Cortisol Test: What It Measures and Why You Should Care
Ever felt run down or stressed out and wondered what your body’s hormone levels look like? The cortisol test is a quick way to check your cortisol, often called the “stress hormone.” It’s useful because cortisol controls how your body handles stress, inflammation, and energy. If it’s off balance, it could cause symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings.
The test usually checks cortisol levels from blood, urine, or saliva samples. Each method has its perks: blood tests give a snapshot, urine tests show about 24 hours of hormone levels, and saliva tests help see how cortisol changes throughout the day.
Why Take a Cortisol Test?
Doctors order a cortisol test when they suspect conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, or adrenal gland problems. If you’ve been feeling unusually tired, losing weight, dealing with high blood pressure, or experiencing unexplained anxiety, this test helps pin down if your adrenal glands are working right.
The results can also explain why your stress response feels off. Too much cortisol over time can harm your body, while too little might leave you feeling exhausted. Getting tested means you can get the right treatment sooner rather than later.
What Happens After the Test?
Results usually come back within a few days. Normal cortisol levels vary depending on when the test was taken, as your hormone peaks in the morning and dips at night. Your doctor will look for levels that are too high or too low and use that info with your symptoms to find the right next steps.
If your test shows a problem, your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes, medications, or further tests to nail down the cause. You’ll want to be honest about your stress, diet, and sleep habits since these affect cortisol too.
Getting a cortisol test doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s a straightforward way to check how your body handles stress and helps guide your health decisions. If you think your hormones might be out of whack, talk to your doctor about whether a cortisol test is right for you.