Most of us know that cortisol is the primary stress hormone in our bodies that’s released when we experience moments of anxiety, fear, or other stressful events. While cortisol is often viewed as a stress hormone that contributes to weight gain, skin conditions, and other adverse symptoms, cortisol is an essential hormone that influences our body’s ability to metabolise glucose, control blood pressure, regulate inflammation, and respond to danger.

Cortisol is one of several steroid hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands, which are regulated by the pituitary gland. When released into the bloodstream, cortisol can influence many parts of the body, such as the liver, pancreas, muscle tissues, and insulin production, Cortisol is a necessary component to the fight or flight response – which is a natural reaction to perceived threats – but it’s also released in stressful situations that are less threatening.

Having the right balance of cortisol hormone is essential for optimal health, which is why testing your cortisol levels can be an important measure to know exactly where your body stands and what, if any, action you should take to better balance this important stress hormone.

There are some at home cortisol tests that allow you to measure your cortisol levels from the comfort of your home. When using an at-home cortisol test kit, it’s recommended to choose a cortisol blood sample via finger prick over a cortisol saliva test or urine test. Cortisol blood tests are the most accurate and provide a reliable measurement of your levels.

Dr Charlotte Armitage offers a simple finger prick at home cortisol blood test sample test to measure cortisol levels and results are provided in an easy-to-review report within 7 days. Our results will provide detailed guidance on your results to show if you have normal cortisol levels, and advice going forward.

The timing of the cortisol test is critically important because of the way cortisol levels vary throughout the day. In most cases, it’s recommended to do a cortisol blood test in the morning hours. Your morning cortisol level is the best indication of whether you have a normal cortisol level. Morning cortisol levels (around 30 minutes of waking up) are typically the highest point in the day, and then fall over the course of the day.

Physical exercise temporarily increases the levels of cortisol in your blood.

A blood test is an accurate measure of cortisol, and cortisol levels are related to stress levels. Blood cortisol levels reflect both protein-bound cortisol and free cortisol whereas a saliva or urine test only tests free cortisol levels. Cortisol in the blood is at its highest in the morning and lowest later in the day. Blood cortisol levels can also reflect more serious conditions and so it is always wise to consult your doctor if you are concerned about your cortisol levels.

There are certain strategies that are suggested to maintain healthy levels of cortisol:
– Regular low-moderate exercise.
– Get the right amount of sleep.
– Spending time in the great outdoors.
– Mindfulness and recognising stressful thinking.
– Breathing exercises.
– Eating a nutritious, balanced diet.
– Certain supplements (e.g., fish oils).