Doctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Cortisol
Cortisol is the primary stress hormone that influences energy, metabolism, and recovery. For men, chronic elevation may affect testosterone production and body composition.
Reference Ranges
Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
What It Measures
This test measures the concentration of cortisol in your blood, reflecting adrenal gland function and your body's current stress response. Morning samples provide the most clinically meaningful results.
Why It Matters
Elevated cortisol may suppress testosterone and promote abdominal fat storage. Monitoring helps men identify stress-related hormonal imbalances early. Consult your healthcare provider.
When to Test
Testing may be recommended when experiencing symptoms of chronic stress, fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or sleep disturbances. Morning blood draws provide the most reliable baseline measurement.
Symptoms
Low Levels
High Levels
Recommendations
Male
Low cortisol may indicate adrenal insufficiency. Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing fatigue, weakness, or low blood pressure.
High cortisol may indicate Cushing's syndrome, chronic stress, or depression. Consider stress management, sleep optimization, and endocrine evaluation.
Lifestyle Tips
Regular physical activity, consistent sleep schedules, and stress management techniques such as mindfulness or breathing exercises may help support healthy cortisol patterns. Reducing caffeine intake in the afternoon could also be beneficial.