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Hormones

Cortisol

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

Doctor's Assessment Included

We advise against this test

We advise against measuring cortisol if your question is about stress, burnout, fatigue or weight gain. Cortisol fluctuates so much that your value has to roughly double before any change is detectable, and the contraceptive pill, pregnancy, night shifts and even the stress of the blood draw itself shift the result. If your doctor requested this measurement, have your blood drawn between 06:00 and 10:00 in the morning. Read why we advise against this test.

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Male Your group
nmol/l
Low 133 Normal 537 High
Female Your group
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.

Check your own value

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 active individuals 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.

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

Health Checkups

InsideTracker

A 36-biomarker performance and longevity panel inspired by InsideTracker Ultimate — covering heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, recovery and iron status.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Calcium Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Magnesium (Intracellular) Potassium Progesterone Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Vitamin D (25-OH) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Creatine Kinase (CK) Transferrin Saturation Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€399,-

Whoop

A 44-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Omega-3 Index Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€499,-

Cortisol

€29,-