Long-term stress keeps your stress hormone cortisol high, and a chronically high cortisol can put your testosterone under pressure. They're effectively opponents: if the stress side stays on for long, the recovery side suffers. A blood test shows a snapshot of both.
This explains why men in a busy period are sometimes both tired and flat. The body is simply in the wrong gear.
How does stress lower your testosterone?
Under stress your body makes more cortisol to stay alert. If that lasts long, it can dampen the signalling of your testosterone production. The effect is usually reversible as stress eases, but while it lasts you can notice it in energy, mood and drive.
What does a cortisol reading say?
Cortisol has a daily rhythm: high in the morning, low in the evening. So the timing of the test matters. One reading is a snapshot; your doctor looks at the pattern and your symptoms, not at a single number.
Unsure whether it's stress or a hormonal cause? See burnout or low testosterone.
What can you do with it?
Discuss persistent complaints with your GP. Often it helps to tackle the stress and sleep side first. See also poor sleep and your testosterone and the pillar male hormonal health.
Getting started
The Men's Hormones panel brings your testosterone and cortisol together, so you see the balance.
References
- Leproult R, Van Cauter E. Effect of 1 week of sleep restriction on testosterone levels in young healthy men. JAMA. 2011;305(21):2173-2174. PMID: 21632481.
- Harman SM, et al. Longitudinal effects of aging on serum total and free testosterone levels. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86(2):724-731. PMID: 11158037.
- NHG-Standaard Strain and burnout (biology). Dutch College of General Practitioners.
Disclaimer
Caliberhealth works with BIG-registered doctors who assess your blood results. This article gives general information and is not a substitute for medical advice from a GP or specialist. A blood test is a tool, not a diagnosis in itself. For serious symptoms, contact your GP, or in an emergency call 112.
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