Cortisol (Stress Hormone) Blood Test
Cortisol
(Stress Hormone) Blood Test
A cortisol blood test measures the level of cortisol in your blood, which is a key hormone that helps your body respond to stress, regulate energy, control metabolism, and support overall wellbeing.
At The Pharmacy Bebington, your cortisol test is carried out in the pharmacy, with results sent to you by email within 15 minutes.
Price of the Cortisol Blood Test
The cortisol blood test is priced at £39.99 and includes in-pharmacy testing to measure stress hormone levels. This supports assessment of energy, metabolism, and how your body responds to physical and emotional stress.
Price £39.99
About the Cortisol Blood Test
The cortisol blood test checks how much cortisol is present in your bloodstream. Cortisol is often called the body’s main stress hormone and is essential for managing physical and emotional stress.
Imbalances in cortisol, be it too high or too low, can affect energy levels, mood, sleep, weight, and long-term health if left undetected.
What the Cortisol Blood Test Measures
This test measures cortisol levels in the blood.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to a signal from the pituitary gland called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Measuring cortisol levels helps assess how well the adrenal and pituitary glands are working and whether hormone levels are within a healthy range.
Cortisol plays a role in:
- Bone growth and repair.
- Blood pressure regulation
- Immune system and inflammation control.
- Metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
- Nervous system function, including mood and memory.
- Preparing the body for physical and emotional stress.
Why You Might Need The Cortisol Blood Test
You may benefit from a cortisol blood test if you experience symptoms linked to cortisol imbalance, including:
- Rapid or unexplained weight gain, especially around the abdomen, face, or upper back.
- Fat accumulation between the shoulders (often called a “buffalo hump”).
- Persistently high blood pressure.
- Raised blood sugar levels.
- Weak bones or increased fracture risk.
- Anxiety, irritability, or low mood.
- Irregular menstrual cycles.
- Ongoing nausea or vomiting.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Constant fatigue, even after rest.
- Early detection of cortisol irregularities can help identify stress-related hormone imbalances and support timely management.
Preparation Requirements for the Cortisol Blood Test
- Cortisol testing is usually carried out early in the morning, when cortisol levels are naturally highest. You may be asked to avoid vigorous exercise the day before the test to help ensure the most accurate results.
Turnaround Time for Results
Your blood sample is analysed in the pharmacy, and your results are sent to you by email within 15 minutes of completing the test.
Understanding Your Test Results
- Cortisol levels vary throughout the day and are interpreted based on the time the sample is taken. Results are measured in nanomoles per litre (nmol/L).
Time of Day
Normal Range (nmol/L)
Elevated Range (nmol/L)
High Range (nmol/L)
What This Means
Morning
171–536
537–700
More than 700
Cortisol is naturally highest in the morning. Elevated or high levels may indicate acute or long-term stress and hormone imbalance.
Afternoon
64–327
328–500
More than 500
Cortisol levels should decline through the day. Elevated results may suggest prolonged stress or disrupted hormone patterns.
Evening
Less than 100
101–150
More than 150
Cortisol should be lowest in the evening. Raised levels may indicate chronic stress or disrupted hormone rhythms.
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Time of Day
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Normal Range (nmol/L)
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Elevated Range (nmol/L)
|
High Range (nmol/L)
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What This Means
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Morning
|
171–536
|
537–700
|
More than 700
|
Cortisol is naturally highest in the morning. Elevated or high levels may indicate acute or long-term stress and hormone imbalance.
|
|
Afternoon
|
64–327
|
328–500
|
More than 500
|
Cortisol levels should decline through the day. Elevated results may suggest prolonged stress or disrupted hormone patterns.
|
|
Evening
|
Less than 100
|
101–150
|
More than 150
|
Cortisol should be lowest in the evening. Raised levels may indicate chronic stress or disrupted hormone rhythms.
|
Cortisol Testing at The Pharmacy Bebington
Cortisol blood testing is available at The Pharmacy Bebington, serving patients from Bebington, New Ferry, Birkenhead, Bromborough, Wallasey, and Heswall.
All tests are carried out in the pharmacy, with fast results and clear explanations to help you understand your stress hormone levels and take informed next steps.
All tests are carried out in the pharmacy, with fast results and clear explanations to help you understand your stress hormone levels and take informed next steps.