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Stress can be attributed, in part, to cortisol, which is the stress hormone responsible for the fight-or-flight response.
One way to manage stress is to test your cortisol production levels through an at-home cortisol test. While you shouldn’t self-diagnose a medical or mental health condition, these types of tests may provide information you can discuss further with a doctor.
The at-home testing market is becoming more popular, and there are numerous options available. So, to ensure we chose the best at-home cortisol tests, we considered the following:
Cost: We selected at-home tests that span a range of budgets.
Ease of use: We included tests that are simple to use and provide clear instructions.
Privacy: We ensured that each brand valued data protection and used privacy measures such as discreet packaging.
Speed of results: We selected companies offering speedy test results that are easy to access online.
Medical support: Wherever possible, we’ve included companies that offer support when results are out of range, such as phone or telehealth consultation.
Reviews: Lastly, we read customer reviews to get a sense of user satisfaction and only included those with great feedback.
Cortisol is also known as the stress hormone. It plays a vital role in the body by maintaining blood pressure and blood sugar. It breaks down:
carbohydrates
lipids
proteins
Cortisol can even help fight infections.
Your adrenal glands — the two small glands that sit above your kidneys — make cortisol.
According to a 2018 study, high stress levels over long periods of time can result in high cortisol levels, which can negatively affect your health. If your cortisol levels are too high or too low, you may notice some symptoms and a decline in your health. You may also have a disorder in your adrenal glands, which can be serious if left untreated.
What does elevated cortisol feel like?
Symptoms that may indicate low or high cortisol levels can include severe fatigue, high blood pressure, low blood sugar, and more.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consider testing your cortisol levels.
An at-home cortisol test can also be an insightful way to understand how your body responds to stress.
You may want to take an at-home cortisol test depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing. If you have too much cortisol, you may experience symptoms of Cushing syndrome. If you have too little cortisol, you may experience symptoms of Addison disease.
At-home cortisol tests are used in the comfort of your space, at your convenience, to check if your cortisol production levels are too high or too low.
Too much or too little cortisol can be a sign of an adrenal gland disorder. These disorders include:
Addison disease: when your body doesn’t make enough cortisol
At-home cortisol tests can be a good way to check your cortisol levels and gain insight into what may be causing the symptoms you’re experiencing before visiting a doctor.
Cortisol levels vary throughout the day. They’re typically highest when you wake up in the morning, and they gradually decrease as the day goes on.
Because of this, most at-home cortisol tests require you to collect a sample first thing in the morning. Others may ask that you collect a sample at several points during the day.
A doctor may also instruct you to take the test at a certain point of the day, depending on if they think you’re making too much or too little cortisol.
The collection methods for at-home cortisol tests vary. Some require a blood sample, while others use saliva or urine. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when taking the test.
After sending back your sample, you can expect to get the results from an at-home cortisol test in anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
While home testing is a convenient method for checking your cortisol, it may be best to see a doctor first if you’re experiencing severe symptoms of possible low or high cortisol. These may include sudden, unexplained weight changes, darkened areas of your skin, or significant changes in mood.
You can talk with a doctor if you decide to take an at-home cortisol test and you receive abnormal results. They may order follow-up tests and determine an appropriate treatment plan. It’s also important to communicate any at-home test results with a doctor if you’re currently being treated for Cushing syndrome or Addison disease.
Finally, if you receive normal at-home cortisol results but still don’t feel right, you can make an appointment with a doctor to help determine what could be the underlying cause of your symptoms.
The results of your at-home cortisol test are processed in the same labs that a doctor’s office uses, so they should be generally accurate.
However, the accuracy can depend on the type of test and collection method. If you receive your results and are unsure if they’re accurate, most test services offer to review your results with you.
It’s also a good idea to talk with a doctor after taking the test if you need more insight or guidance on next steps.
When your cortisol is tested at a doctor’s office, it’s typically done using a blood sample. Most at-home cortisol tests are collected through a saliva sample, though a few may use urine or blood samples.
Getting tested at a doctor’s office or hospital is generally more accurate than a self-collected test. However, an at-home cortisol test is efficient. You can use one to gather insight before visiting a doctor.
Most at-home test services don’t work with insurance companies, and insurance generally doesn’t cover them. However, some services, such as Everlywell, accept HSA and FSA payments.
To find out whether your health insurance covers an at-home cortisol test, it’s best to reach out to them directly.
At-home cortisol testing generally comes with few risks. If the test uses a blood sample, there’s the possibility of bruising or bleeding.
These tests are generally very accurate, but there’s the chance that you may receive false-positive or false-negative results due to the sample collection process or shipping.
Remember, this type of testing is not a substitute for a visit with a primary care doctor.
Unless you have a diagnosis of Cushing syndrome or Addison disease, you don’t need to test your cortisol levels regularly.
A doctor will give you specific instructions on the type of test to take, what time to take it, and how regularly you need to get tested.
They may recommend testing twice in 1 day or multiple times over several days since cortisol levels vary.
Occasionally checking your cortisol levels can be helpful, especially if you’re experiencing stress.
At-home cortisol tests are a convenient and efficient way to monitor your stress and adjust accordingly. However, if you’re experiencing several symptoms, it’s best to talk with a doctor.
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