, metabolism, and blood sugar control.
Conditions, where too much cortisol is present in the blood can result in symptoms such as weight gain, round face, marks on the skin, thin arms and legs, bruising or muscle weakness.
High levels are seen in Cushing's Syndrome, when a person takes certain medicines (like steroids) or in certain tumours. Low levels of cortisol show symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, muscle weakness, appetite loss and abdominal pain. Low cortisol levels are seen in Addison's disease or adrenal insufficiency, after certain infections, autoimmune disorders or brain injuries.
Interesting Statistics on Stress Levels in the Body









Experts Opinion
"Cortisol levels can fluctuate based on stress, pregnancy, exercise and temperature changes, obesity and taking certain medications. Cortisol levels are usually highest at 9 am, which is the best time to take this test.
This test can help you exclude certain conditions associated with too high or low cortisol levels."

How to take a home blood test
Collecting a blood sample for your finger prick home test is straightforward. Watch the video below for more details on how to take a home blood test.
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Activate your test and collect your sample in the morning. Return your sample on the same day, using the prepaid shipping label provided. Samples use a simple finger prick collection method that takes around 5 minutes to complete.
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Cortisol Blood Test Information
Specification of Cortisol Blood Test
- Test name: Cortisol Blood Test
- Also known as & related tests: Serum cortisol test, Plasma cortisol test
- Biomarkers:
- Test tube: SST (Gold microtainer)
- Brand: Welzo
- Turn around time: Approx. 24 hours
- Lab test ranges:
- Test Kit Marking: MHRA/UKCA
- Location of Lab: United Kingdom
What is a Cortisol Blood Test?
A Cortisol Blood Test is a home health test offered by Welzo. The Cortisol Blood Test can be taken from the comfort of your home using a finger prick sample, which is then sent back to our lab for analysis and interpretation.
What does a Cortisol Blood Test for?
A Cortisol Blood Test tests for the following:
.What are the benefits of a Cortisol Blood Test?
Checking your health through the use of Cortisol Blood Test is an important way to track your health. Home testing offers the convenience of conducting health assessments in the comfort of your own home, while enabling quicker, more private results without the need for visiting a healthcare facility.
Can a GP review my Cortisol Blood Test?
Yes, Welzo offers a GP review service for the Cortisol Blood Test. Follow the link if you would like to have an online GP appointment with your Cortisol Blood Test.
Are Cortisol Blood Tests available on the NHS?
The NHS offers Cortisol Blood Tests subject to eligibility requirements, consultations and local guidelines.
Cortisol Blood Test Kit and Ordering
How can a Cortisol Blood Test be ordered?
A Cortisol Blood Test can be ordered online through Welzo's secure checkout. Select the Cortisol Blood Test and add the patient's name and details, then checkout for next-day delivery.
What is included in the Cortisol Blood Test test kit?
The Cortisol Blood Test contains the following items in the test kit:
- 1 x UN3373 Test Kit for Biological Substances Category B (test kit design may vary from images displayed online depending on the test selected.
- 1 x Free Return Label
- 1 x Finger Prick Lancet / Urine Sample Pouch or Swab (depending on the test ordered)
- 1 x Cleansing Wipe/ Alcohol Swab
- SST (Gold microtainer)
Cortisol Blood Test Biomarkers and Results
What biomarkers are tested for in a Cortisol Blood Test?
The Cortisol Blood Test checks for the following biomarkers:
What are the results ranges for a Cortisol Blood Test?
Cortisol Blood Test reference ranges vary based on age, sex, population sample and numeric test result ranges. However, once you complete your tests, you will receive clear reference ranges for your Cortisol Blood Test.
What is a normal test range for Cortisol Blood Test?
The Cortisol Blood Test range will be provided on the advanced Welzo reporting panel which will factor in multiple aspects such as age, population size comparison and biological sex.
Cortisol Blood Test Procedure and Timing
When should a Cortisol Blood Test be taken?
It is best to take a Cortisol Blood Test first thing in the morning.
How long does a Cortisol Blood Test take?
The typical turnaround for a Cortisol Blood Test is 24 hours from receipt at the Welzo laboratory, Monday to Thursday. However, results may come back faster or slower depending on how busy the Welzo laboratory is and if you have requested any biomarkers that take longer to test for. In this case, results can take up to 5 days.
Are there any special preparations required before taking the Cortisol Blood Test (e.g., fasting)?
We will let you know via email if there are any special requirements for the Cortisol Blood Test. However, typically we recommend you take a Cortisol Blood Test first thing in the morning, fasted.
What is the best time to post my Cortisol Blood Test?
The best time to return your Cortisol Blood Test sample is Monday to Thursday, before 14:00 to ensure the product arrives at our lab on time for same-day analysis.
What sample is required for a Cortisol Blood Test?
The Cortisol Blood Test requires a capillary blood sample using a SST (Gold microtainer) that is collected from a finger-prick blood sample.
People Also Ask
Does Medichecks sell Cortisol Blood Test?
To check if Medichecks has the Cortisol Blood Test, please visit their website.

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