Cortisol Screening ( Stress Hormone ) Test in Bishop's Stortford

The Cortisol test measures the level of cortisol in your blood, your body's primary stress hormone. Produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol regulates your metabolism, immune response, blood pressure and stress reaction. Levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning and falling by evening. Abnormally high or low cortisol can indicate adrenal, pituitary, or stress-related disorders.

Who Should Get Tested?

Over 63% of people in the UK report feeling stressed every week. While short-term stress is normal, chronic cortisol imbalances can cause significant health problems. You should consider a cortisol test if you experience rapid weight gain (especially around the abdomen and face), persistent fatigue, high blood pressure that does not respond to treatment, anxiety or depression, weak bones, or irregular periods. Cortisol testing can help diagnose conditions such as Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) and Addison's disease (cortisol deficiency).

Understanding Your Results

Factors such as pregnancy, oestrogen-containing medication, and physical or emotional stress can temporarily affect cortisol levels. Your clinic team will interpret your result in context and advise on any further investigation needed.