Results in 2 working days
1 Biomarker
Check your cortisol levels at home with our easy finger-prick cortisol blood test. Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone, affecting energy, mood, sleep, and metabolism, with imbalances leading to fatigue, anxiety, and poor recovery. Our accredited labs provide accurate results, with a personalised health report offering expert insights on your stress response. Get actionable guidance on optimising cortisol levels through lifestyle and nutrition, helping you feel your best.
£41
What gets tested?
1 Biomarker
Blood sample collection options
WHEN TO TAKE THE TEST?
Your cortisol levels should be at their highest level first thing in the morning and gradually reduce throughout the day. So, the cortisol test is best taken before 10 am or, if you work shifts, or are a very early riser, within 3 hours of waking.
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Cortisol follows a circadian rhythm, peaking shortly after waking and declining throughout the day. Testing in the morning (typically between 6-9 AM) helps assess whether the adrenal glands are producing appropriate amounts of Cortisol. This peak is crucial for energy, metabolism, and managing your body’s stress response. Measuring at this time provides the best insight into adrenal function.
Our at-home cortisol blood test kit includes everything you need for a simple, hassle-free experience, including easy-to-follow instructions and a pre-paid return envelope.
Simply collect a small blood sample from your finger tip using the lancets and tubes in the kit, post your sample back and you’ll get your results within 2 days of your sample reaching the lab. You can view your results in the Forth app or by logging into your account.
With personalised insights and practical recommendations, you’ll gain a better understanding of your stress response, helping you take control of your well-being and feel your best.
Getting the insights you need to improve your health has never been easier.
It takes 5 minutes to collect a small sample of blood from your finger tip. Post it back to our labs using the Tracked-24 envelope included in your kit.
You will receive your Results within 2 working days in the Forth app, along with the optional doctors comment and detailed report.
The detailed report makes it easy to identify areas that need improving, make changes and track your progress.
"Everyone's life has got unbelievably busy, a cortisol blood test offers insights into stress levels. It also guides stress management, optimising overall health and well-being. It's a vital tool for proactively managing stress levels, and assessing your sleep and recovery."
Dr Thom Phillips
Clinical lead
Our team of specialist doctors, dieticians and biomedical scientists are here to help you be in the best of health.
This is what our customers ask us about the most. For more information, try our help centre.
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. It plays a key role in regulating metabolism, blood sugar, inflammation, and the body’s response to stress. Balanced levels help with energy, mood, and overall health, but too much or too little can cause issues.
How to lower cortisol?
You can naturally lower cortisol through stress management techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and quality sleep. A balanced diet, reducing caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining stable blood sugar levels also help. Identifying and addressing underlying causes, such as poor sleep or chronic stress, can make a big difference.
What causes high cortisol levels?
High cortisol can result from chronic stress, poor sleep, excessive caffeine, intense exercise, or underlying conditions like Cushing’s syndrome. Certain medications, including steroids, can also raise cortisol. Lifestyle adjustments and medical guidance can help restore balance.
What are normal cortisol levels?
The healthy range for cortisol is between 166-507 nmol/L.
We looked at over 4,750 blood test results from Forth customers in February 2025 and found the median cortisol level for men and women was 359 nmol/L and 364 nmol/L respectively.
Although both sexes have a median level within the healthy range, 21.7% of men and 27.3% of women had cortisol levels outside the healthy range, with the majority of these having high cortisol levels.
What is a dangerously low cortisol level?
A cortisol level below 166 nmol/L is consider low. Only 6% of Forth customers had a low level.
Extremely low cortisol can indicate adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough of this vital hormone. Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, low blood pressure, and salt cravings. If cortisol drops too low, it can be life-threatening, requiring urgent medical attention.
What is cortisol belly?
Cortisol belly refers to stubborn abdominal fat linked to high cortisol levels. Chronic stress can lead to increased fat storage around the midsection by affecting metabolism and insulin regulation. Managing stress, improving sleep, and balancing blood sugar can help reduce cortisol-related weight gain.
What are the symptoms of high cortisol?
Symptoms of high cortisol include fatigue, weight gain (especially around the belly), anxiety, poor sleep, high blood pressure, and frequent illness due to a weakened immune system. If left unchecked, prolonged high cortisol can contribute to long-term health issues.
Is your packaging discreet?
Yes, all our test kits are delivered in plain, unbranded packaging to protect your privacy. There is no mention of the test type or company name on the outside of the package.
Do you only offer fingerprick tests?
No, you can choose to have a healthcare professional collect your blood sample for you either at home or one of our many clinics around the UK. You can select your collection method when you add a test to your basket.
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