Our labs are still open. See service status.

Coronavirus information

Doctor reviewed results

Over 4 million tests processed

Feefo 4.7/5
Stress Cortisol Saliva Tests (4)
Stress Cortisol Saliva Tests (4)
Stress Cortisol Saliva Tests (4)
Stress Cortisol Saliva Tests (4)

Stress Cortisol Saliva Tests (4)

Our most popular cortisol saliva test helps you understand your stress levels and adrenal function over the course of a day.

Is it for you?

Do you worry that your job or your day-to-day life is too stressful for good health? Do you think that chronic stress might be affecting your sleep, your food choices - even your energy levels and mood? Do you find it difficult to "switch off" at the end of the day? If so, find out whether your cortisol levels could be affecting your wellbeing with this simple saliva cortisol test you can do at home.
Saliva sample 4 tests included 2 working days turnaround

£79.00£59.00

All tests bought are intended solely for the person purchasing. Why?

  • You want to check your that your stress levels aren't too high
  • You crave sugar and carbohydrates late in the day
  • You find it difficult to wake in the morning and to get to sleep at night
  • You feel constantly tired and run down and wonder whether high cortisol is to blame
Cortisol is a steroid hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. It is vital for survival given its role in various functions such as immunity, regulating blood pressure and releasing insulin for blood sugar maintenance. Cortisol has been termed the 'stress' hormone because it is secreted in higher quantities during the body's 'fight or flight' response to stress, and is responsible for several stress-related changes in the body.

Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day but sometimes your levels might higher or lower than normal causing symptoms such as difficulty waking in the morning or going to sleep at night and craving sugary snacks especially late in the day. Cortisol levels should be highest just after waking in the morning and lowest at bedtime. This test establishes the levels of cortisol in the saliva at 4 different points in the day. Samples are taken after waking, 12 noon, 4pm and before going to sleep. 

This test can tell you if you are experiencing excessive stress during the day and whether you need to be adjusting your lifestyle to introduce more relaxation and modify other lifestyle factors such as your sleep and your diet. This test can help identify Cushing's syndrome, which is caused by too much cortisol, or Addison's disease, which is caused by damage to the adrenal glands and is associated with too little cortisol. It is also used by some practitioners in the diagnosis of adrenal fatigue, a condition where elevated levels of stress are thought to impair adrenal function.

Please note that the lower detection limit for this test is 1.5 nmol/L.

Adrenal Hormones

Cortisol - 12:00 Cortisol - 16:00 Cortisol - Waking Cortisol - Before Bed
Samples are taken after waking, 12 noon, 4pm and before going to sleep. If you are tracking your results over time then it is vital that you always take your samples at the same time. High dose biotin supplements can affect this test. If you are taking more than the recommended daily amount then you should not take your supplements for 2 days prior to this test. If you are taking high dose biotin for medical reasons (e.g. multiple sclerosis) then you should discuss this with your doctor. Use of the oestrogen containing medications such as hormone replacement therapy or the combined oral contraceptive pill can cause elevated cortisol readings. This test can be affected by corticosteroid medications such as prednisolone. If you are taking a corticosteroid medication then we recommend that you discuss with your doctor whether this test is needed, and if so whether you should continue taking your corticosteroid medication. Do not consume food or drink for thirty minutes before your test. Do not brush your teeth for thirty minutes before your test. If your saliva sample gets contaminated by food, drink or even small amounts of blood (e.g. from your gums after brushing your teeth) then your result may be affected.

3 simple steps

  • Take the test

    Take the test - either using your kit or visit a clinic.

  • Post your sample

    Send your sample in the freepost pack to our fully accredited lab.

  • Get your results

    Get your doctor reviewed results on my.medichecks.com.
Expert interpretation<br> of your results

Expert interpretation
of your results

One of our team of doctors will review your results and give you personalised advice based on your medical history, lifestyle and health and fitness goals.

Your personal<br> health centre

Your personal
health centre

Discover the easy way to track your health through our online portal, my.medichecks.com. View your results with doctor's advice, monitor any changes over time and see the improvements you can make to your health with simple lifestyle changes.

Questions? Let us help

Questions? Let us help

Our customer care team are on-hand to help you find the test that's right for you. Get in touch via phone, live chat or email.

Related articles

the-stress-hormone-cortisol

The stress hormone cortisol

17/12/18

Work pressures, smart phones, email, long hours, it is harder than ever to switch off and stress seems like just an expected result of normal life.
5-ways-your-diet-can-help-balance-your-hormones

5 ways your diet can help balance your hormones

08/11/18

Nutritionist and Lifestyle Coach Effie Parnell-Hopkinson gives her top tips on how a good diet can improve a hormone imbalance.
5-ways-to-lower-cortisol-naturally

5 Ways To Lower Cortisol Naturally

20/08/19

Although we all dream of a stress-free life, the pressures of our modern lifestyles make it harder to completely switch off, leading to long-term stress and therefore an increase in our cortisol levels. The goods news is we can reduce our cortisol levels naturally. Read on to discover 5 ways to lower your cortisol this National Relaxation Day.
View all

Laboratories
you can trust

Trusted by the NHS and private clinics alike, you can be sure of the highest testing standards from our partner laboratories

What our customers say

We ask every Medichecks customer about their experience - read what they have to say

Important

Our tests are not a substitute for seeing your doctor, especially if you are suffering symptoms. Our doctors will interpret your results based on the information you have provided, but will not diagnose, consult or provide any treatment. You will be advised to see your doctor for any necessary follow-up action.