Cortisol
This test measures your stress hormone levels to assess adrenal function. Ideal if you’re dealing with fatigue, sleep issues, anxiety, or unexplained weight changes. Understanding your cortisol pattern helps guide lifestyle and health improvements.
- Description
- Why This Test?
- Associated Conditions
- Uses of This Test
The Cortisol blood test measures cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate the body’s response to stress. Cortisol also influences key functions such as metabolism, immune activity, and blood pressure regulation.
Cortisol imbalance can contribute to a wide range of symptoms and may be linked to adrenal or endocrine disorders. Testing provides a clear baseline and supports clinical decision-making where cortisol-related concerns are suspected, as well as monitoring in certain treatment pathways.
This test can be used as part of a wider hormone assessment or as a focused investigation where symptoms, medical history, or existing diagnoses suggest abnormal adrenal activity. Results are reviewed and presented clearly to support appropriate next steps.
Cortisol is essential for many day-to-day bodily functions, but levels that are consistently too high or too low may indicate underlying endocrine or adrenal disorders.
Abnormal cortisol levels may be associated with conditions such as:
- Cushing’s syndrome (excess cortisol production)
- Addison’s disease (insufficient cortisol production)
- Adrenal insufficiency (underactive adrenal function)
Cortisol testing can also provide insight into how the body is responding to prolonged stress and may support monitoring where cortisol or adrenal function is a clinical concern.
Use in females
In women, cortisol testing may be used to support assessment of certain hormonal conditions and can form part of a broader investigation where symptoms overlap with endocrine imbalance. It may also be monitored during pregnancy where clinically appropriate.
Cortisol levels can vary, and factors such as the menstrual cycle and certain medications (including oral contraceptives) may influence results, so interpretation should consider clinical context.
Use in males
In men, cortisol testing can support investigation of adrenal or hormonal concerns and may be used in monitoring where endocrine balance is being assessed. It can also be relevant when tracking hormone-related treatment pathways where cortisol may influence overall wellbeing or symptom response.
Cushing’s Syndrome
A condition where cortisol is persistently elevated, potentially leading to weight gain, blood pressure changes, glucose disruption, and other systemic effects.
Addison’s Disease
A condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, which can contribute to fatigue, low blood pressure, and other symptoms.
- Investigate suspected adrenal dysfunction
- Explore stress-related hormonal imbalance
What We Test
Biomarkers analysed by accredited UK laboratories
Biomarker Tested
Hormone Marker
- Cortisol
In-Clinic Blood Testing At Longridge, Preston
If you’d rather leave everything to a qualified professional, our in-clinic blood testing service is the most comfortable and hands-off experience. Once you complete your order, we’ll contact you to arrange a convenient appointment time.
Your sample will be taken by a trained phlebotomist, making the process quick, smooth, and reassuring - especially if you’re nervous around blood or struggle with finger-prick tests.
We send off all samples the same day to the lab to be processed so results can be expected within 72 hours.
Why Use This Service:
Hands-off, professional experience
High-quality samples for complex tests
No risk of “not enough sample”
Support at every step
No posting or packaging required
Convinient appointment times
Taking Charge Of Your Own Health Has Never Been Easier
Worried about your wellbeing?
If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, or other issues, a comprehensive blood test may be the key to discovering potential underlying health problems.
Need to monitor a health condition?
Blood tests offer essential insights into various aspects of your health, from detecting deficiencies to evaluating immune functions.
Enhancing Performance and Fitness?
Whether you’re training for a sport or keeping track of your fitness progress, a blood test serves as an excellent foundation for your performance improvement journey.
All Our Tests Include:
No GP Referral
Order directly - no waiting for appointments
Fast Results
Detailed analysis within 72 hours
Doctor's Commentary
Expert interpretation of your results included
Secure & Confidential
Discreet service and consultations
Frequently Asked Questions
- Qualified Pharmacists
- Flexible Appointments
- Top Customer Service
How accurate are home finger-prick tests compared to clinic tests?
Our home finger-prick tests use the same accredited laboratories as our clinic tests. While clinic tests allow for more comprehensive panels, home tests are highly accurate for the parameters they measure.
Do I need a GP referral for a blood test?
No, you don’t need a GP referral. You can book directly with us for any blood test. We are a private clinic offering direct access to comprehensive blood testing.
How old do I have to be to have a blood test?
We will only draw blood from those aged 16 and above due to legal requirements.
How long does it take for the blood test results to come?
If you have used our clinic to complete a blood test, we send off all samples the same day to the lab to be processed. If you have used a home test kit, then once your sample has been sent off the lab will analyse your sample. Results are usually received within 72 hours.
How do I perform the home finger-prick test?
Your home blood test kit will contain easy-to-follow instructions on how to take your own finger blood sample. If you have any concerns or questions prior to using the kit, please contact our phlebotomists who will be happy to assist.
How do I prepare for a blood test?
There is no preparation required prior to taking any of the blood tests. Please simply remember to stay hydrated prior to your appointment. This is to help your veins dilate better to enable a quick and efficient blood sample to be taken and reduce the risks of feeling faint following your blood test.
Please inform the phlebotomist before your test if you are currently taking any blood thinning medication.
Should I fast before my blood test?
Fasting is not required for most blood tests. However, if your profile includes cholesterol tests and you’ve previously had high levels, consider fasting for 8 hours beforehand. While not essential, fasting can provide more accurate results.
Note: Fasting means abstaining from any food and drink, except for water.