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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Hormones

Cortisol

Cortisol reflects your body's recovery and stress load. For athletes, monitoring cortisol helps identify overtraining, optimise recovery windows, and balance training intensity with adequate rest.

Reference Ranges

Male
nmol/l
Low 133 Normal 537 High
Female
nmol/l
Low 133 Normal 537 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

What It Measures

This test measures the concentration of cortisol in your blood, reflecting adrenal gland function and your body's current stress response. Morning samples provide the most clinically meaningful results.

Why It Matters

Chronically elevated cortisol may indicate overtraining and could impair muscle recovery and immune function. Tracking trends helps athletes adjust training load. Consult your healthcare provider.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended when experiencing symptoms of chronic stress, fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or sleep disturbances. Morning blood draws provide the most reliable baseline measurement.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Some people may experience persistent fatigue, dizziness, muscle weakness, or unexplained weight loss when cortisol levels are low. These symptoms could suggest adrenal insufficiency and warrant medical evaluation.

High Levels

Some people may experience weight gain around the midsection, difficulty sleeping, elevated blood pressure, or mood changes when cortisol levels are persistently elevated. Discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider.

Recommendations

Male

If Low

Low cortisol may indicate adrenal insufficiency. Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing fatigue, weakness, or low blood pressure.

If High

High cortisol may indicate Cushing's syndrome, chronic stress, or depression. Consider stress management, sleep optimization, and endocrine evaluation.

Female

If Low

Low cortisol may indicate adrenal insufficiency. Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing fatigue, weakness, or low blood pressure.

If High

High cortisol may indicate Cushing's syndrome, chronic stress, or depression. Consider stress management, sleep optimization, and endocrine evaluation.

Lifestyle Tips

Regular physical activity, consistent sleep schedules, and stress management techniques such as mindfulness or breathing exercises may help support healthy cortisol patterns. Reducing caffeine intake in the afternoon could also be beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should cortisol be tested?
Morning blood draws are preferred, as cortisol peaks shortly after waking. Your healthcare provider can advise on optimal timing.
Can stress affect my cortisol result?
Yes, acute stress or anxiety before the test may temporarily elevate cortisol. Try to remain calm before your blood draw.
What causes high cortisol levels?
Chronic stress, certain medications, and adrenal conditions may contribute. Your healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause.