Cortisol Test

What is the Cortisol Test?

Cortisol is commonly referred to as the stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Prescription Doctor’s cortisol home kit test uses a blood sample to examine cortisol levels in the blood. This is possible because our bodies naturally react to stress by releasing cortisol into our bloodstream via the adrenal glands.

The Cortisol hormone is essential for:

• Stimulating glucose production in the Liver
• Managing stress and anxiety
• Breaking down fats and proteins (metabolism)

Why You Should Consider Taking The Cortisol Test at Home?

Cortisol, the hormone that helps manage stress, is impacted by things like physical strain, emotional stress, and even illness. It plays a big part in how your body functions day to day, influencing everything from your circulation and nervous system to digestion and immune health.

With an at-home cortisol test, you can easily check how your body is producing this vital hormone and ensure your adrenal and pituitary glands are working well. It’s simple, straightforward, and can give you important insights about how stress might be affecting you.

You should consider testing cortisol levels using our easy-to-use home kit testing if you:

• Want to get insights into your cortisol levels
• Are experiencing symptoms of high cortisol levels
• Have been experiencing symptoms of low cortisol levels
• Notice other underlying health conditions that could affect your cortisol levels
• Have been dealing with extreme anxiety and stress
• Noticed unexplained fluctuations in your weight
• Noticed a fatty hump between your shoulders
• Have high blood pressure
• Experience excessive hair growth on your face

Factors That Can Affect Your Cortisol Levels

In a healthy body, Cortisol levels follow a natural flow whereby the cortisol levels peak in the morning and then slowly decline as the day passes by, reaching their lowest level at night.

Your test results can be altered by many factors including:

• Medications: Certain medications can affect the cortisol levels in our bodies. These include steroids and birth control pills.
• Consistent Stress: If you are dealing with consistent emotional and physical stress, then your cortisol levels can be directly influenced. Try to avoid stressful situations.
• Toxic Exposure: According to research, heavy metals from oil spills may disrupt cortisol levels. It indicates how environmental stresses can overwhelm the body's stress response. Such stressors can disrupt the endocrine system.
• Obesity: Being significantly overweight can destabilize your cortisol levels and impact its production.
• Nutrients: Dietary choices can impact cortisol levels. Consuming pro-inflammatory omega-6s or restricting calories, protein, and nutrients can increase cortisol. On the other hand, increasing magnesium intake can help lower cortisol, while vitamin A in its bioavailable form regulates the HPA axis, promoting balance in stress response.
• Physical Activity: Intense exercise sessions can lead to a temporal increase in cortisol levels in your body.
• Thyroid Issues: Cortisol, the body's main stress hormone, can increase energy needs and affect thyroid function.

Symptoms of Inadequate Concentrations of Cortisol

Recognizing Symptoms of Excessive Cortisol:

• Enhanced blood sugar levels
• Swollen face
• Weak Muscles
• High blood pressure
• Obesity

Recognizing Symptoms of Decreased Cortisol:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weak Muscle
• Low blood pressure
• Lack of appetite

How to Prepare for a Cortisol Test At Home?

For at-home cortisol testing, taking the sample in the morning is recommended. Cortisol levels naturally peak early in the day. You won’t need to fast before taking the test, but be mindful of any medications that could affect the results. Also, try to avoid doing an exercise right before you take the test. Your test kit instructions will guide you.

List of Medications That Can Alter Your Cortisol Test Results

While considering taking the cortisol test or Serum cortisol test at home, you must take into account that certain medications can directly influence the cortisol levels in your body.

• Stimulants
• Antidepressants
• Anti-seizure medicines
• Androgens
• Vitamin D

Contents of Our Cortisol Home Testing Kit

Our Cortisol home test comes with everything you need to take the test. We respect your privacy and send at-home test kits in discrete and plain packaging. The contents of the test kit include:

• Instructions
• Blood Sample label
• Lancets
• Tube, and tube pouch
• Prepaid envelope for the sample to be sent to the laboratory
• Swabs
• Alcohol wipes
• Plasters

How Does The Cortisol Test Work?

To ensure that you take the cortisol test successfully and accurately, follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Test at Home

You should typically test around 8-9 am, as cortisol levels are usually highest in the morning. Using the contents of the kit, prick the tip of your finger to draw blood. Collect a few drops of the blood in the test tube. Using the label provided in the kit, label the test tube and put it in the pouch. Send the sample to the laboratory using your prepaid envelope.

Step 2: Wait For Your Results

Your results will be sent to you within 2-5 working days after our laboratory has analyzed the sample. The result will be encrypted. We will send it to your secure online account because we respect our customer’s privacy.

Step 3: Get Professional Support

Our team at Prescription Doctor consists of professional healthcare providers who offer support and help you understand the results. They will also provide you with suggestions to make changes in your lifestyle to improve your health if necessary.

Get Your Cortisol Test Kit!

Take control of your health with a cortisol test. This at-home kit can help your doctor assess adrenal function and monitor specific conditions. Stay proactive and order your at-home Cortisol test kit today to keep track of your well-being!