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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 biomarkers included 2 working days turnaround

£79.00

Terms and Conditions apply

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

What's included?

Biomarker profile

  • Adrenal Hormones

Adrenal Hormones (4 Biomarkers)

Special instructions

Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes before your test. Do not brush your teeth for 30 minutes before your test. Your result could be affected by corticosteroid medication (e.g. prednisolone). Ask your doctor whether you should stop before testing. Do not take biotin supplements for 2 days prior to this test. If you are taking prescribed biotin you should discuss this with your doctor.
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.

Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGP

Why take this test?

  • 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

How it works

  • Take the test

    Collect your sample at home, visit a partner clinic, or we can even send a nurse to you.

  • Post your sample

    Send your sample back on the same day you take it in the freepost pack to our laboratory.

  • Get your results

    View your results with doctor's advice on your personal dashboard.
Laboratories you can trust

Laboratories you can trust

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

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

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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.