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.
Blood Tests, General Health, Sports & Fitness- Description
- Associated Conditions
- Uses of This Test
- Why 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.
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
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.
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
Laboratory Commentary
Expert interpretation of your results included
Secure & Confidential
Discreet service and consultations
Frequently Asked Questions
- Qualified Pharmacists
- Flexible Appointments
- Top Customer Service
How much do private blood tests cost in Preston?
Prices start at £39 for a single-marker test such as our Cholesterol/Lipid Profile and rise to £349 for the Allergy Complete 295-allergen panel. Most comprehensive health panels cost between £100 and £180. The price covers the laboratory analysis and your results report, and our pharmacists will talk you through anything that needs explaining at no extra charge.
What is the difference between a home finger-prick test and a clinic appointment?
Both use exactly the same accredited UK laboratories. A home kit suits busy schedules and simpler tests, while a clinic appointment with our phlebotomist is better for comprehensive panels, larger samples, or anyone who would rather not take their own sample. If you are not sure which to choose, call us and we will point you to the right option.
Where is the clinic?
You will find us at 54 Berry Lane, Longridge, Preston PR3 3JP, with free parking on site. We see patients from Longridge, Preston, the Ribble Valley and across Lancashire.
Are weekend appointments available?
Yes. We are open 10am to 6pm on Saturdays, with blood test appointments available by arrangement, so you can fit your test around work and family.
Are same-day appointments available?
Often, yes. If you need a blood test today, call us on 01772 439054 and we will do our best to fit you in the same day.
What if my results need explaining?
Your results are reported against the laboratory’s reference ranges, so you can see which values sit outside the expected range. Where the laboratory provides written commentary it is included with your report. If anything is unclear or needs a follow-up, our pharmacists are happy to talk you through it.
What if I’m on the pill, coil or HRT?
Just tell us at booking. Hormonal contraception and HRT affect some results, so we note it on your order and take it into account when we talk your results through with you.
What can an AMH test tell me?
AMH is the single best blood marker of your ovarian reserve, a useful indicator if you’re planning for a family, considering egg freezing, or simply want to understand your fertility. It can be tested on any day of your cycle.
When in my cycle should I take a hormone test?
It depends on the test. AMH can be done on any day. Baseline hormones (FSH, LH, oestradiol) are usually taken on days 2 to 5. Progesterone is taken around day 21 (about 7 days before your next period is due). We’ll guide you on timing when you book.
When is the best time to take a testosterone test?
Ideally in the morning (before 11am), when testosterone is at its natural peak. We’ll guide you on timing when you book.
What’s the best test if I think my testosterone is low?
Testosterone Plus, which measures total and free testosterone plus SHBG and the Free Androgen Index. Total testosterone alone misses many men whose symptoms come from low free testosterone, so getting the complete picture matters.
Do I need an allergy test or intolerance test?
If your reactions are fast (hives, swelling, wheezing), the 295-allergen IgE panel is the right starting point. If they’re slower and gut-based (bloating, cramps, fatigue), a targeted intolerance or coeliac profile may suit you better. Not sure? Call us and we’ll guide you.
What does the 295-allergen panel test for?
Foods, pollens, animals, dust mites, moulds, insect venoms, drugs and contact allergens (all from a single blood sample). The full allergen list can be found on the product page.
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.