Cortisol is a hormone that plays a role in stress, energy, and metabolism, among other things. A morning measurement gives insight into your cortisol level, with personal explanation from our doctors.
Interpreted by BIG-registered doctors
Achtergrond
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is involved in the stress response, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure, and the immune system. Cortisol has a strong diurnal rhythm: the level is at its highest in the early morning and falls throughout the day.
For a reliable interpretation of a single cortisol measurement, an early morning sample is almost always taken, ideally between 7 and 9 o'clock. Production is controlled by ACTH from the pituitary gland. For specific questions about the pattern of cortisol throughout the day, cortisol curves (multiple measurement points) and salivary cortisol also exist, those measurements are not currently offered by us.
In het kort
Adrenal hormone
Produced in the adrenal glands
Strong diurnal rhythm
Highest level in the morning
Stress response
Plays a role in activation
Single cortisol
Standard morning measurement
Veelvoorkomende redenen om te meten
Hieronder enkele situaties waarin een meting van Cortisol inzicht kan bieden.
A test gives a snapshot of your cortisol level in the morning.
Unexplained changes in energy or the feeling of prolonged tension are sometimes associated with the stress response.
The cortisol diurnal rhythm is linked to the sleep-wake cycle. A morning measurement provides insight.
Athletes sometimes measure cortisol as part of overtraining monitoring and recovery evaluation.
Those who have previously had a test can repeat it to track the value over time.
Cortisol is often measured as part of a hormonal overview, alongside testosterone or thyroid hormones.
Wat betekent uw uitslag
Cortisol is measured in nanomoles per litre (nmol/L). Because cortisol has a strong diurnal rhythm, interpretation depends on the time of the blood draw, for the standard measurement, an early morning sample is almost always required.
A low morning cortisol can have various causes, including certain conditions of the adrenal glands or pituitary gland. For a notably low value, follow-up testing with your GP is indicated. Our doctor provides explanation and context for your result.
A morning cortisol within the reference range gives a reassuring picture for this moment. For specific questions about the cortisol pattern throughout the day, multiple measurements (a cortisol curve) or salivary cortisol can provide more information than a single blood measurement.
Elevated cortisol can be a temporary increase (acute stress, illness, intensive exercise) or a more sustained elevation. For persistently elevated values, our doctor provides explanation and context regarding next steps.
Hoe wij uw uitslag interpreteren
Our doctors interpret your cortisol against the time of the blood draw and the reference ranges of the laboratory. You receive a report in plain language, as a starting point for your own insight or a conversation with your healthcare provider.
Related tests
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine Cortisol with a theme package or related markers.
Veelgestelde vragen
Fasting is not required, but we recommend having your blood drawn in the morning between 7 and 9 o'clock, cortisol is at its highest then and most suitable for interpretation.
Cortisol has a pronounced diurnal rhythm. A measurement later in the day is difficult to interpret because the level has already fallen physiologically. A morning measurement provides the most reliable baseline.
For people with an atypical sleep-wake rhythm, interpreting a single cortisol measurement is more difficult. Please let us know so we can take this into account during interpretation.
Salivary cortisol can be collected at multiple points throughout the day and thereby gives a picture of the diurnal rhythm. It measures the free, biologically active fraction. We currently measure serum cortisol only.
Yes. In particular, corticosteroids (such as prednisolone) and hormonal contraceptives can influence the cortisol measurement. Please let us know of any medication you are taking.
A single measurement is sufficient for initial insight. For follow-up questions, repeat testing or a more extensive measurement (curve) can be considered.
You will receive a PDF report with your value and explanation. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP or taking no action, remains entirely your choice.
Yes, the report is written in medical language and contains all relevant laboratory information.
In the Health Guide
For €69 you receive your cortisol level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within 2 business days. No referral required.
Order Cortisol for €69 →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine Cortisol with other markers via Bloodworks Select. Blood draw costs are waived from €225.
Customer service
Available on weekdays from 9:00 – 17:00
