Feeling tired or stressed? It could be due to low or high cortisol levels.
The cortisol test is for those who want to investigate the level of the stress hormone cortisol in their body. By measuring cortisol, one can get a measure of the body's response to stress and adrenal function. Low levels may indicate adrenal fatigue or Addison's disease, while high levels are associated with stress and may increase the risk of, among other things, cardiovascular disease. This test contains two separate sample collections. The first sample should be taken when you wake up in the morning and the second at around 6:00 PM in the evening.
This test is not available in this region at the moment.
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Cortisol is a vital hormone that is released during stress and is often referred to as the "stress hormone." The production of cortisol takes place in the adrenal cortex, which is in turn controlled by signals from the brain. Cortisol has a variety of functions, including regulating the metabolism of sugar, fat, and protein in the body. Cortisol also affects functions in the heart, blood vessels, skeletal muscles, central nervous system, and many other tissues. Cortisol is essential in moderate amounts and helps the body perform better, both physically and mentally, in stress-related situations. Cortisol also inhibits inflammation in the body.
The cortisol test is a simple saliva test that you perform at home. The method is well-established and has been used in healthcare for a long time. Saliva is collected in test tubes at two different times during a 12-hour period, once in the morning and once in the evening. The samples are then sent to our laboratory for analysis, and you will receive your test results digitally within a few days of the lab receiving your test.
High cortisol levels can be caused by several factors but are most commonly associated with stress. The body can handle a surge in cortisol during a stressful period, but high levels of cortisol over a longer period of time can place a heavy burden on the body and can have serious consequences.
Low cortisol levels may indicate adrenal insufficiency, also known as "tired adrenals". When cortisol levels are too low, we may experience fatigue and lethargy. Prolonged low cortisol levels can result in chronic fatigue syndrome. Long-term treatment with cortisone preparations can also lead to a decreased or complete cessation of cortisol production by the adrenal glands.
If someone has a deficiency of cortisol, it can be due to an autoimmune disease called Addison's disease - a life-threatening condition if left untreated. The disease occurs when the body's immune system attacks the adrenal glands, where cortisol is produced. Symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, and weight loss. Addison's disease can be detected by measuring cortisol levels in the blood in the morning. A low value may indicate adrenal insufficiency.
How safe and reliable is the test?
It is just as safe and reliable as if you had it done within the healthcare system. This, of course, assumes that you follow the instructions and submit the test within the specified time.
Why might it be a good idea to test your cortisol level?
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays an important role in the body's stress response. Cortisol levels can be affected by many factors, including stress, sleep, diet, and exercise. Here are some reasons why you might want to test your cortisol:
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue: Prolonged stress can lead to adrenal fatigue, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, and decreased libido. Cortisol testing can be used to assess whether your adrenal glands are functioning properly and to help determine a possible diagnosis of adrenal fatigue.
Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome: Cushing's syndrome is a disease caused by too much cortisol in the body. Symptoms can include weight gain, muscle weakness, increased appetite, and high blood pressure. A cortisol test can help diagnose the condition and guide treatment.
Evaluate the effectiveness of cortisol treatment: Cortisol can also be used as a medication to treat diseases such as inflammatory diseases or adrenal insufficiency. A cortisol test can help assess whether the treatment is working properly.
Evaluate stress levels: Cortisol levels can be affected by stress levels. A cortisol test can help evaluate your stress levels and help you identify if you need to make lifestyle changes to manage your stress. It is always important to discuss cortisol testing with your doctor to get advice on what is best for your specific situation.
So I just spit into a test tube and then you can analyze it?
Well, you'll have to insert a small cotton swab into your mouth. It looks like a pacifier, but it quickly absorbs your saliva. After a few minutes, it will be filled with saliva. You then push the saliva into a specially designed test tube. You screw the airtight cap on and then you just need to put the test tube in the return envelope provided and we'll take care of the rest.
When will I get the results?
You'll get the results within a few days, usually within 5 working days, but we guarantee within 8 days.
Am I completely anonymous? Will my doctor have access to my test results?
No, no one but you can see your test results. Not even we can see them. In theory, our lab can see your test results, but they won't see your name. In other words, you are completely anonymous.
Where is this test produced?
Everything is produced and quality-assured within the EU. Even the analysis is done within the EU. This means that your test result is handled by highly trained personnel with solid expertise.
All hormones in the body are linked to different bodily functions and tasks. When one hormone becomes imbalanced it affects other hormones and bodily functions. Both low and high cortisol levels are associated with stress. Short-term stress leads to the adrenal glands releasing more cortisol. Long-term stress means that the body is constantly circulating a lot of cortisol, stretching the adrenal glands' function. Eventually they can no longer release the amount of cortisol required. Long-term and high stress can therefore lead to adrenal exhaustion, which means that the cortisol level in the body drops drastically. By examining the body's cortisol level, we can investigate if we have any deviation and thus prevent future complications and diseases.
High secretion of cortisol can be harmful and in the long term cause conditions such as abdominal obesity, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, depression, and a weakened immune system.
Low cortisol secretion negatively affects the body in several ways and can be life-threatening in some cases. Low cortisol levels cause the body's blood pressure to decrease, which in turn can lead to dizziness and other symptoms. Additionally, metabolism and the immune system are weakened. Low cortisol levels can be caused by Addison's disease, which is a life-threatening condition if left untreated.
Feeling tired or stressed? It could be due to low or high cortisol levels.
The cortisol test is for those who want to investigate the level of the stress hormone cortisol in their body. By measuring cortisol, one can get a measure of the body's response to stress and adrenal function. Low levels may indicate adrenal fatigue or Addison's disease, while high levels are associated with stress and may increase the risk of, among other things, cardiovascular disease. This test contains two separate sample collections. The first sample should be taken when you wake up in the morning and the second at around 6:00 PM in the evening.
This test is not available in this region at the moment.
In order for you to feel safe with our products, our entire catalog has been inspected and quality tested by our doctor, Fredrik Lönnqvist, and our nurse, Therese Hultberg.
Fredrik is a specialist of internal medicine and endocrinology and received his degree at the Karolinska Institute, where he is still attached as a researcher/associate professor.
Therese is our registered nurse who can answer your health-related questions and provide useful information about how our tests work.
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