High cortisol is more than a hot topic on TikTok; it's something many of us are battling, often unknowingly. And while, as you'll see below, cortisol isn't always bad, too much of it for too long can push your body into burnout mode. That's why we've created a quick, easy guide on how to check cortisol levels with our at-home blood testing kit. But before we get into the steps, let's take a look at what cortisol is, and the signs your levels are high...
What is cortisol?
Also known as "the stress hormone" cortisol is pumped out by your adrenal glands to:
- help your body manage physical and emotional stress;
- control blood pressure and blood sugar;
- regulate your metabolism;
- reduce inflammation.
So, cortisol isn't bad as such – it's a stress response that's vital for survival. It helps you deal with challenges when they arrive, and keeps important systems running smoothly. However, when stress turns into chronic stress, your cortisol levels can remain elevated for long periods, which may have a negative impact on your body, both physically and mentally.
What are the signs of high cortisol?
When cortisol production is high, it doesn't just affect you emotionally. A rise in cortisol levels also impacts you physically, and in often surprising ways. These are just some of the symptoms to look out for:
1. Rapid weight gain
When cortisol spikes, so does your appetite, leading you to crave fatty and high-sugar snacks. You may find yourself seeking 'comfort foods' to curb feelings of stress – something we've all done during difficult times. High cortisol also affects the way fat is distributed around your body, which is why stress-induced changes are usually seen in the face, neck and mid-section.
2. Low energy and fatigue
Stress is exhausting. It keeps you in a 'wired but tired' state, where you struggle to switch your brain off, so you get less rest, feel more stressed, and end up in a cycle of fatigue. See? Exhausting. We all get tired from time to time, but if low energy levels are persistent – no matter if you sleep or not – this could be a sign that your cortisol levels have kicked you into adrenal burnout.
3. Menstrual cycle changes
In some cases, cortisol can even affect menstrual cycles, leading to irregular, delayed or sometimes absent periods. High levels of cortisol can also worsen PMS symptoms when your period arrives. As if feeling stressed and being on your period wasn't bad enough, severe cramps and mood swings are common when your adrenal glands are working overtime.
4. Skin and hair issues
Cortisol can break down the building blocks of your skin, collagen and elastin, while stimulating sebaceous glands to throw oil production out of sync. Meanwhile, high stress can also impact your hair follicles, prematurely pushing them into the resting phase (or telogen phase) to cause excess shedding. This is known as telogen effluvium.
5. Low libido
High cortisol levels affect your libido by disrupting the hormones that trigger sexual desire. Stress in itself can also have an impact, making you feel more distracted, tired and anxious, so you may have less interest in sex.
6. Weak immune system
It's no coincidence that flu season seems to hit harder when we're feeling stressed. While a short-term spike of cortisol can actually boost immunity, chronically high levels suppress your immune system, making you more vulnerable to viruses.
How can I check my cortisol levels at home?
If you're seeing the symptoms above, and you're wondering if high cortisol is at play, a simple at-home blood test will give you the answers you've been looking for. The Stress Cortisol Test gets a clear reading of your cortisol levels at the click of a button. Simply follow these steps to complete your cortisol blood test at home:
- Order your cortisol blood testing kit with free next-day delivery. Take out the contents and follow the instructions inside.
- Our quick, easy, painless (yes, really!) device collects your blood sample, so it's ready for testing. Place it in the prepaid packaging, then put it in the post box that same day.
- Your blood sample will arrive at our UK laboratory, where it will be analysed by our team of clinicians.
- Once your results are ready (usually within 3-5 days), you will receive an email with a secure link to view them.
- Your cortisol level will be displayed, with a clear indication of whether it is high or within normal range.
The Stress Cortisol Test isn't the only way to measure your levels. If it's fatigue that's prompting you to investigate further, the Low Energy & Fatigue Blood Test will help you understand what's behind that sluggish feeling.
It doesn't just look at cortisol; it also monitors thyroid function, hormone levels, iron, ferritin, B12 and more, to understand why, no matter how much rest you get, your energy levels remain low.
What do I do if my cortisol levels are high?
Try not to stress, of course...
Just kidding. If only it were that simple, but nobody has ever stopped feeling anxious because someone said, "just don't worry about it".
But what a cortisol test can do, first of all, is help you understand why you feel the way you do. If you've been seeing any of the symptoms above, your results will help you understand if it's cortisol or an underlying issue that could be contributing to how you're feeling.
Then, if your cortisol levels are high, you can take steps to support your body through difficult periods. These are just some of the lifestyle changes that may bring your cortisol back within a normal range...
1. Prioritise sleep
Aim for 7-9 hours of good quality sleep per night. If you find this tricky during stressful periods (don't we all?), help your brain switch off with a nightly wind-down routine. Follow these steps:
Avoid blue light for at least one hour before bedtime. That means no phones or Netflix binges. Instead, read a book or listen to an audiobook to help yourself relax.
Take a sleep-supporting supplement, like Sleep Wellness Powder or Sleep Gummies. They've been thoughtfully blended with vitamins and minerals that regulate psychological function – perfect for calming busy minds.
Tidy your bedroom. A clear space is a peaceful space, so pick up that lingering 'floordrobe' and create a more relaxing atmosphere.
Choose a regular bedtime. Our bodies like routine, so set consistent rising and waking times. At first, you might not fall asleep right away, but gradually your mind and body will find their new rhythm.
2. Manage stress proactively
This isn't a 'just try not to stress' tip. We promise. But it is a little nudge towards proactively reducing stress with techniques such as breath work, mindfulness, journalling or gentle yoga. Not everyone believes in these kinds of methods, but they can calm your nervous system and, in turn, have a noticeable effect on your mood. So, even if you're sceptical, our take is this: what do you lose by trying? If the answer is 'nothing', give at least one method a go.
3. Balance your blood sugar
Energy crashes can put extra stress on your nervous system, so try to follow a balanced diet that’s rich in protein, fibre and healthy fats. Aim to eat regularly, with three good meals and snacks in between. This minimises blood sugar spikes and supports more stable energy levels throughout the day.
4. Exercise wisely
Too much high-intensity exercise can shoot cortisol levels higher, so you may want to go easy on the spin classes for a little while. Instead, embrace moderate movement. Walking, jogging, swimming and strength training can all lower stress. For extra calming points, choose a workout that gets you outside in nature, so you can soak up some sunlight and breathe in the fresh air.
5. Seek medical advice
If it feels like your cortisol levels are still high after making the changes above, we recommend seeking advice from your GP. They may explore underlying causes of high cortisol, such as Cushing's syndrome, a hormonal condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol.
